Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) are a prescriptive process (meeting CSA or O. Reg. 153/04 standards) used to understand the environmental condition of a property. An ESA can be used to make informed decisions about property transactions, identify certain baseline environmental features, meet regulatory requirements, and identify areas on a site requiring remediation. Generally, ESAs follow a phased approach.

Phase 1 ESAs require a non-intrusive investigation to understand the environmental legacy of a site. AEL’s team will complete historical and aerial photo reviews, mapping analyses, historical process audits, and detailed records searches as part of the Phase 1 ESA.

Phase 2 ESAs are an intrusive investigation to review areas of environmental concern identified in the Phase 1 ESA, and understand the size and scope of contamination. AEL’s on-site testing provides efficient initial screening for a variety of contaminants of concern, allowing the team to complete work in a shorter time frame and with more confidence.

Remedial Action or Risk Management Measures are the cleanup or remediation phase or may include other remedial/mitigation actions based on Phase 2 ESA findings. AEL provides a full range of industry-leading remediation approaches tailored to each unique site.

Records of Site Condition (RSC) are required when changing a property use to a more sensitive use, or sometimes by the municipality for redevelopment. An RSC demonstrates that the site meets applicable standards. It registers the site with the Ministry of the Environment, Parks and Conservation (MECP) and protects against future liability with respect to the site.