An Introduction to O.Reg 153/04 featured image
An Introduction to O.Reg 153/04
What is O.Reg 153/04? Ontario Regulation 153/04 is the provincial standard for the assessment and cleanup of the environmentally impacted land. Under O. Reg. 153/04, land owners can achieve liability protection from future clean-up requirements through a Ministry of the Environment, Parks and Conservation (MECP) acknowledged Record of Site Condition (RSC). In short, following the…
What is Required in Each Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Phase? featured image
What is Required in Each Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Phase?
Let’s explore what is required in each phase of an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Activities Requires a non-intrusive historical review of the property, and surrounding properties. This includes documentation from government sources, records, aerial photos, interviews in which the owner must disclose all information about the site, and a…
Did You Know AEL Offers On-Site Testing Services? featured image
Did You Know AEL Offers On-Site Testing Services?
On-site laboratory testing is a practical and proven approach to directing site work and screening sample results during field activities. Using Triad strategies recommended by the US EPA, technologists process a high volume of soil samples, screening based on individual site characteristics, and provides quality screening data within minutes. On-Site testing of soil or groundwater…
Environmental Consultant Pre-Hire Checklist featured image
Environmental Consultant Pre-Hire Checklist
If you require an environmental site assessment (ESA), here are some helpful steps for selecting a Qualified Person (QP) who will help you bring your site into compliance.
Risk Assessment and Risk Management Measures featured image
Risk Assessment and Risk Management Measures
When a property does not meet generic environmental criteria, AEL can use risk assessment strategies to bring the property into regulatory compliance. Risk Assessment (RA) calculates the probability that a hazard (like environmental contamination of the soil) will cause harm to humans, plants, wildlife, or the surrounding environment under specific exposure conditions. This calculation made…
Environmental Site Assessment Basic Evaluation Checklist featured image
Environmental Site Assessment Basic Evaluation Checklist
If you have an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and would like to determine if it will meet your needs, ask yourself these questions as a starting point for evaluating. If you answer, “yes” to these questions, you may need to get a new or updated ESA. Record of Site Condition Age of the Report Outstanding…
Developing a Conceptual Site Model- Contaminant Pathways and Receptors featured image
Developing a Conceptual Site Model- Contaminant Pathways and Receptors
When developing a conceptual site model (CSM), the focus moves from the initial review of background information to the identification of potential contaminants of concern. Investigation into the site’s historical background should identify past site owners and operators, which would identify contaminants likely to be present at the site. For example, if past operations on…
Not Just “Dirt”: Why Does Clean Fill Matter? featured image
Not Just “Dirt”: Why Does Clean Fill Matter?
Soil Management involves the consideration of different soil standards that the MECP has outlined in O.Reg. 406/19, and which are determined by property use.
Remediation Approach: Removing Arsenic from Water Using Chemical Precipitation featured image
Remediation Approach: Removing Arsenic from Water Using Chemical Precipitation
The use of arsenic in agriculture and industry since the early 1900s has increased the concentration of arsenic in the environment. Arsenic can be found in soil, groundwater, and wastewater – often at concentrations that can be harmful if left untreated. Removing arsenic from water is critical. One specific way that arsenic impacts the environment…
Site Screening – Using On-Site Soil Testing To Reducing Uncertainty in Phase II ESAs featured image
Site Screening – Using On-Site Soil Testing To Reducing Uncertainty in Phase II ESAs
When completing a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), proper site characterization is essential to the investigation. It is important to gain a clear understanding of site conditions in order for the Qualified Person (QP) to give an accurate report at the conclusion of the ESA. On-site screening is one strategy that strengthens the investigation…