Phase 1 ESA
The Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is an important first step in understanding the environmental history of a site and may be necessary as a condition of property sale/purchase, to secure bank financing, or to obtain a record of site condition (RSC) to allow for changes in site use.
The Phase 1 investigation consists of the following:
- A review of available historical information on the site and surrounding area, and other resources (e.g., online aerial photography) obtainable within the project delivery date
- The completion and analysis of a Site Owner’s Survey
- A Site Walkover supervised by Qualified Person (QP), including a walk through of any structures present on the property.
Based on the information provided through the Phase 1 investigation, there may be no need for further investigation of the site. If the Phase 1 ESA identified any area(s) of potential environmental concern (APEC) on the subject site, a recommendation may be made
to investigate these area(s) through a Phase 2 ESA.
Area(s) of Potential Environmental Concern (APEC) consist of any area on, in or under the site and surrounding area where one or more contaminants of potential concern may be present, as identified through an initial Phase 1 investigation. There are some key indicators that an APEC exists on a site:
- Current/past site use consisted of potentially contaminating activities (PCAs). There are fifty-nine (59) potentially contaminating activities listed under O. Reg. 153/04, the guiding legislation for ESAs in Ontario.
- Visual and/or olfactory evidence of a potentially contaminated area during the site walkover. Visual evidence typically consists of surficial stains present on the floor/ground of the site.
- Analysis of available environmental reports, chain of title documentation, fire insurance plans and historical aerial photographs provides information leading to an APEC on site
- The current and historical information available on area(s) surrounding the subject site (particularly areas up-gradient of the site) lead to an APEC along the site boundaries.
A Phase 1 ESA ranges in cost and timelines based on the size and location of the property, and the reason for undertaking environmental due-diligence on the site. For example, environmental-due diligence to allow for land-conversion of a site requires a more comprehensive report than a Phase One ESA to allow for financing/refinancing.
With more than 500 successfully completed Phase 1 ESAs, including many since the 2011 O. Reg. 153/04 amendments, AEL is a proven leader in environmental site assessments.
For information on pricing, check out our blog post, “How Much Does an ESA Cost?” or Get a Quote now.
For an easy-to-understand guide on choosing an environmental engineering company for your project, download: 9 Questions To Ask Your Environmental Consultant.
Our Process
Step One:
Request Report
We help you identify which reports you may need for your property. Once authorized AEL’s dedicated team of professionals will complete a high-quality, detailed report based on the applicable site standards you require.
Step Two:
Review Report
You are not alone! We take the time to review the reports and analyze our findings together. We answer any questions or concerns you may have and provide creative solutions for your needs.
Step Three:
Identify next steps
Together, we will identify next steps to meet your desired outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
When we are considering if a report is “out of date”, we use Ministry of the Environment, Parks and Conservation guidelines of 18 months. Your bank might use a different age as their guide – this is up to them and how much risk they are willing to take on in financing your property
It seems like a short time period (and we agree) – however, site conditions can change quickly. Things that will impact your site are changing every day – neighbours come and go. Environmental incidents happen. The regulations impacting your site are being revised. Hint: one major change in O.Reg. 153/04 happened in 2011 that significantly impacted environmental reporting – reports older than 2011 raise flags for us.
Why AEL Environment?
Save Time & Money
We ensure that our robust reporting and recommendations not only meet your needs, but help you make decisions efficiently and effectively.
Get Educated
With AEL not only do you receive detailed assessments and reports but we make sure you understand them as well. Learn more.
Excellent Client Services
Our dedicated team will answer any of your questions, big or small. We are committed to providing customized solutions. Contact us.
Expert Engineers
With over 30 years of experience our expert engineers will be able to address any concern or issue on your property. Meet the team.
We help you manage the unknown
Every property has a history, we can help you interpret it using our detailed reports.
AEL environment is focused on creating tailored solutions based on your end goals for each property. Tell us the service you need, and our team of expert engineers will inform you.
Together, we can ensure you understand your reports to make informed decisions.
We help you manage the unknown
Every property has a history, we can help you interpret it using our detailed reports.
AEL environment is focused on creating tailored solutions based on your end goals for each property. Tell us the service you need, and our team of expert engineers will inform you.
Together, we can ensure you understand your reports to make informed decisions.
English