Phase 2 ESA
A Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is the first intrusive step in site characterization, where an environmental consultant visits a site to investigate Areas of Potential Environmental Concern (APECs) that were identified through a Phase 1 ESA.
Generally, a Phase 2 investigation consists of soil and groundwater sampling on a subject site. In Ontario, the requirements for Phase 2 investigation are guided by O. Reg. 153/04, which specifies the appropriate scope of work based on the APECs identified at the site. The source of a contaminant of concern (COC) for a given APEC along with its chemical properties are also used to inform the sampling and analysis plan (SAP) for that area.
The Phase 2 investigation requires an environmental consulting team to oversee drilling activities while logging soil stratigraphy and collecting subsurface soil samples. The consultant will also determine the areas to install monitoring wells for the collection of groundwater samples.
The accuracy, completeness and applicability of information gained from a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) depends on the assessor’s depth of understanding of the client and site goals when preparing the scope of work (SOW). A Qualified Person (QP) (i.e., P.Eng. or P.Geo.) must characterize the site appropriately to gain a clear understanding of site conditions before determining borehole locations/depths and monitoring well positions and after when interpreting site data obtained.
To supplement data obtained in a Phase 2 investigation, AEL employs on-site testing where samples are screened in near real-time with field instrumentation, including ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), and photoionization detectors (PID). Screening data provides AEL with a better understanding of site conditions and informs the sample selection process for laboratory analysis.
Laboratory results are interpreted by AEL’s senior engineers and environmental scientists based on the appropriate site standard. It is the task of the AEL team to determine which standards are relevant to our client’s property while considering their goals for a site.
Throughout a Phase 2 investigation, AEL uses strict quality assurance and quality control procedures (QA/QC) in all areas of site work, data analysis, and reporting, which include:
- Decontamination of sampling equipment or single-use samplers (e.g., geoprobe sample tubes) to reduce potential cross-contamination
- Unique sample barcode identifications to track samples through collection, analysis, and reporting, and to avoid data transposition errors and reference number duplication
- Ensuring appropriate sample collection, preservation, storage and hold times
- Providing appropriate field duplicates and blanks as per the regulation and/or applicable site investigation standards, including field blanks and duplicates
For an easy-to-understand guide on choosing an environmental engineering company for your site assessment project, check out our blog post Navigating Environmental Compliance: A Comprehensive Guide to O. Reg 153 and Site Assessments
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.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
English