Environmental site assessment phase I

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is aimed primarily at identifying signs of actual or potential environmental contamination through an intensive study of current and past uses of the site or property. Phase I is performed in accordance to the general principles of CSA Z768-01 and includes the following steps:

• Gathering historical data
• Site visit
• Interviews with owners, tenants and employees
• Inspection of the site or property
• Writing a report

 Environmental site assessment phase II

Following the completion of a Phase I environmental site assessment, in the event that potential contamination indicators are present on the site (underground reservoirs, residual material storage areas, etc.), the carrying out of a Phase II site characterization study or environmental assessment confirms the presence or absence of contaminants. The characterization result makes it possible to:

• Determine the type of pollutant
• Analyze and interpret the data
• Target contaminated sectors
• Evaluate the extent of contamination
• Writing of the characterization report

 Environmental site assessment phase III

Following the analytical results of the samples taken during Phase II, a sampling pattern must be developed during Phase III to delineate the contamination. In a Phase III, soil sampling aims to establish a mesh of delimitation of the contamination on surface as well as in depth.

For environmental remediation works, a phase III is important to estimate the amount of soil to be decontaminated and therefore reduce the associated costs.