Phase I & Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
in Calgary, Edmonton, British Columbia, and Saskatoon
Site assessments identify existing and potential site contamination through the evaluation and reporting of existing information collected through a records review, site inspection, and interview. The varying degrees of this assessment are determined in two phases.
WITH OFFICES IN EDMONTON, CALGARY, AND SASKATOON, WE ARE HERE TO PROVIDE EXPERT ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS.
Leveraging our staff’s extensive experience, we can conduct risk management assessments to help evaluate and predict the severity of existing or potential future impacts on site. Every assessment involves identifying every contaminate on site, its location, and the extent of the contamination.
We will also provide an estimate of the size and likelihood of the potential risks and hazards, and an evaluation of the effectiveness of measures proposed to manage the contamination. Contact us today for a detailed quote.
Phase I ESAs identify any potential liabilities and may be a basis for further investigation and is the base step for remediation (Canadian Standards Association Z768, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment).
Phase II ESAs involve a more thorough investigation following CSA Z769 standard (or other applicable provincial standards).
Our team will collect samples of soil and/or groundwater to analyze for various contaminants, the most frequent being petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents.
Physical & Contaminant Hydrology/Hydrogeology
Using science-based techniques our team of hydrogeologists, geotechnical, civil, and environmental engineers will analyze the occurrence, distribution, and movement of contaminants in water both on and below the earth’s surface.
- Identification and prediction of subsequent impact from contaminant(s)
- Analysis and modeling of contaminant fate and transport through the zones
- Utilizing advanced numerical and analytical computer models for plume delineation
- Transport and plume delineation for Non-Aqueous Liquids (LNAPLS and DNAPLS)
- Water quality monitoring and contaminant source zone delineation
- Analysis of seepage through dams and other embankment structures utilizing advanced numerical models (Sigma/Slope/ and Seep/W)
Site Remediation and Reclamation
Using in situ remedial technology to reduce the concentration of contaminants in vadose (unsaturated) soil zones, groundwater, and soil mass by using varying methods (depending on the saturation and contaminants).
Applying a vacuum to the vadose (unsaturated) soil zone impacted by the contaminates. This technology allows for the control of airflow to remove the volatile compounds from the soil, it will often promote in-situ biological degradation of less-volatile compounds or residuals.
Using vertical or horizontal wells above the water table, a vacuum can be applied to the well to pull the vapours out of the ground. Location-dependent, the exhaust air may require treatment to eliminate harm to the public or the environment. This method could potentially take years, based on varying factors.
Used to reduce the concentration of contaminants in groundwater. Using 3 separate processes in an air sparge system:
- Phase transfer from dissolved to vapour phase (occurring in the saturated zone)
- Phase transfer from absorbed to vapour phase (occurring in the capillary fringe and unsaturated zone)
- Aerobic biodegradation of the containment in both areas
Reduces the concentration in the groundwater and soil mass. The vacuum extraction well is implemented in the zone of the contaminated soils and groundwater. Removal occurs from above, below, and throughout the groundwater As the contaminated material is removed, the water table drops, exposing the contaminated soil in the unsaturated zone.
Once the liquid and vapour phase contaminants are drawn, the phases can be separated and treated accordingly.
The istarTM technology is our patent-pending delivery system for injecting various inoculants into the soil and groundwater. This treatment is a great alternative for areas that are inaccessible, complex, and/or expensive containment problems. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment program, or to augment other programs.
It is a self-contained, trailer-mounted, mobile unit consisting of pumps, compressors, and stainless-steel injection lances.
Designed to physically remove the contaminant source and materials from the subsurface. Using equipment such as a backhoe; the contaminant is removed from the ground and treated off-site so it may be used as fill elsewhere, or disposed of at a landfill which can handle the contaminant in question.
This method is considered a basic remediation tool, but Nichols has shown that excavation of contaminated material is an efficient and cost-effective option for the clean-up of contaminated sites.
Is an in situ or ex situ remedial technology in which enhancements to the natural processes of the environment speed up the degradation of contaminants. These processes convert or destroy harmful chemicals into harmless ones – such as water and carbon dioxide. Natural microbes are often able to degrade certain contaminants through digestive processes.
To do this efficiently; proper conditions in the subsurface are required; but where natural conditions are not ideal, enhancements can be done. We utilize our istarTM to help aid the injection of the inoculants, in order to aid the process and achieve a favorable outcome.
Another cost-effective and simple method for the remediation of VOC-impacted soils. Tilling and aerating the impacted soils, the contaminants are evaporated out of the soil mass until they are below the applicable guidelines.
Petroleum Storage Tank (PST) Removal
Using science-based techniques our team of hydrogeologists, geotechnical, civil, and environmental engineers will analyze the occurrence, distribution, and movement of contaminants in water both on and below the earth’s surface.
Phase I and Phase II ESAs
Correspondence with the proper regulatory agencies
Budgeting and tendering of UST and AST removal projects
The supervision and retaining of contractors for the work
Confirmatory and closure (soil and groundwater) sampling
Ongoing soil and groundwater monitoring
Environmental and human health risk assessments
Design, monitoring, and closure sampling of soil landfarming sites
UAV/Drone Deployment
Nichols uses drones to enhance project delivery for our clients, including those in the agricultural, mining, and environmental and civil engineering sectors. Data acquired using drones (UAVs) can aid in a multitude of different environmental monitoring and assessment projects, including:
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Large property environmental site assessments (ESAs)
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Stormwater management
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Remediation monitoring
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Spill assessments and receptor identification
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Monitoring earthwork progress
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Updated aerial photographs of facilities
UAVs can reach difficult and sensitive terrains in a non-invasive manner. Advantages of UAVs include:
Providing a more complete picture of your site, reducing the number of hours it would take if you were to only gather the intel on the ground
UAV photography is more economical for larger properties and remote areas
Providing real-time photography or video of a spill on a site
Allowing an environmental professional to access more of the site in a shorter time, with less hazard and/or potential exposure
We’ve adopted this technology to add value to our projects and clients. This service is always completed in addition to the on-site inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Phase I ESA is a preliminary, non-intrusive investigation to identify areas of potential environmental concern (APECs) to identify potential liabilities at a property based on thorough historical reviews which include interviews, a site inspection, and regulatory reviews. The purpose of the Phase I ESA is to determine whether further intrusive investigation (i.e., soil and groundwater sampling) is necessary. The Phase I ESA process is governed by the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) Z768-01 standard.
A Phase II ESA is a sub-surface investigation which may include soil and groundwater sampling. Select samples will be analyzed for targeted contaminants to assess soil and groundwater conditions in proximity to on or off-site APECs previously identified for the Site (either through a Phase I ESA or previous environmental work) to determine the type and extent of contamination, if present. Similarly, the Phase II ESA process is governed by the same CSA standard.
The cost of a Phase I ESA depends on several factors, including the number of legal lots within the property, its location (since some municipal record searches cost more), and the historical land use of the site and surrounding area, with residential areas generally posing lower risk. The site’s history can also affect cost, as more complex sites require additional research. Additionally, if the assessment is needed in less than four weeks, a rush surcharge may apply.
Nichols standard Phase I ESA cost is $3,400 but we evaluate our price on a case-by-case basis and whether we have existing air photos, fire insurance maps, or experience with the area given our 26+ years of experience in the industry and providing Phase I ESAs for our customers in major city centres throughout AB, BC, and Sask.
Costing for a Phase II ESA is difficult to assess without having completed a Phase I ESA to determine what potential contaminants are present and to what extent. Factors to consider are; the location of the Site (mobilization costs will be higher). The type of soil present on the Site, (drilling time varies with different soil types), and the number of boreholes that will be drilled. As a general idea of the Phase II ESA cost, each borehole location typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000. A Phase II ESA for a moderate size site can range anywhere from two to eight boreholes depending on the number of APECs and subsurface conditions.
A Phase I ESA is generally required during property transactions to identify potential environmental risks or contamination. It’s often requested by lenders or regulators as part of due diligence, especially for commercial, industrial, or redevelopment sites.
If contamination is found during a Phase II ESA, the consultant documents it and may need to notify environmental authorities. More testing could be done to see how far it spreads, and a cleanup plan may be required. After cleanup, follow-up testing is completed to determine if the contaminants are below the regulatory limits.
They are not mandatory however many lenders require them to provide funding for property transactions.
Potential contaminants are primarily focused on petroleum hydrocarbon products such as diesel, gasoline, new/used engine oil, lubricating oils and antifreeze/coolants/glycol. Other contaminants that are typically high on the list of most concerning are solvents/volatiles, metals, polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and salts.
Yes, UAV or drone technology can improve the accuracy of site assessments by providing high-resolution aerial images which can identify areas of surficial potential environmental impacts. Drones can quickly and safely survey large or hard-to-reach areas, helping identify environmental issues more precisely while saving time and cost.
Request a Phase I ESA Quote
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is typically recommended, and occasionally required, during property transactions, financing or re-financing, or when entering into a lease contract.