Phase I environmental site assessments (ESAs) must be performed by a Phase I Certified Environmental Site Assessor (CESA) who has obtained the credential through the Associated Environmental Site Assessors of Canada (AESAC). Phase I ESAs are conducted to determine the actual and potential for contamination of a property, and to determine environmental concerns or liabilities associated with the property’s past and/or current activities or conditions.

Redbrick Inspections provides Phase 1 ESAs across Canada, most often along with a building inspection, in compliance with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change‘s Regulation 153/04 and the CSA Group‘s publication Z768-01.

Most commercial real property transactions include a Phase I ESA  as a lending financial institution or purchaser’s due diligence requirement. Where a potential for contamination is identified, a Phase II ESA will be recommended, which will involve sampling, laboratory testing and/or intrusive investigation. In some cases, a Phase II ESA will warrant a Phase III ESA, which will involve site remediation. Redbrick Inspections can assist clients with Phase II and III ESAs through our professional network.

The report cover the following items:

  • Local history
  • Adjacent land uses
  • Air emissions
  • Liquid discharges/water use
  • Site operation/chemical and fuel use
  • Above ground and underground storage tanks (AST and UST)
  • Spills, leaks, spill containment and contingency planning
  • Waste management
  • Asbestos
  • PCBs
  • Lead
  • Radon
  • Ozone depleting substances (ODS)
  • Urea formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI)
  • Contact with regulatory agencies