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