SERVICE
Environmental Site Assessment – Phase II (ESA)
A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) confirms the presence or absence of suspected contamination following a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA).
To optimize the results, a characterization plan (sampling method, location surveying and chemical analysis) is established by considering all of the land characteristics (stratigraphy, access to the property, equipment weight and land stability, etc.), the potential contaminant and the study objectives.
The most common sampling methods are as follows:
- Shovel and trowel (manual survey)
- Hand auger
- Drilling
- Excavation
Several different sampling methods may be necessary to achieve the objectives of the study.
If the sample results are below applicable criteria, the process will be terminated. However, if the samples demonstrate contamination above the applicable criteria, a full assessment may be recommended. Nevertheless, a complementary environmental assessment must be performed if it is necessary to confirm the data, delineate the contamination zone or verify certain conditions in order to plan the subsequent phase of the environmental remediation process.
The Phase II Environmental Site Assessments that Terrapex Environnement Ltd performs are drafted in compliance with CSA standard Z769-00 (2023) and the Ministry of the Environment and Fight Against Climate Change Land Characterization Guide, and are signed off on by a professional as defined in Article 31.42, Section IV, Chapter IV, Title I of the Environmental Quality Act (EQA).
Example of scope of work for a phase 2
- Planning of sampling campaign
- Location of underground infrastructure
- Completion of field work:
- Soil sampling
- Groundwater sampling
- Surface water sampling
- Sediments sampling
- Material sampling
- Chemical analysis of samples for relevant parameters
- Interpretation of data
- Preparation of a comprehensive report documenting the findings, a presentation of the study conclusions, and recommendations to address any environmental impacts noted onsite.
Techniques and methods of investigation
- Soils
- Surface soil sampling (< 1 m) – Hand instruments
- Shallow soil sampling (2 à 5 m) – Test pits
- Deep soil sampling (> 7 m) – Drilling
- Groundwater
- Sampling of saturated zone
- Sampling of vadose zone
- Sampling of immiscible phases of contamination (heavy or floating)
- Classification of groundwater
- Determination of hydrogeological conditions
- Surface water
- Drainage ditches, streams (beaker)
- Rivers, lakes (specific equipment)
- Sediments
- Ditches and streams (split spoon, grab sample)
- Rivers, ponds, lakes (coring, grab sample)
- Decommissioning materials
- Bulk sampling
- Swab sampling
