Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
A records review, site visit and interviews that tell you whether a property may be contaminated, before you buy, finance or develop it.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in Ottawa and across Ontario
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is usually the first environmental step on any land deal. We review historical records, aerial photos, fire insurance plans and government databases. We visit the site, interview people who know it, and look at neighbouring properties that could affect it. You get a clear answer: either no further work is needed, or a Phase II is recommended, and why.
When you need it
- Buying land or a building, especially with a past commercial or industrial use
- Listing land, industrial or gas station properties, so buyers and lenders see a current report upfront
- Refinancing, or arranging CMHC-insured or conventional construction financing
- Rezoning or site plan applications where the municipality asks for environmental due diligence
- Filing a Record of Site Condition (a Phase One ESA to O. Reg. 153/04 is required)
What you receive
- Phase I ESA report to CSA Z768, or a Phase One ESA to O. Reg. 153/04 where an RSC is planned
- Areas of potential environmental concern, mapped and explained in plain language
- A clear recommendation on whether a Phase II is needed, with an estimated scope
- Reliance letters for your lender on request
Used at: Buying & Financing a Site
What this covers
- CSA Z768 Phase I ESA
- O. Reg. 153/04 Phase One ESA
- Lender and CMHC due diligence
- Historical records and database review
- Aerial photo and fire insurance plan review
- Site reconnaissance
- Update letters for existing reports
- Portfolio screening
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment questions
How long does a Phase I ESA take?
Most Phase I ESAs take two to four weeks, depending on how quickly municipal and government records come back. If you have a closing or financing deadline, tell us upfront so we can plan around it.
What is the difference between a CSA Phase I and an O. Reg. 153/04 Phase One?
A CSA Z768 Phase I is the standard used for purchases and financing. A Phase One ESA under O. Reg. 153/04 follows stricter provincial rules and is required if you need to file a Record of Site Condition, for example when changing a property to residential use. If an RSC might be in your future, we recommend doing the provincial version from the start.
Does a Phase I involve sampling?
No. A Phase I is a non-intrusive review. If it finds potential concerns, a Phase II ESA collects soil, groundwater or soil vapour samples to confirm whether contamination is actually present.
Other services
- Phase II Environmental Site Assessment
- Phase III Delineation & Remediation
- Record of Site Condition (RSC)
- Excess Soil Management
- Groundwater, Water Contamination & Dewatering
- Designated Substance & Hazardous Materials Surveys
- Abatement Specifications & Construction Monitoring
- Indoor Air Quality, Mould & Radon
- Drinking Water & Legionella
- Planning & Approval Studies
- Environmental Compliance & Permitting
Have a site or building to assess?
Send us the address and what you are trying to do: buy, finance, rezone, build or renovate. We’ll tell you what you need and send a clear scope and quote.