Environmental Assessment

An Environmental Site Assessment is required to determine the environmental condition of a property according to Ontario Regulation 153/04. Story Environmental Inc. provides services for both Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments ("ESA").

In general, a Phase I ESA involves a table-top assessment of the site and includes the following:

• A records review;
• A site visit;
• Interviews;
• An evaluation of the information gathered from the records review, site visit and interviews;
• Preparation of a written report; and
• Submission of the written report to client.

The purpose of the assessment is to develop a preliminary determination of the likelihood that one or more contaminants have affected any land or water on, in or under the Phase I property and determine the need for a Phase II ESA.

In general, a Phase II ESA involves an intrusive assessment of the site and includes the following:

• Planning of a site investigation;
• Site investigation;
• Review and evaluation of the information gathered through the site investigation;
• Phase II ESA report;
• Submission of the Phase II ESA report to the owner of the Phase II property.

The purpose of the assessment is to determine the location and concentration of contaminants and obtain the necessary information about environmental conditions in the land or water on, in or under the Phase II property to undertake a risk assessment (if necessary).  The Phase II ESA will determine if applicable site condition standards were met. An understanding of the geological and hydrogeological conditions at the property is necessary when conducting Phase II ESA.  It is also necessary to conduct one or more rounds of field sampling for all contaminants associated with any area(s) of potential environmental concern.

These assessments must be conducted by "Qualified Persons" who are defined as people who:

• Holds a license, limited license or temporary license under the Professional Engineers Act or;
• Holds a certificate of registration under the Professional Geoscientists Act, 2000 and is a practising member, temporary member or limited member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario.

Story Environmental Inc. has "Qualified Persons" on staff.

Story Environmental Inc. has also been involved in numerous Phase III activities which involves remediation and / or management of the contamination encountered during the Phase II ESA.