A site assessment is a process that professional engineers and geologists conduct to determine the potential for adverse impacts on existing and proposed development projects. The site assessment process includes the collection, analysis and reporting of data from the site, as well as the development of recommendations for mitigating any potential adverse impacts.

The purpose of an environmental site assessment is to identify and characterise environmental issues on a specific property or project area. This information can be used by project owners or developers to determine if additional environmental studies or risk management measures are needed before proceeding with a project.

What is an Environmental Site Assessment?

An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a comprehensive review of all relevant historical, physical, and chemical data related to a property or site. The purpose of an ESA is to identify any potential environmental risks associated with the site and provide recommendations on how these can be mitigated or remediated prior to any proposed development taking place on the property.

An ESA will typically include:

Site investigation- This could include soil sampling, geotechnical analysis, and groundwater sampling.

Water resources – Determining the potential for surface water contamination and whether there are any flood risks.

Ecological survey – This can provide information about rare species and habitats on the site so that they can be protected during construction work.

Air quality assessment – This can measure dust emissions from construction vehicles and machinery as well as diesel engines used by contractors working on site.

Types of Environmental Site Assessment

Phase 1 ESAs –

These assessments are conducted as part of due diligence for commercial real estate transactions. The purpose of the ESA is to determine whether there is any current contamination at (or near) a property that could affect the value or use of that property. If there is no current contamination, then there is no need for further investigation or remediation. If contamination is found, it can be addressed through various means including investigation, cleanup and monitoring/inspection activities.

Phase 2 ESAs –

Phase II ESAs are typically required when there is more concern about potential contamination at a site. A Phase II ESA provides much more detailed information about the nature and extent of contamination on a property than does a Phase I ESA. Because they require more time and effort, they are typically only conducted when there is reason to believe that contamination exists at a site; however, this type of assessment can also be conducted proactively to identify potential problems before they become an issue or problem.

Phase 3 ESAs –

Phase 3 ESAs are the next stage of the ESA. They are designed specifically for those who have been found fit for work but still need support to meet their assessed needs. The assessment criteria are more comprehensive than those in phase 2, but this does not mean that you will automatically be placed into this category. If your needs do not meet the criteria, you will remain in phase 2 or be moved into another area of DWP.

An EBA is conducted by an environmental consultant in Edmonton who will prepare a report that details their findings and recommendations. In addition, they will ensure all regulatory requirements are met and oversee the implementation of any necessary remediation work.

The following are five facts about environmental site assessments:

1. Environmental Site Assessments Are Performed In Order To Determine Whether An Area Is Safe For Human Habitation

2. Environmental Site Assessments Can Be Required By State And Federal Regulations

3. Environmental Site Assessments Are Often Used When Developing New Buildings And Other Structures In Areas That May Contain Pollutants Or Hazardous Materials

4. Environmental Site Assessments Can Be Conducted For Residential And Commercial Purposes

5. The Results Of An Environmental Site Assessment May Include Recommendations On How To Clean Up Contaminated Areas

Conclusion –

An ESA is a thorough investigation of the land, including the use of professional services such as geotechnical engineers, hydrogeologists and environmental consultants (depending on the level of risk). The results of an ESA are then presented in a report that details how contaminated the land is, how it became contaminated, what remediation works may be needed and what this would cost.