Environmental Services
ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS (ESA)
Most commercial real estate transactions today require an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in order to complete the sale agreement. This is a requirement of all financial institutions prior to advancing mortgage funds to finance properties. Financial institutions need to be reassured that there are no environmental risks associated with subject properties. Purchasers need to be reassured that they are purchasing a property with no present or future environmental liabilities attached to it. Safetech Environmental Limited (SEL) performs CSA Standard Z768-01 Phase I Environmental Site Assessments.
Sequence of Assessment:
- Phase I ESA: Includes a historical and background review of all existing data, coupled with a physical site inspection.
- Phase II ESA: Concerns highlighted in the Phase I ESA are further investigated through sample collection and analysis of suspect materials or contamination.
- Phase III ESA: Acting on recommendations made in the Phase II ESA, remediation plans are drawn up to clean up and correct on site deficiencies to meet current government guidelines and regulations. Services include supervision and inspection of remediation project.
SEL‘s Phase I Environmental Site Assessments are in general accordance with CSA Standard Z768-01, Phase I Environmental Site Assessment.
Information gathered during a Phase I ESA provides guidance in determining a scope of work for any Phase II investigation. Phase II ESA’s are conducted in accordance with the general requirements of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z769-00, Phase II Environmental Site Assessment.
A Phase III ESA consists of remedial action to correct deficiencies identified in the Phase I and Phase II assessments. SEL will assist in creating a remediation program that is site-specific and that includes a risk assessment and engineering solutions to reduce hazards on site.
UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK (UST) EVALUATION
Waste management and UST regulations in Ontario have made it mandatory for underground storage tanks (UST’s) to be evaluated by building owners. This evaluation often results the removal or replacement of UST’s. Safetech Environmental Limited has technical experts to assist building owners with issues relevant to underground storage tanks.
The 2000 Technical Standards and Safety Act (TSSA) requires upgrades of USTs be phased-in from October 1, 2006 to October 1, 2009. These upgrades include significant factors such as leak detection equipment, corrosion protection of the UST’s and containment systems to control any unforeseen spills. All tanks that are over 25 years old must be upgraded by 2006 as a requirement of the regulation. In addition, underground storage tanks for heating oil must be removed if not in use for more than two years.
SEL‘s technical services include:
- Tank integrity testing
- Leak detection
- Subsurface soil investigation
- Analysis of soil and water samples for contamination
- Interpretation of regulations
- Design of remediation options and risk evaluation
- Full project management, site supervision, confirmation closure reports
Our experienced technical staff provide complete project management services for assessment and removal of UST’s.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AUDITS
Environmental compliance audits ensure compliance with Government regulations dealing with air, water and solid waste discharges. This process consists of a preliminary review of background information followed by identification of areas of concern.
A typical environmental compliance audit includes an investigation of the subject site, documentation of all processes and discharges, detailed sampling and analysis, review of discharge applications and permits, briefing of corporate management and/or regulatory officials, and the preparation of a summary report which includes findings and recommendations for remedial work
An environmental compliance audit provides a snap shot of the environmental status of the facility.
SITE REMEDIATION
Prior to the demolition or renovation of a facility or plant closure, all hazardous materials on site must be identified before any work begins.
The type and extent of hazardous materials including subsurface soils must be determined to ensure that all such materials are properly removed and disposed of during the decommissioning process.
In order to execute a proper site decommissioning plan, remediation specifications must be devised to ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations and guidelines relevant to the facility.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLANS & SYSTEMS
Safetech Environmental Limited provides planning and management expertise to the environmental sector.
We recognize that the input of environmental expertise during planning will often prevent costly and difficult problems at a later stage.
A commitment to the environment will only be successful with the development of an appropriate environmental policy, and the implementation of training and awareness programs.
Key planning and management services provided by Safetech Environmental Limited include:
- Development of corporate and site environmental management systems (EMS)
- Environmental management plans
- Assessment, review and auditing of environmental systems, procedures, performance and regulatory compliance
- Development of industry, company and site environmental management guidelines, procedures and codes of practice
- Best practice environmental management programs
- Environmental GIS development
- Environmental risk assessment and management
- Literature reviews, evaluations and assessments
- Environmental training workshops for managers, supervisors and operators
Hazardous Building Materials
Asbestos-Containing Materials
Mould Contaminated Building Materials
Lead Containing Building Materials
Environmental Services
Indoor Air Quality
Infection Control
Occupational Hygiene
Training