Environmental Assessments
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Phase I ESA
The purpose of a Phase I ESA is to identify actual and potential
site contamination. This involves the evaluation and reporting
of existing information collected through records review, site
visit and interviews. Phase I ESAs may assist in reducing uncertainty
about potential environmental liabilities and may be a basis for
further investigation of the property through an intrusive (Phase
II ESA) investigation (CSA Z768-01 - Phase I Environmental Site
Assessment).
Nichols Environmental
has conducted over 350 Phase I ESAs since 1997, with the senior
staff having involvement in over 900 assessments over the past
15 years.
Our extensive experience ranges from single undeveloped
sites to conducting due diligence audits for industrial, multi-site/multi-million
dollar corporate acquisitions.
Our Phase I environmental
site assessments for commercial and industrial clients are conducted
according to the CSA Z768-01 Standard. For Upstream Oil & Gas
clients, we ensure that all work complies to the Alberta
Environment 2001 ESA Guideline for Upstream Oil and Gas Sites,
and BC WLAP.
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Phase II ESA
Phase II ESAs characterize the type, distribution and extent
of contaminants in the environment. Soil and groundwater delineation
investigations typically take a phased approach as preliminary
data is used to plan subsequent investigation steps in order to
fully characterize the contaminant plume and calculate the associated
environmental liabilities.
Nichols Environmental has conducted over 350 Phase II ESAs since
our inception. The senior staff have experience on over 1000
Phase II assessments over their careers. This includes upstream
oil & gas (flare pits, batteries, gas plants), downstream
facilities, industrial complexes, chemical plants, metal plating
operations,
dry cleaning
facilities and other commercial developments.
One of our greatest strengths is our experience in moving from
characterization to remediation and providing accurate costs
to our clients. With our experience in remediating over 330
sites, we have accumulated an extensive geographical data base
of project
bids for common construction costs. From this data base we
are able to accurately estimate remediation costs and time frames.
Using our civil
engineering and survey experience, Nichols Environmental uses
high quality imaging hardware and software, Total Station
surveys and the latest AutoCAD and Eagle Point software to calculate
the extent and magnitude of contaminant plumes. By collecting
accurate site data of structures and buried facilities, Nichols
Environmental
is able to prepare a comprehensive remedial action plan.
Our extensive experience
encompasses the assessment and characterization of:
- soil,
- surface water,
- groundwater,
- air, and
- building materials such as asbestos and mold.
Site closure planning is conducted to achieve both the needs of
the client, and compliance with provincial and federal regulations.
Our Phase II investigations are completed using accepted field
and laboratory methods, and accredited analytical laboratories.
Risk Assessments
Risk assessment is a tool to evaluate and predict the severity of existing and potential future impacts from contaminants left on site. In order for there to be a risk, contaminants must be present, they must be present at concentrations that are toxic or which may cause adverse biological effects, and pathways must exist by which humans, animals or plants may be exposed to the contaminants.
In some instances it is not practical to remove contaminant impacts due to technological, physical or financial restraints. In this case, the property owner may elect then to us the risk based approach to leaving contaminants in place.
A risk assessment is specific and unique to the site for which it will be prepared. Every risk assessment will provide: documentation of the contaminants on site, their location and the extent of contamination occurring both on and off-site; an estimate of the size and likelihood of risks and hazards to human and non-human receptors both on and off-site; and an evaluation of the effectiveness of measures proposed to manage contamination in place.
Nichols Environmental has experience in site-specific risk assessments for organic and inorganic contaminants. Our multi-disciplinary staff are capable of assisting our clients through the regulatory maze associated with the risk assessment process.
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