A Phase 2 ESA typically involves subsurface explorations of soil and/or groundwater below a suspected contaminated site.
Drilling can provide soil samples which are examined by our technical staff for evidence of contamination. Samples are collected for laboratory analyses to determine the concentration of contaminants.
Phase 2
Environmental Site Assessments
The purpose of a Phase 2 ESA is to confirm and delineate, or to demonstrate the absence of, contamination. A Phase 2 ESA generally involves intrusive testing procedures such as sampling and laboratory analysis.
Phase 2 Environmental Site assessments (ESA) is conducted as a more detailed investigation in situations where a Phase 1 study has determined that there is a significant risk of potential contamination.
Generally, a Phase 2 ESA is performed following completion of the Phase I investigation. However, it is not essential that a Phase I ESA be completed prior to conducting a Phase 2 ESA. In some instances, sufficient information exists regarding potential contamination to proceed directly to a Phase II ESA. In other cases, a Phase 2 ESA may be undertaken to establish a quantitative baseline for environmental conditions at a site. Typically, Phase 2 investigations are undertaken prior to clean-up activities if serious contamination problems are found.
Field sampling and analysis programs must be developed on a site-specific basis by the Assessor supervising the Phase 2 study. The sampling and analysis program may include elements such as:
a) soil drilling and/or test pitting
b) geophysical surveys
c) soil vapour probe installations
d) surface water sampling
e) groundwater sampling
f) sampling of local flora & fauna
A Phase 2 ESA may itself proceed in phases, depending on the outcome of each stage. Phase 2 ESA's may commence with screening surveys and coarse sample spacing. More detailed sampling is frequently necessary to delineate areas of contamination and to define parameters essential for rish assessments or remediation / clean-up programs.