A Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is the investigative step that follows a Phase 1 ESA when potential contamination has been identified. Unlike Phase 1, a Phase 2 involves physical sampling of soil, groundwater and sometimes soil vapour to determine whether contamination actually exists and at what concentrations.
When Is a Phase 2 Required?
- Phase 1 ESA identified areas of potential environmental concern (APECs)
- Known contamination exists and needs to be delineated
- Regulatory agency (BC Ministry of Environment) requires investigation
- Lender requires confirmation of site condition before financing
- Property transaction where buyer wants certainty about contamination
What Does a Phase 2 Involve?
A typical Phase 2 ESA in British Columbia includes:
- Drilling and test pit excavation - advancing boreholes or excavating test pits to collect soil samples
- Soil sampling - collecting samples at various depths, focused on APECs identified in Phase 1
- Groundwater monitoring well installation - if groundwater contamination is a concern
- Laboratory analysis - accredited lab testing for contaminants of concern
- Comparison to CSR standards - determining whether concentrations exceed regulatory limits
- Risk assessment - evaluating potential exposure pathways and receptors
Cost of a Phase 2 ESA in BC
Phase 2 ESA costs vary significantly based on scope:
- Limited investigation (3-5 boreholes, basic analysis): $8,000-$15,000
- Standard investigation (8-12 boreholes, groundwater wells): $15,000-$30,000
- Comprehensive investigation (20+ sample locations, multiple rounds): $30,000-$75,000+
The scope depends on site size, number of APECs, suspected contaminant types and regulatory requirements.
Timeline
A typical Phase 2 ESA takes 4-8 weeks from field work to final report. This includes:
- Planning and permitting: 1-2 weeks
- Field investigation: 2-5 days
- Laboratory analysis: 2-3 weeks
- Report preparation: 1-2 weeks
What Happens After Phase 2?
If contamination is confirmed above CSR standards, the options include:
- Remediation - excavation and disposal, in-situ treatment or monitored natural attenuation
- Risk-based closure - demonstrating that contamination does not pose unacceptable risk given the intended land use
- Certificate of Compliance - issued by the BC Ministry of Environment when the site meets applicable standards
Get a Phase 2 ESA Quote
North Van Environmental conducts Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments throughout British Columbia. Our team includes Professional Engineers, Professional Geoscientists and experienced field technicians.
Contact us to scope your investigation.