Environmental Site Assessment Process
Interactive guide from Phase I records review through remediation to regulatory closure
Where Am I in the Process?
Typical Timeline Overview
Records Review
Identify potential contamination through non-invasive investigation
- 1 Records review - historical land use, environmental databases, regulatory files
- 2 Site reconnaissance - visual inspection, photographic documentation
- 3 Interviews - current and past owners, occupants, local officials
- 4 Report - findings, RECs, CRECs, HRECs with conclusions
4-8 weeks typical turnaround
$3,000 - $15,000
Cost varies with property size, complexity and jurisdiction
Property purchase or sale
Refinancing or loan applications
Land use change or rezoning
Environmental due diligence
Regulatory compliance review
REC (Recognized Environmental Condition) - indicates likely contamination requiring further investigation. CREC (Controlled REC) - past contamination addressed with controls in place. HREC (Historical REC) - past contamination that has been fully remediated with no remaining concern.
Investigation
Confirm or deny contamination through sampling and analysis
- 1 Sampling plan design based on Phase I findings
- 2 Soil sampling - test pits, boreholes, hand augers
- 3 Groundwater sampling - monitoring well installation and sampling
- 4 Laboratory analysis of collected samples
- 5 Risk assessment and comparison to regulatory standards
- 6 Report with conclusions and recommendations
6-12 weeks typical turnaround
$15,000 - $100,000+
Cost depends on number of samples, depth of investigation and contaminants of concern
Delineation extent - how far to sample
Parameters to test - metals, hydrocarbons, VOCs, etc.
Number and depth of samples
Need for monitoring wells
Applicable regulatory thresholds
If results are below regulatory thresholds - no further action required. The site is considered clean. If results exceed thresholds - remediation (Phase III) is required. Additional delineation sampling may be needed first to define the full extent of contamination.
Remediation
Clean up confirmed contamination to meet regulatory standards
- 1 Develop remediation plan - approach, timeline, cost estimate
- 2 Obtain regulatory approval for the remediation strategy
- 3 Implementation - excavation, treatment, containment or monitoring
- 4 Confirmation sampling to verify cleanup targets are met
- 5 Closure report documenting all remediation activities
Excavation and disposal - dig and haul contaminated soil
Soil vapor extraction - remove volatile contaminants
Bioremediation - use microorganisms to break down pollutants
Pump and treat - extract and treat contaminated groundwater
Risk management - institutional controls, barriers, monitoring
3 months to 5+ years depending on approach
$50,000 to millions
Timeline and cost vary dramatically based on contamination type, volume, depth and chosen remediation approach
Use our cost estimator to get a preliminary budget range for your remediation project.
Open Cost Estimator ToolCertificate of Compliance
Regulatory sign-off that the site meets applicable standards
- 1 Compile final reporting package with all investigation and remediation data
- 2 Submit closure application to the relevant regulatory authority
- 3 Regulatory review and any follow-up requests
- 4 Certificate of Compliance or equivalent closure document issued
- BC, Canada - Certificate of Compliance (CoC) under the Environmental Management Act
- Ontario, Canada - Record of Site Condition (RSC) filed in the Environmental Site Registry
- United States - No Further Action (NFA) letter from state environmental agency
- United Kingdom - Part 2A determination or voluntary remediation statement
Closure documents are land-use specific. A site closed for commercial use may need additional work if converted to residential. Some jurisdictions allow risk-based closure with ongoing monitoring requirements rather than full cleanup to background levels. Closure timelines depend heavily on the regulatory backlog in your jurisdiction.
This guide is for general educational purposes. Actual ESA requirements vary by jurisdiction, property type and regulatory context. Always consult a qualified environmental professional and your local regulatory authority for site-specific guidance.
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