Before the Snow Falls: 8 Environmental Checks for Your Commercial Property

Preparing a commercial property for winter involves more than servicing the furnace and

arranging snow removal. Fuel leaks, exposed chemicals, blocked drainage, and unnoticed moisture can also create environmental concerns.

Once snow covers the ground, some problems become harder to spot. In southern Alberta, midwinter thaws can also bring runoff concerns well before spring.

Whether you manage an office building, retail plaza, warehouse, or industrial yard, these eight checks can help you identify issues before winter makes them more difficult to address.

1. Walk the property before snow hides the ground

Start with a walk-through of outdoor storage areas, loading zones, parking areas, and places where vehicles or equipment are maintained.

Look for stained soil or pavement, leaking containers, unusual odours, and waste left outdoors. Photograph concerns and record their locations so they can be followed up even after snowfall.

Staining alone does not establish whether soil is contaminated, but it can indicate a need for further investigation. If you find an unexplained stain or suspect a release, seek environmental advice before disturbing or covering the area.

2. Check fuel tanks and associated equipment

If your property has fuel storage, heating oil, or a backup generator, review the condition of accessible tanks, piping, hoses, and connections. Look for visible leaks, corrosion, damaged fittings, and staining nearby.

Check that containment areas are in good condition and that delivery points remain accessible. Arrange qualified servicing where needed, and flag tanks and piping for snow-clearing contractors.

A seasonal visual check complements the inspection and maintenance program required for your particular system; it does not replace it.

3. Review outdoor chemical and waste storage

Inspect drums, totes, and other containers for damage or leaks. Confirm that labels are readable, lids are secure, and materials are stored in compatible containers with suitable containment.

Review supplier instructions and safety data sheets for storage temperatures and handling precautions. Some products need protection from freezing, and moving chemicals indoors requires an appropriate storage area.

Arrange proper disposal of unwanted chemicals and accumulated waste. Keep remaining materials protected from weather and accessible for inspection throughout winter.

4. Check drainage before freeze-up

Identify catch basins, drainage swales, roof drainage outlets, and areas where water regularly collects. Remove leaves and debris where safe, and arrange maintenance for damaged or obstructed drainage features.

Consider where meltwater will travel during a thaw. Could it pass through a fuel-handling area, waste storage area, or existing spill before reaching a drain?

Keep pollutants out of drainage routes. Stormwater systems can carry runoff to nearby waterways, making prevention at the source an important part of property maintenance.

5. Choose snow storage locations in advance

Give your snow-removal contractor a clear plan before the first major snowfall.

Select locations that preserve drainage and access to tanks, waste containers, spill supplies, and other important infrastructure. Mark monitoring wells and other low-profile features that could be hidden by snow and damaged by equipment.

Consider where the snow will drain as it melts. Avoid pushing snow through areas with suspected contamination or piling it against chemical storage. If snow appears affected by a spill, get advice before moving it elsewhere.

6. Review salt storage and application

De-icing supports safe access, but salt can also affect soil, vegetation, and water quality.

Keep salt supplies covered and protected from precipitation, and clean up storage and loading losses promptly. Review application practices with your contractor, including product suitability, equipment settings, and opportunities to remove snow mechanically before applying de-icer.

The aim is effective ice control with careful material use. Pay particular attention to locations where salty runoff could reach landscaped areas or nearby water.

7. Look for leaks and moisture inside the building

Inspect areas with previous roof leaks, plumbing problems, condensation, or water entry. Look for damp materials, musty odours, and water staining, particularly in basements, mechanical rooms, and vacant units.

Arrange repairs before winter and establish regular checks for spaces that are rarely occupied. Where appropriate, temperature and water-leak alarms can help identify problems sooner.

Address the source of moisture as well as the resulting damage. Unresolved water entry or condensation can allow mould problems to recur.

8. Make sure your spill response plan works in winter

Confirm that spill supplies are suitable for the products on site and remain accessible when snow accumulates. Staff should know how to raise the alarm, find emergency contacts, and respond within their training.

Review access to shutoffs and identify drains that could be affected by a release. Assign responsibility for inspections and follow-up during holidays or tenant closures.

If a spill occurs, prioritize safety and promptly assess containment, cleanup, and any applicable reporting requirements.

Turn your fall inspection into a winter plan

Record what you find, assign corrective actions, and set completion dates. Revisit problem areas after major snowfall and thaw events.

These checks support routine environmental housekeeping. They do not replace an environmental site assessment, which considers property history and potential environmental concerns beyond what is visible during a walk-through.

Have you noticed staining, a suspected leak, or another environmental concern at your commercial property? Contact Nexus to discuss the appropriate next steps.