Top Questions Clients Ask About Phase I ESAs (Answered by Nexus) ❓📑

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) can sound intimidating if you’ve never been through one before. At Nexus, we get a lot of similar questions from clients, whether they’re buying, selling, or financing a property. Here are the answers to some of the most common ones:

1. What exactly is a Phase I ESA? 🏗️

It’s a non-intrusive investigation of a property’s current and historical use. We review records, aerial photos, directories, and regulatory databases, then complete a site visit to look for environmental concerns. No soil or water samples are collected at this stage.

2. Why do I need a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment? 💰

Most lenders require a Phase I ESA before approving financing. Even if a lender isn’t involved, it’s the best way to avoid inheriting costly contamination issues that could become your responsibility.

3. How long does a Phase I ESA take in Alberta? ⏳

Typically 2–3 weeks from the time we receive authorization. Timelines can vary depending on government record availability and site access, but we keep clients updated at every step.

4. How much does a Phase I ESA cost in Alberta? 💵

Costs vary depending on property type, size, and location, but Phase I ESAs are typically a fraction of the cost of remediation if contamination is later discovered. For small commercial properties, they usually range from a few thousand dollars upward.

5. What does a Phase I ESA include? 📋

A final report includes:

• Summary of findings and recommendations

• Historical aerial photographs and maps 🗺️

• Regulatory database searches (e.g., ESAR, NPRI, FCSI)

• Records review (land titles, fire insurance maps, directories)

• Site reconnaissance photos and notes 📸

• Professional opinion on whether further investigation is recommended

  
  

6. What happens if contamination is suspected? 🧪

If we identify a potential concern, we may recommend a Phase II ESA, which involves soil and groundwater sampling to confirm whether contamination exists.

7. Can a Phase I ESA fail? 🚫

A Phase I ESA doesn’t “pass” or “fail” — it identifies Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). If none are found, the report concludes no further work is needed. If concerns exist, it recommends the next step.

8. How long is a Phase I ESA valid? 📆

Most lenders consider an ESA valid for 6–12 months, depending on property type and transaction timing. After that, conditions may have changed, and an update or new report may be required. It’s important to note that every lender has their own criteria — some may accept reports that are older, while others always require a brand-new Phase I ESA regardless of timing.

9. Is a Phase I ESA required for vacant land? 🌾

Yes, if the land is being sold, purchased, or financed. Even if it looks like “empty land,” historical use (e.g., old fuel tanks, agricultural chemical storage, or industrial dumping) can leave contamination in the soil or groundwater.

10. Who can perform a Phase I ESA in Alberta? 👷‍♂️👷‍♀️

Phase I ESAs should be completed by a qualified environmental professional with credentials and experience in CSA Z768-01 standards. At Nexus, our assessors are certified and have completed assessments across Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Final Word 🌟

A Phase I ESA is one of the most important steps in protecting yourself during a real estate deal. At Nexus Environmental, we make the process clear, straightforward, and useful for every client.

➡️ Thinking about buying or selling property? Contact Nexus Environmental to book your Phase I ESA today. 🌍