What Do Environmental Consultants Look for During a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment? 👀🏢

If you've been asked to obtain a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA), you may be wondering what actually happens during the site inspection.

Many people assume an environmental consultant simply walks around the property and takes a few photographs. In reality, the site inspection is one of the most important components of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, helping identify existing or potential environmental concerns that could affect a property's value, financing, or future development.

Here's a closer look at what environmental consultants are looking for during a Phase I ESA.

1. Signs of Fuel Storage Tanks ⛽

One of the first things an environmental consultant looks for is evidence of aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) or underground storage tanks (USTs).

Even if a tank has been removed, clues such as fill pipes, vent pipes, concrete pads, or historical records may indicate fuel was previously stored on the property.

Historic fuel storage is one of the more common reasons a Phase I ESA recommends additional environmental investigation.

2. Evidence of Chemical Storage or Hazardous Materials 🛢️

Environmental consultants evaluate whether chemicals, petroleum products, solvents, pesticides, or other hazardous materials have been stored or handled on the property.

They may document:

• Chemical storage areas

• Used oil storage

• Waste oil tanks

• Drums and containers

• Secondary containment systems

• Spill response equipment

Proper storage practices can significantly reduce environmental risk, while poor housekeeping may warrant further review.

3. Staining, Spills, and Distressed Vegetation 🌱

Visual observations tell an important story.

During a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, consultants look for:

• Oil staining

• Chemical staining

• Dead or stressed vegetation

• Areas of exposed or discoloured soil

• Surface sheens

• Unusual odours

These observations don't automatically indicate contamination, but they may suggest historical releases that deserve additional attention.

4. Floor Drains and Wastewater Management 🚰

Inside commercial and industrial buildings, floor drains receive close attention.

Environmental consultants determine:

• Where the drains discharge

• Whether oil-water separators are present

• Whether floor drains connect to a sanitary sewer, storm sewer, holding tank, or sump

• Whether improper disposal practices may have occurred historically

This information helps evaluate the potential for historical impacts to soil or groundwater.

5. Equipment That May Contain Regulated Materials ⚡

Certain equipment can present environmental concerns, particularly on older properties.

Examples include:

• Electrical transformers

• Hydraulic equipment

• Large generators

• Compressors

• Industrial machinery

Consultants document the equipment and evaluate whether there is evidence of leaks or improper maintenance.

6. Waste Storage and Housekeeping 🗑️

General housekeeping often provides valuable insight into how a property has been managed over time.

During the inspection, consultants evaluate:

• Waste storage areas

• Recycling areas

• Scrap material storage

• Used oil collection

• Chemical disposal practices

• Overall site organization

A well-maintained property generally presents fewer environmental concerns than one with evidence of neglected waste management.

7. The Exterior of the Property 🚜

The inspection extends well beyond the building itself.

Environmental consultants examine:

• Parking areas

• Loading docks

• Maintenance yards

• Drainage patterns

• Catch basins

• Ditches

• Storage compounds

• Gravel areas

• Areas of fill

Even small details can provide clues about historical property use.

8. Neighbouring Properties Matter Too 🏭

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment doesn't stop at the property boundary.

Consultants also evaluate surrounding land uses because contamination can migrate between properties.

Examples include neighbouring:

• Fuel stations

• Automotive repair facilities

• Dry cleaners

• Bulk fuel operations

• Rail corridors

• Industrial facilities

• Agricultural chemical storage

Understanding adjacent land use is an important part of assessing overall environmental risk.

9. Historical Clues Still Visible Today 📸

Some of the most valuable observations come from subtle features left behind by previous owners.

Environmental consultants look for clues such as:

• Abandoned foundations

• Old piping

• Former building locations

• Historical fill areas

• Previous access roads

• Evidence of demolished structures

When combined with historical aerial photographs and records research, these observations help reconstruct the property's environmental history.

It's More Than Just a Walk Around

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is much more than a visual inspection. Every observation made during the site visit is combined with historical aerial photographs, regulatory database reviews, land title information, interviews, and other records research to develop a complete understanding of the property's environmental condition.

The goal isn't to prove contamination exists—it's to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) and determine whether additional investigation may be warranted.

A thorough Phase I ESA provides valuable information for purchasers, lenders, developers, and property owners, helping them make informed decisions before a transaction is completed.

Need a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in Alberta?

At Nexus Environmental Services Ltd., we complete Phase I Environmental Site Assessments for commercial, industrial, agricultural, and development properties throughout Southern Alberta.

Our investigations follow current CSA standards and are designed to provide clients and lenders with clear, practical, and defensible environmental due diligence.

If you're buying, selling, refinancing, or developing a property, we'd be happy to discuss how a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment can support your project.