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ASSESSMENTS: Site Characterization | Site Assessment | Risk Assessment | Laboratory Services

Site Characterization is an important step towards evaluating the degree of contamination and the areas of concern within a site.

A well-characterized site can reduce the risk of unexpected expenses due to remediation, disposal and potential hidden liabilities. Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) provide site information required to determine the scope of work to mitigate environmental, health and ecological risks associated with the property. Based on the findings of the ESA, a detailed Risk Assessment (RA) can then determine the potential risks and pathways of contamination exposure to the human environment. The RA should include limits for acceptable exposure over short and long-term periods as well as constant versus periodic exposure.

Site characterization should include:

• The size and location of the property;
• History of site;
• Stored chemicals (both on the site and on neighbouring properties in the vicinity);
• Use and history of neighbouring properties;
• Presence or absence of areas designated as sensitive or of potential natural significance (e.g., water courses, well head protection areas, shallow soil areas, areas host of designated or protected species, etc.);
• Contamination and areas of concern; and
• An evaluation of risk exposure to workers and general public during cleanup and at final land usage.

A well defined site should provide the data to determine economic viability of the site from a cleanup perspective in order for a developer to assess the worthiness of a property. Is this site a positive, neutral or negative value site?

Resources:

The BROWNFIELDS TOOLBOX (STEP 2: Evaluation) provides information on how to Conduct Research (due diligence) towards assessing a potential contaminated site or brownfield property in Ontario.