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A Phase I ESA identifies potential liabilities associated with contaminants in soil, sediment, ground or surface water through site inspection and historical review. Phase I ESAs are non-intrusive investigative research conducted to obtain as much detailed site history as possible without having to sample and analyze the site. A Phase I ESA is composed of a preliminary assessment of the site and of properties in the vicinity of the site. This involves collecting and reviewing available information about known or suspected hazardous wastes storage, spills, releases and contamination. Typical characteristics associated with brownfield properties include soil, sediment, surface water and/or groundwater impacted by former operations, stored or buried infrastructure, chemicals, waste, hazardous materials and spills or illegal disposal.
Identification of former service station sites can be done through visual inspection, or through historical records (zoning, permits, etc.). Municipalities should identify and prioritize under-utilized and typical service station sites that may be suitable for redevelopment. In addition, when a service station is decommissioned, a letter of closure documenting the site conditions upon closure must be sent by the property owner to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), the Province, and the Municipality. Municipalities should make sure these letters go to the correct municipal staff and are kept on file for future reference.
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