Phase I or Phase One
Environmental Site Assessment?
A Phase I or Phase One ESA is a non-intrusive preliminary study entailing site history and inspection and documentary research.
In Ontario Phase 1 ESAs are generally conducted in accordance with one of two protocols, notably the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Z-768/01 guidelines) for Phase I ESAs, and Ontario Regulation 153/04 (O.Reg.) for a Phase One ESA, depending on the purpose.
Phase I ESA:
CSA Standard
CSA Z-768/01
Due-Diligence
Pre-Purchase Condition
Financing or Refinancing
Property Purchase/Sale
Property Insurance Condition
Phase I Project Scope
100 m Study Area from Centre of Site Minimum
- Historical Records Review
- Public & Private Records
- Site Reconnaissance Inspection
- Preparation of Report
- Aerial Imagery
- Fire Insurance Plans
- City Directories
- Title Search
- OPTA Information Intelligence Records
- Data Evaluation
Phase One ESA:
O.Reg Standard
O.Reg. 153/04
Record of Site Condition
(RSC) required for change to more sensitive land use
Town/City Planning Departments
(for re-zoning, site plan control and/or building permit)
Phase One Project Scope
Minimum 250 m Study Area from Site Perimeters
- Historical Records Review
- Public & Private Records
- Site Reconnaissance Inspection
- Phase One Conceptual Site Model (CSM)
- Preparation of Report
- Aerial Imagery
- Fire Insurance Plans
- City Directories
- Chain(s) of Title
- First Developed Use
- Interview with knowledgeable persons
- OPTA Information Intelligence Records
- Data Evaluation
Following successful completion of a Phase One ESA and Phase Two ESA (if required), a Record of Site Condition (RSC) can be filed with the Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change (MOECC) for inclusion into the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry.
