Buying commercial or industrial land is great from a business investment point of view. As investment comes with some amount of risk. Similarly, when you purchase properties, there might be some environmental risks. When buying properties, the lender requests to perform an Environmental Site Assessment in BC (ESA) before moving ahead. If the result of Phase I isn’t enough, your business site might require Phase II inspection too.

The process is so crucial and daunting that due diligence is required. However, being informed and prepared with some information can be essential.

Here are certain tips for a successful ESA investigation.

1- Inspect your consultants

Multiple firms highly specialise in due diligence, so you must be thorough when selecting a consultant. Consider various factors aside from price in selection. Look for knowledge on (ASTM) American Society for Testing and Materials standards and the Liability Act. They should have the basics of environmental regulations and experience in competencies.

2- Keep the result of your phase handy

In case you will need Phase II ESA inspection, keep your Phase I results in hand. Your consultant will require the result for information regarding RECs at the property. It will curb the chance of frequent mail trails for reports.

3- Open mind for a scope of work

An environmental consultant will take a lot of factors into consideration. Factors will include:

Federal regulations applicable

the property’s geology

the infrastructure present on-site

the extent of concerns.

They will also require additional soil and groundwater sampling along with other samples. According to all factors, your consultant will form the scope of work and sample for inspection.

4- Short wait for results

There is no standard time limit to get results back from the lab. It will likely take 2-3 weeks to get the results and final report for Phase II. Phase II results are not similar to Phase I. Thus, it requires a bit more time. Lab result of soil and water from preliminary site investigation takes longer. It gives an indication of contamination or pollutants released that exceeds natural levels.

5- Leverage the phase result

Through the results, you can make the best decisions for the business. You get a summary of lab results, additional preliminary site investigation needs, on-site reports, and liability opportunities. You can work out further step implementation from the information obtained on the above-mentioned factors.

Key Point

After inspection, if you choose to move forward with the land purchase, the consultant will assist with the permit, remediation and risk management.

Next Environmental is an exceptional organisation of environment care. We have a professional team of specialised consultants dedicated to looking out for the environment and its risks. Get in contact to have your Environmental Site Assessment with ease.

To know more about Risk assessment in Canada please visit our website: nextenvironmental.com