Ben Engineering provides Phase One Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) services for any location across Ontario, performed by a Professional Engineer, and meets the new CMHC requirements.

The purpose of the Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) report as defined in the CSA Z768-01 Standard is to identify actual and potential site contamination through a process of collecting current visually accessible evidence on the site and the reviewing of background documents. In Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, no laboratory testing, sample gathering, intrusive investigation, or physical analysis is required. A Phase 1 ESA, even if conducted in accordance with the CSA-Z768-01 Standard, is only intended to reduce but not necessarily to eliminate the possibility of potential contamination on the property.

The Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment is mostly required when purchasing a commercial property, in order to minimize liability risks as a result of contamination. The requirement can come from the purchaser as a mean of discretion, the financial institute that finances the purchase, or the local municipality. While the scope of work is not absolutely defined in the Standard and can be modified in accordance with the client's needs, there are four principles involved in the Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment process:

The Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments are conducted in general compliance with the CSA Z768-01 Standard and of O.Reg. 153/04 for obtaining a Record of Site Condition.