Environmental Site Assessment in Toronto and the GTA
Reliable Asphalt Testing & Hydrogeological Investigations
in Toronto
At Fisher Engineering Limited, we provide professional services in asphalt testing and hydrogeological investigation in Toronto to ensure the success and safety of construction and development projects. Whether it’s verifying asphalt quality for road infrastructure or assessing groundwater conditions for site development, our team delivers reliable solutions to meet technical and regulatory requirements.
Asphalt testing plays a critical role in determining the quality and performance of pavement materials. Our services help identify whether asphalt meets the necessary specifications for long-lasting and safe roadway construction.
Core Asphalt Testing Services Include:
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Material sampling and analysis: Assessing asphalt mix properties such as aggregate gradation, binder content, and air void levels.
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Marshall stability and flow testing: Measuring the asphalt’s ability to withstand traffic loads without deformation.
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Compaction and density testing: Ensuring the pavement structure meets design compaction requirements for durability.
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Performance evaluation: Identifying potential risks like rutting, cracking, or moisture damage.
WORKSHOPS
- FREE Lunch & Learns
- Custom workshops for your team at a negotiated fee for this and other Fisher Engineering services.
- More on training and workshops
BEHIND THE SCENES
Comprehensive Asphalt Testing Toronto for Reliable Road Infrastructure
Fisher Engineering’s CALA-certified Laboratories are part of the ESA team, allowing for efficient analysis and helping you overcome challenges sooner.
Ensuring Pavement Durability with Professional Asphalt Testing Services
Proper asphalt testing is essential for:
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Meeting municipal and provincial construction standards.
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Reducing the risk of early pavement failure.
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Extending the lifespan of infrastructure projects.
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Maintaining public safety through quality control measures.
Our team strives to deliver timely, accurate results to assist contractors, engineers, and developers in making informed decisions. Contact us today for testing needs.
Detailed Hydrogeological Investigations in Toronto for Sustainable Development
Hydrogeological studies provide valuable insights into groundwater movement, soil characteristics, and environmental considerations. At Fisher Engineering Limited, we provide hydrogeological investigations to support groundwater studies, watershed evaluations, and related environmental assessments.
Our Hydrogeological Investigation Services Cover:
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Desktop analysis: Reviewing historical and geological data relevant to the project site.
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Field work and borehole drilling: Collecting soil and groundwater samples for laboratory testing.
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Groundwater monitoring: Observing seasonal fluctuations and water table depth.
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Permeability and infiltration testing: Evaluating the soil’s ability to transmit and absorb water.
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Contaminant identification: Determining possible contamination sources and their migration patterns.
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Regulatory reporting: Preparing detailed reports for municipal or environmental approvals.
Our team aims to provide data-driven insights for effective planning and regulatory compliance. Go through our blog for additional information.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS
THE STANDARD TOOL
TO PROTECT YOU FROM FINANCIAL LIABILITY
DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION.
ESA Phase 1
Examining for the Potential of Contamination
PHASE I ESA, as described by CAN/CSA-Z768-01 Standards, as published in November 2001 and reaffirmed in 2022 by the CSA Group.
The initial step is the environmental assessment process. Phase 1 is intended to determine the potential for environmental contamination and establish whether further investigation is necessary.
One key benefit is that it can alleviate uncertainties regarding the property's health so that you can make an informed decision. Our phase 1 environmental site assessments in Toronto and the GTA will ensure due diligence so that you can protect your investment.
This step does not involve invasive techniques. A Phase 1 ESA concentrates on land reconnaissance and research into the site's surrounding area’s history. See RSC if building.
Results:
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If the site has been cleared, the assessment ends here. If not, typically, a Phase 2 assessment is recommended.
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If the site has been cleared, the assessment ends here. If not, a Phase 2 assessment is typically recommended..
ESA Phase II
Establishing the Amount or Extent of Contamination
As the CAN/CSA-Z769-00 Standards describe, Phase II ESA was published in March 2000 and reaffirmed by the CSA Group in 2023.
Phase II ESA is recommended if the Phase 1 ESA results show a likelihood of contamination. The contamination must be sufficient to warrant conducting subsurface testing at strategic locations on the property. Typical areas may include a property adjacent to a dry cleaner or gas station.
With our phase 2 environmental assessment in Toronto and the GTA, you can get a clearer picture of the nature and extent of the contamination. We generally collect soil, groundwater, and sediment samples to better understand the potential environmental problems and hazards.
These are not highly intrusive actions; normally, there is minimal disruption to the day-to-day operations at the property in question. Boreholes are usually made in strategic locations and about 4” in width. See RSC if building.
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Results: The samples taken are tested and analyzed in our CALA-certified laboratory to confirm whether contamination is present (or not) and to what extent, based on regulatory levels. If the site has been cleared, the assessment ends here. If not, a next-step plan is typically discussed. Sometimes, Phase 3 Remediation is recommended.
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What Is Involved in a Phase One Environmental
Site Assessment in Toronto, ON?
The majority of commercial and industrial sites in Toronto, ON, must undergo a phase one environmental site assessment under the Ontario Regulation 153/04. Fisher Engineering Limited specializes in phase one environmental Toronto, on-site assessment services. We help a wide range of clients with phase 1 environmental site assessments, including real estate developers and investors evaluating environmental risks before transactions, financial institutions conducting due diligence for loans, and property owners managing potential liabilities. We also assist government agencies with regulatory compliance, as well as legal professionals and insurance companies assessing environmental risks for liability and policy decisions. While the scope of work is not precisely stated in the Standard and can be adjusted per the client's requirements, the four basic principles involved in the phase one environmental site assessment process include:
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A records review is done to collect data on past activities on the site and surrounding properties, including compulsory and optional documents when applicable.
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A site visit to check for any visual evidence of actual or potential contamination (for instance, an underground oil tank or asbestos pipe insulation).
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Discussions with site management, government officials and third parties, if required.
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Assessment of the data and reporting of the conclusions and findings.
Phase one environmental site assessments help identify potential contamination risks, clarify a property’s condition, and aid informed decision-making. Our assessments ensure due diligence in Toronto, Ontario, to safeguard your investment. Call us to schedule the phase one inspection.
ESA Phase III
Supervising Remediation And/Or Cleanup
Phase 3, commonly known as Remediation, is an option if contamination “above regulatory levels” is found
during the Phase 2 evaluation.
ESA Phase 3 involves changing the levels of contamination to meet the legislated standards within a given
region.
Remediation can be limited in scope, such as removing surface contaminants from an Underground Storage Tank (UST).
Solutions may also be more extensive, for example, if contaminants have infiltrated groundwater systems or are found under existing structures. Fisher Engineering Limited handles such excavation complexities.
Typical treatments for water-based sources include bioremediation (injecting through wells) or pumping out contaminants. If soil is affected, it is often solved via dig-and-dump solutions.
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Examples of site remediation include:
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Chemical treatment of contaminants, e.g. PHC, PAH, BTEX, metals, VOCs.
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PCB chemical destruction.
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Materials recycling in asphalt.
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Critical with any type of remediation is forming a special team, including a project manager who will be your prime contact, chemistry (lab), field, and excavation specialists, is critical with any type of remediation.
The key to a successful Phase 3 is developing a pragmatically and economically feasible remediation plan that meets legislated requirements and our client’s needs. Our team will work with you to plan the optimal site solution within a given time frame and minimize day-to-day disruptions when possible. We work with you every step of the way!
Results: Once the remediation has been completed and approved, you can pursue your desired land use goals.
FISHER ENGINEERING OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE & TURNKEY
Associated Services
RISK Assessment
When do YOU need the Environmental Risk Assessment?
- When remediation of a given contaminant is not physically or financially viable under current conditions.
- When the long-term effects associated with a given contamination need to be established.
- When the long-term management of a given contaminant needs to be established.
- Alternative to or limited ESA Phase 3 - Remediation.
- Risk management measures.
- Certificate of property use.
- Certificate of Requirement.
Under certain circumstances, it may be difficult for a property to meet the site condition standards set out by the province. In such cases, the property owner can consider developing new standards specific to the property by preparing and accepting a risk assessment. This is a technical and scientific examination of the nature and degree of risk defined by the potential contaminant effects within the site-specific situations.
FISHER FILE
Environmental Risk Assessment
Record of Site Condition (RSC)
A Record of Site Condition (RSC) is a public domain document summarizing a property's environmental condition. The completed document is submitted to the Ministry of the Environment (MOE). Once acknowledged, it is made public. The RSC is filed in the Environmental Site Registry.
FISHER FILE
When Do You Need A Record Of Site Condition?
RSC
is mandatory
for
zoning changes
Building Condition Assessment (BCA)
A Building Condition Assessment is an inspection and report outlining the current and potential future costs associated with the maintenance of the building. It is often required:
- For financing or peace of mind when purchasing a new building.
- As a supplement to an ESA Phase 1.
A Building Condition Assessment, as described by ASTM Standard E2018 – 24 (https://www.astm.org/Standards/E2018.htm), is as follows:
- Structural and foundation condition survey of concrete, steel, timber and masonry structures, including the roof and exterior doors and windows;
- Condition survey for HVAC, plumbing, electrical, security and fire safety systems;
- Inspect for water damage and/or mould growth; and
- Evaluation of observations and reporting with photograph documentation.
Environmental Site Assessment | FAQs
The following are some of the commonly asked questions about our environmental site assessment services in Toronto and the GTA:
What Do I Do If My Property Is Contaminated?
If you plan to undertake a transaction concerning your property, you must consider contamination cleanup and control.
Can Environmental Dangers Harm Human Health?
Yes. Contaminations can potentially cause harm to human health in various ways, such as:
- Consuming plants that were grown in the contaminated soil
- Inhaling the contaminants
- Coming in contact with the contaminants
- And more
Can Contaminations Cause Damage to the Environment?
Yes, contaminated soil can damage the environment in various ways, such as river pollution, odour, poor plant health, etc.
Can Fisher Engineering Limited Help With Cleaning My Contaminated Property?
Yes, we can. We have years of experience helping property owners and other stakeholders control and remedy soil contamination.
Start Your Project with Accurate Testing and Investigation Services
Professional asphalt testing & hydrogeological investigation in Toronto services for your project.
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