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Did you know that the foundation of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, extends more than 164 feet into the ground? This remarkable feat of engineering is made possible by geotechnical engineers. They study the earth's materials and use expertise to design, build, and maintain structures that are safe and stable. In this article, we will explore the importance of geotechnical engineering. Find out why it is essential for protecting people and property, ensuring environmental stewardship, and more. What is Geotechnical Engineering? Geotechnical engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the study of the earth's materials. Specifically soil and rock, and how they interact with human-made structures. A geotechnical engineering company helps design, build, and maintain safe and stable structures. They are experts in: Understanding how the ground will support these structures Understanding how the structures will interact with the ground How to predict and prevent problems that may occur over time Geotechnical engineers work with a variety of tools and techniques to gather information about the soil and rock at a construction site: Use boreholes to take samples Perform soil and rock tests Use computer models to understand the behavior of the soil and rock They then use this information to make recommendations for the design and construction of the structure. This can include the type and size of foundation needed and how to prepare the site for construction. Geotechnical engineering companies also play an important role. They ensure the safety and stability of existing structures. Plus, they help protect both the built environment and the natural environment. They may be called upon to: Assess the condition of a building, bridge, or dam Make recommendations for any necessary repairs or improvements Clean up contaminated sites Design and construct retaining walls and slopes to prevent soil erosion and landslides The Importance of Geotechnical Engineering The importance of geotechnical engineering cannot be overstated. Geotechnical engineering companies help ensure the safety and stability of structures. This is essential for protecting people and property. Geotechnical engineers also play a critical role in protecting the natural environment. Environmental engineers use their expertise in soil and rock mechanics to mitigate the impact of natural hazards. These can include earthquakes, landslides, and soil liquefaction. They also help remediate contaminated sites and ensure that the land is used in a sustainable manner. This makes geotechnical engineering an essential part of environmental engineering. One of the key challenges in geotechnical engineering is the complexity of soil and rock mechanics. The behavior of soil and rock can be affected by a variety of factors. This can include moisture content, temperature, and pressure. Geotechnical engineers must have a deep understanding of these factors to predict and prevent problems. Geotechnical engineers also need to work closely with other engineering disciplines. Often paired with structural engineers, they ensure a safe build and effective design. This requires strong communication and collaboration skills, as well as a thorough understanding of the design process. Finally, the accuracy of data and analysis is critical in geotechnical engineering. Engineering firms that provide geotechnical engineering services must have access to the latest tools and techniques. Plus, they need a team of experts who are trained in using them. This is essential for ensuring that structures are safe, stable, and environmentally responsible. Reliable Environmental Engineering Services in the GTA Geotechnical engineering plays a vital role. It ensures the safety and stability of structures and protects the environment. If you are in need of environmental site assessment, consider working with Fisher Engineering Limited. We’re a full-service licensed contractor and a team of experts. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

Environmental site assessment helps ensure that the property is a safe investment for the lender. There are several phases for the assessment. Phase I CSA (Canadian Standards Association) ESA’s are done for financing on most commercial and industrial properties. This blog outlines everything you need to know about a phase 1 CSA environmental site assessments. Purpose of Environmental Site Assessments The success of a real estate transaction depends heavily on the land you're trying to sell or buy, but it's nearly impossible to know the safety of the land by a glance at the property. A trained professional performs an environmental site assessment to figure out the history of the land. These professionals are looking for possible past sources of contamination from products used or manufactured on site, as wells as neighbouring properties. After the assessment, you will have a clear view of what you're purchasing and what the potential risks of contamination are. Process for Site Assessment During an environmental site assessment, a team will first do some historical research into the property. This includes figuring out what the historical use of the property was and what the environmental impact that previous use had on the land. It also involved looking at the neighbouring properties to see if anything was done on those sites that could potentially migrate onto the subject property. Then a team will come to the property to do a visual inspection of the current conditions on site. Typically, this doesn't involve invasive procedures like digging holes or taking samples. It's a general discovery process to determine if more action is necessary. After Phase 1 Assessment For those properties that pose minimal risk, they can proceed with their funding and purchase/sell the property. If there are some concerns about potential risk, a phase 2 assessment will be required. This is a more thorough inspection where soil and groundwater samples are taken, and further research is required. There may be a chance that some remediation actions have to be taken to prepare the land to be used again. All About a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Purchasing a new property for either a commercial or residential building is an exciting time. But it can also be stressful to make sure you're making a good decision and investment. A phase 1 environmental site assessment will help you know what to expect while you're building or buying, help you avoid problems, and preserve the surrounding environment. Fisher Engineering Limited has over 30 years of experience in the industry, and our team can help with many issues that may come up as a result. Reach out to Fisher Engineering for a reliable environment site assessment.

Did you know that asbestos wasn't fully banned in Canada until 1998? That means your home or commercial building may contain dangerous carcinogenic silicate. Do you know common areas where asbestos can be found? If you suspect signs of asbestos, or if you plan to demolish or renovate the building, it's important to contact an asbestos testing company. Read on to learn where to look for asbestos and what to do before you start renovating your place. Common Areas Where Asbestos Can Be Found Asbestos was once a common building material used throughout the country. The most common places to find asbestos in a home or commercial building include: Insulation Partition walls Panels in some fire doors Vinyl floors Bath panels Window panels Ceiling tiles (especially "popcorn" ceilings) Textiles like fire blankets Decorative coatings Sprayed coatings Toilets and cisterns Cement water tanks Pipes and pipe insulation Boilers It's also common to find asbestos in roofs, construction panels, gutters, and flues. Cement components have a higher risk of containing asbestos. Asbestos Testing Asbestos is odourless and invisible. It's nearly impossible to determine if the substance is present without laboratory testing. Certified professionals can perform all asbestos tests. They will inspect the high-risk areas outlined above, take samples, bring them back to the laboratory and report the findings. It is important to have asbestos testing before renovating or demolishing a building. At Fisher Engineering limited, we offer asbestos testing. Our professionals will perform the test swiftly and report the result. Contact Fisher Engineering Limited If you plan to renovate or demolish or buy a house or commercial and industrial buildings constructed prior to the early 1980s, it is important to have asbestos testing. Fisher Engineering Limited offers reliable asbestos testing. Our laboratory is CALA-certified. We typically report findings in five days or fewer. In emergency situations, we can expedite testing. Schedule asbestos testing today.

Analytical laboratories offer a variety of services depending on the industries they serve. Testing helps identify the root cause of the problem early on so that it can be resolved before it gets out of hand. Fisher Engineering Limited is an environmental consulting firm that has been serving Markham and the Greater Toronto Area for over 30 years now. No matter the scope or location, our expert technicians are equipped to complete any given project. We provide environmental site assessments, site remediation, indoor air quality check and other services. FIVE KINDS OF ANALYTICAL LABORATORY SERVICES YOU CAN GET Here are a few types of analytical laboratory testing services that can be of use to you: 1. Soil analysis This includes agricultural testing, which consists of soil, water, plant and manure analysis. People in the agricultural sector, such as crop input dealers, farmers and research organizations, are provided with quality results in time. The test results can be used to augment the production of crops, increase sales and reduce the negative effects on the environment. Soil analysis includes checking one or multiple depths, texture, organic matter, pH and particle size. 2. Water analysis It includes waste water, ground water, drinking water analysis and aquatic toxicity testing for site remediation and other kinds of projects. Water is checked for inorganic compounds, which provides reliable data for the benefit of your project. 3. Indoor air quality pollutants They are are present in any enclosed space and they are caused due to poor ventilation, scanty levels of humidity and water leakage, which can lead to mould growth. An air test will help determine the issues so that they can be addressed on time. This can be done for both residential and commercial establishments. 4. TCLP Waste analysis Canada has stringent rules when it comes to water, solid, soil and liquid waste. You will require reliable data to meet the requirements in order to proceed with your investment opportunities. Get waste testing that is compliant with Canadian requirements. 5. PCB Testing Also known as polychlorinated biphenyl, PCB can be categorized as a chlorinated hydrocarbon. The method implemented to determine the levels of PCB is through oil and soil samples. Contact Fisher Engineering Limited  for analytical laboratory testing services in Toronto and and GTA today!

Businesses need to comply with environmental rules keeping sustainability in mind. All of us rely on a healthy planet and addressing environmental issues now is more important than ever. It is difficult to address environmental issues, such as identifying sites with hazardous contamination on your own, as they are complex. Hiring an environmental consulting firm helps your business stay compliant with regulations, laws and ordinances. Fisher Engineering Limited  provides effective site assessments, indoor air quality solutions, site remediation and more. Different businesses need to comply with different environmental laws and regulations. Consider these tips to hire the right consulting firm for your company: CHOOSE AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING FIRM WHICH OFFERS THE RIGHT SERVICES Make sure the environmental consulting firm you choose can tailor its services to your company as needed. LOOK FOR THE RIGHT FIRM IN YOUR AREA Environmental laws and regulations vary from place to place. Choose an environmental consulting firm that provides services locally. Otherwise, your company might miss out on local environmental regulations. EXPERIENCE REALLY MATTERS It’s crucial to know how long any business has been in play and where exactly their expertise lies. This is a big factor when it comes to reliability and knowing if the firm can get the project done with the perfect quality and on time – a company’s ability of understanding a project in and out, comes with years of experience and a proven track record of client satisfaction. CHOOSE A RELIABLE AND TRUSTED ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING FIRM You should select an environmental consulting firm which is continuously growing with a high rate of client retention. The trust and reliability of a firm are confirmed by the skills and qualifications of its team. You can check the testimonials and reviews provided by verified clients to better understand their services. CHOOSE AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING COMPANY THAT CAN WORK AROUND YOUR COMPANY’S SCHEDULE The firm you choose should be able to commit to your schedule. You might need environmental tests and assessments at a particular time as per your project. Any delay or error in the assessment can cost your company thousands of dollars. CHOOSE VALUE OVER PRICE You might be tempted to choose an environmental consulting firm that offers the lowest price. But it is better to choose the most cost-effective option instead of choosing a firm offering services at a cheap rate. This way, you will benefit from quality work and save money on defective low-quality work. Fisher Engineering Limited was founded in 1989 and for more than 30 years we have been providing industry leading environmental consulting services in Toronto. Our professional and experienced staff provide engineered solutions for complicated environmental regulations. We have the experience, credibility and know-how to complete your project within budget and on time. Contact us to learn more about our services!

There are so many factors to consider when you are investing in real estate. Environmental assessment is one of the most important factors to consider while purchasing a piece of land. It’s tied to the price, regulations and safety concerns. Environmental experts can assess the existing or potential environmental issues using geological maps, soil and water testing, local history of land usage and by simple observation. Fisher Engineering and Environmental provides engineered solutions to our clients to easily navigate through the stringent and complex environmental regulations. Our services include environmental site assessment, site remediation, and indoor air quality control, among other services. In this blog, you will learn why it is important to conduct an environmental site assessment before investing in a property: • TO AVOID FEDERAL LIABILITIES Phase 1 ESA (Environmental Site Assessment) was originally introduced under federal regulations to protect purchasers from CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, commonly known as Superfund) liabilities. If, after purchasing the land, it is revealed that there is contamination, having appropriately carried out a Phase 1 ESA before the purchase will act as proof of due diligence, which can protect the owner from any federal liabilities. • TO AVOID RISKING YOUR BUSINESS The business being run on the property at the time of purchase might not indicate any reason for suspicion of contamination, but the previous usage of the land might have caused contamination. Regulatory authorities will close down any business on the property until the contamination is taken care of. The property can neither be used nor be leased out, resulting in loss of income, which may even put your ownership at risk, if you are planning to purchase the property on loan. A Phase 1 ESA will reveal the history of the property and any potential contamination issues, which can then be reassessed with a Phase 2 ESA. • TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A PROPERTY LOAN There are a lot of formalities that one has to go through to receive approval for any loan. Given that, lending institutions will never loan money to purchase a property that doesn’t have a Phase 1 ESA certificate. This is due to the fact that environmental contamination devalues properties and runs the risk of federal liabilities that could cause a business to shut down. Loss of income would affect the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. Foreclosing on such a property is not favourable as it is tough to sell a property that is contaminated and remediation costs are significant. Also, the closure letter that has to be provided by the regulatory authorities takes a lot of time to be processed. • TO AVOID LOSSES WHILE SELLING As a buyer, you have the right to walk away from a deal that you are not sure about, likewise, when you're selling a property, buyers will try to make sure that the property doesn't have any liability issues. If you purchase land without carrying out an environmental site assessment beforehand and it turns out that it is indeed contaminated, you will have to bear the cost for remediation before you can sell the property. Even when the contamination level doesn't invite the attention of CERCLA, remediation can be a very costly affair, depending on the level of contamination and the area of the property. Environmental site assessment can be considered as a part of a well-rounded background verification. It will help you avoid any liabilities in the future, if and when you decide to sell your property. You can count on our team at Fisher Engineering Limited to help you make the right decision in real estate investment. Contact us today to book an environmental site assessment!

If you're a property owner who's looking to change the use of the property, you may need an environmental site assessment. If you're looking to buy a property, you may also need an environmental assessment. But what is an environmental site assessment, and how do you get one? You can learn everything you need to know about environmental site assessments in Toronto and the GTA here. WHAT IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT? The environmental site assessment (ESA) is the industry-standard environmental report conducted for real estate development projects. It is a due diligence checklist used to detect potential risks and hazards within the environment of a particular site. The Environmental Protection Act establishes the rules and regulations that define the ESA. The environmental assessment has two phases. The Phase 1 environmental site assessment assesses the property for contaminants. This step of the process includes a site inspection and a review of historical site documents. A contaminant is any solid, liquid, gas, odour, sound, vibration, heat, or radiation that may cause adverse effects. These contaminants may exist in the air, land, or water on the property. If unchecked, they may harm humans, animals, or the environment. The Phase 2 environmental site assessment involves a collection of samples. This collection of samples will determine if contaminants exist on the property. If discovered, you can take steps to remedy environmental damage in areas of concern. WHEN DO YOU NEED ONE? You will need an ESA inspection if you want to change the use of your property. For example, converting a commercial property to a residential property requires an ESA. A financial institution, lender, or municipality may also request an environmental assessment. If you're unsure if you need an ESA, you can review the full Environmental Protection Act. It lays out all the regulations for environmental site assessments in Ontario. It also clarifies ESA requirements and standards that you must adhere to. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? The Phase 1 environmental site assessment takes between 3-4 weeks to complete. The Phase 2 environmental site assessment takes between 4-6 weeks to complete. You should plan for this time in your schedule before moving forward with the project. To speed things up, you can organize any information related to the property. This includes past ESA reports and any other environmental details. You will need to provide all relevant documentation for the assessment. WHO CAN PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT SERVICES? If you need to conduct an ESA, you must find someone qualified to supervise the process. Look for a company with a strong record of success, robust experience, and expertise in the field. Finding a company you can trust will build your confidence in the results. Fisher Engineering Limited has over 30 years of experience in site assessments. Our team of professionals can help you meet environmental health and safety standards. Reach out to Fisher Engineering Limited for environmental site assessment in Toronto and the GTA today.

If you are planning to purchase or develop a property, a home or something on a commercial basis, conducting a geotechnical investigation is a wise decision. It is a smart way to study the physical properties of soil and rock for identifying potential construction problems. You can always count on Fisher Engineering Limited to provide you with reliable geotechnical investigation services. We have been providing environmental consultancy services in the real estate industry for over 30 years. Our team of experienced professionals is trained to complete any environmental project, regardless of the scope and location. WHY ARE GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS NEEDED? Geotechnical investigations are performed by geologists and geotechnical engineers to get information about the physical characteristics of soil and rocks at construction sites. It is very important in designing foundations for structures. A geotechnical investigation comprises of surface and subsurface exploration, soil mechanics, soil testing and subsurface testing. WHAT HAPPENS IN A GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATION? A geotechnical investigation will consist of two phases. First, a geologist or geotechnical engineer executes a surface evaluation. This may include a site walk, review of aerial photographs and maps, or geophysical surveys. The second phase, which involves soil sampling, is mostly executed by using a drill rig to conduct test borings. This is very important to collect valuable data related to stratigraphy and soil properties. In boring tests, samples are usually collected for further laboratory examinations. The geotechnical engineer will use the results of the test to assess site suitability for final design recommendations. MODERN TOOLS OF GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS The technology involved in geotechnical investigations has progressed a lot over the years with the development of various engineering disciplines. Few of these are mentioned below: Ground-penetrating radar that utilizes radar pulses is used in investigations for subsurface imaging. It is a non-destructive technique that makes use of the reflected electromagnetic radiations from the subsurface structures to compile data. Antennas are utilized for transmission and receiving of signals. Transmission antenna can emit high-frequency pulses into the soil. The waves will strike at objects that have unlike dielectric constants and the data collected can be analyzed for variations detected in the return signal. LET US HELP Fisher Engineering Limited is committed to providing engineered solutions for today’s complicated environmental regulations – with a precise and personal approach, always. We can provide you with efficient and cost-effective results. You can check out our client testimonials and understand how efficient we are. Call us today if you’re looking to get a geotechnical investigation done in the Greater Toronto Area.

Poor indoor quality in Canadian homes and businesses is a contributor to many health risks. It is consistently ranked as a leading environmental concern regarding public health. The presence of radon, carbon monoxide, dust mites, and mould indoors can cause adverse health issues. In this article, we will look at the various contaminants found indoors and why air quality service in Toronto is essential to better health and wellness. WHAT YOU DON'T SEE CAN HURT YOU Outdoor air pollution is usually easy to see. Smog, smoke, and dust are clear indicators of poor outdoor air quality. Indoor air pollution is often more difficult to detect. Radon and carbon monoxide, for example, are invisible gases that can collect inside your home or business. High concentrations of these gases can result in serious illness. A recent study confirmed indoor air pollution could be even more harmful than outdoor air pollution. WHAT IS IN THE INDOOR AIR? Many indoor air pollutants affect indoor air quality in Ontario. The most common pollutants are lead, mould, insects and pests, carbon monoxide, pet dander, mould, and second-hand smoke. Some chemical cleaners can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. Even if you clean your home regularly, you can't always remove the pollution in your indoor air. Proper detection, filtering, and treatment are necessary to ensure healthy indoor air. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY? Some of the health effects of indoor air pollutants are headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. More serious effects include increased or more severe asthma conditions. If left untreated, poor indoor air quality can lead to heart disease or respiratory conditions. Indoor air pollutants are often invisible. You might not know your health is worsening until it is too late. Improving the air quality in your home or business is essential to the quality of life and better health. FINDING THE RIGHT AIR QUALITY SERVICE IN TORONTO AND GTA Fisher Engineering Limited provides a complete answer to contaminated indoor air. We provide indoor air quality testing for your home or business and determine if there are harmful elements in your air. We also offer a full-service approach to improving the quality of your indoor air. With regular testing and proper filtering techniques, you can breathe cleaner, fresher, and healthier air in your Ontario home or business. FRESHER AIR EQUALS BETTER WELLNESS Indoor air pollution can be more harmful than outdoor air because the contaminants are more concentrated in a small space. Regular testing of your home or business can help you identify potential hazards. Working with a professional air quality service in Toronto and the GTA provides the peace of mind you need to ensure clean, breathable air in your home or business. If you are concerned about the condition of your indoor air, contact us to schedule a consultation and home air quality test.

The world is becoming more aware of the importance of caring for the environment. This is true on a local, national and global scale. Nowadays, more people are becoming conscious about the number of resources we consume and our impact on the planet. As environmental issues become more pressing, sites that once were landfills, industrial or manufacturing sites, now require remediation. The aim of environmental remediation is to create a cleaner and safer environment for everyone and everything that has to interact with it. It also has several benefits for those who choose to undertake it. Keep on reading to learn more about them. WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION? Environmental remediation is the process of decontaminating an area that has been polluted by hazardous chemicals or other man-made pollutants. This type of pollution is usually the result of industry, manufacturing, or mining, although it can also come from accidental spills or accidents on-site. Remediation helps to remove hazardous materials from a site to a condition that is suitable for human use or re-use. This process is carried out by experts who have in-depth knowledge of cleaning and restoration procedures. 1. IMPROVE HUMAN HEALTH AND BOOST ECOSYSTEM As mentioned above, the goal of remediation is to restore a site to its original condition and make it safe for human occupancy and normal use. As a result, a cleaner and less polluted ecosystem is one huge advantage of hiring environmental remediation services. A knock-on effect of this is that the threat to human health posed by the environment is reduced. In other words, you are contributing to a safer and healthier world for everyone to live in. 2. INTEGRATED EXPERTISE AND ASSISTANCE The nature of work that environmental remediation companies do is highly complex and specialized, making it a delicate process that requires a great deal of attention and expertise. A trusted environmental remediation company possesses the necessary certifications and is well-versed in handling and getting rid of toxic waste.  For that reason, when you employ the services of a reliable environmental remediation company, you are guaranteed that you are getting the skills and experience to get the job done. 3. BUSINESS REPUTATION Environmental remediation services can help build and maintain your reputation within the business community and local communities. As a business owner, you are only as good as your reputation. If you have a reputation for providing high-quality products and services, word of mouth is sure to act as a powerful tool to bring in more business. Partaking in and exemplifying corporate responsibility is important for any business today. That is why it is crucial to put in the work and maintain a good image, not only for the safety of those occupying your land but also from a stakeholder standpoint. 4. MAINTAIN REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Environmental remediation can be an important aspect of many business operations, with most companies facing some kind of environmental law compliance. These laws are often complex and ambiguous, making it difficult to stay up to date with the latest changes and understand what you must do to stay compliant. As a business owner, you have a responsibility to uphold and adhere to certain standards and regulations. By hiring professional environmental remediation services, you can ensure you are following the letter of the law. This will also allow you to build and foster meaningful relationships with regulatory officials. 5. BOOST BUSINESS EFFICIENCY Waste disposal can be a big problem for businesses, and the more waste you generate, the more expensive it becomes to dispose of it. Hiring professional remediation services allows your business to save costs. It does so by using the most effective remediation techniques suitable for your site. In addition to that, remediation service experts can provide thorough recommendations to optimize the implementation of environmental best practices, which in turn can boost your business efficiency. CONTACT ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION EXPERTS Achieving good environmental standards can be a challenge, but it’s definitely one worth undertaking. Fisher Engineering Limited is a leading environmental remediation company in Toronto, ON, that provides an array of services, including soil remediation, hazardous waste removal, air quality services, mould and asbestos testing, and much more. We have years of experience offering effective environmental services in Toronto and across the GTA. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services.