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- THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENT BEFORE BUYING A PROPERTY
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!
- WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL SITE ASSESSMENTS
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.
- UNDERSTANDING GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS
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.
- HOW POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY CAN AFFECT YOUR HEALTH
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.
- TOP 5 BENEFITS OF ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION SERVICES
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.