Many infrastructure projects in urban developed areas are adjacent to, or bisect, industrial or commercial properties with some history of contamination, due to poor waste management practices or caused by incidental, constant, or repetitive chemical releases (e.g., fuels or shop waste stream) to the environment. An unexpected occurrence of site contamination could have serious repercussions on project deadlines, budgets, and public conceptions. Associated can assess the sites to help clients prepare for approvals and permits if contamination is discovered.
The project team conducted Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) as part of the Haney Bypass Intersections Improvements in Maple Ridge, BC. The Phase I ESA provided a preliminary qualitative risk assessment of potential contamination (from the project footprint and neighbouring properties) that may be encountered during the project construction phase. Based on several areas of potential environmental concern (APECs) identified in the Phase I ESA, the Phase II ESA quantitatively assessed the level of contamination at the project footprint and reduced the risk of discovering an environmental hazard during construction.