Associated Environmental was initially engaged in 2006 to conduct Stage 1 and 2 Preliminary Site Investigations (PSIs) and a Limited Detailed Site Investigation (LDSI) at the Hilltop Subaru in Vernon, BC. The study generally followed the protocols and guidelines outlined in the BC Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR) of the Environmental Management Act.
The Stage 1 PSI qualitatively assessed the likelihood that soil or groundwater contamination existed at the site, and the Stage 2 PSI confirmed the presence of potential contaminants of concern associated with areas of potential environmental concern (APECs) identified during the Stage 1 PSI. An LDSI was undertaken to delineate the contamination identified in the Stage 2 PSI, characterize the contamination and contaminant/groundwater flow patterns.
The results of the PSI and LDSI findings indicated that soil and groundwater beneath the Subject Site was contaminated to levels exceeding the Provincial Commercial Land Use (CL) soil standard, and Aquatic Life (AW) and Drinking Water (DW) standards in groundwater. We concluded that the Subject Site was contaminated, and that it was highly likely that the contamination had migrated from neighbouring properties. Since 2006, Associated has conducted follow-up groundwater monitoring at the site, as well as additional subsurface investigations at neighbouring properties to further characterize the contamination and assist with ongoing remediation efforts.