Phase I Environmental Site Evaluations analyze the presence of or potential for soil contamination. Our experts study the history of the activities on the site and in the vicinity. The data collected helps identify contamination threats and ensures soil and groundwater quality.

An environmental evaluation is required by financial institutions when applying for financing. The aim of this exercise is to reduce the risks associated with buying or building on a property that is located on contaminated land. The aim is to ensure that there are no environmental defects that could be harmful to the environment or to your health which could compromise the completion of your home, or your enjoyment of the latter.

Environmental evaluation phase I:

Analyze the files seeking all existing information about the land;
Site visit;
Interview people familiar with the area;
Data evaluation;
Drafting of technical report.

Our environmental evaluations meet the requirements of the Canadian Standards Association's CSA Z768-F01 standard and of the Guide de caractérisation des terrains developed in 2003 by Quebec's Ministère de l'Environnement et Lutte contre les changements climatiques.

If any signs of contamination are detected by our experts, we will recommend a Phase II characterization study.

What is a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment?

A records-review and visual study that identifies the potential sources of contamination on a site, without any sampling. It combines four elements:

Historical review (land register, BAnQ aerial photographs, former municipal permits, MELCCFP's Contaminated Sites Registry);
Visual inspection of the site and immediate surroundings;
Interviews with owners and operators;
A summary identifying the potentially contaminating activities (PCAs) and recommending (or not) a Phase 2.

The methodology is governed by the CSA Z768 standard and the MELCCFP's Land Characterization Guide, 2024 edition.

Envirosol carries out more than 400 Phase 1 environmental site assessments annually. The large majority (90%) of our environmental assessments serve private-sector needs, and 10% come from the government sector.

When is a Phase 1 useful or required?

Common triggers:

Commercial or industrial real estate transaction — required by financial institutions (Desjardins, National Bank, RBC, BMO, BDC, etc.).
Business sale or acquisition as part of due diligence.
Change of use — an industrial or commercial site being converted to residential.
Cessation of a designated activity (Schedule III of the RPRT) — triggers the obligations under section 31.51 of the EQA.
Authorization request under the REAFIE.
Voluntary action by an owner who discovers a historical high-risk use.

The majority (80%) of our site assessments are conducted as part of a real estate transaction, with financial institutions requiring an environmental assessment to evaluate the presence of soil contamination.

What standards govern the Phase 1 assessment in Quebec?

Two references apply together:

CSA Z768 — pan-Canadian technical methodology (the Canadian equivalent of the ASTM E1527-21 standard used in the United States).
MELCCFP's Land Characterization Guide, 2024 edition — mandatory since June 1, 2024, replacing the 2003 edition. It incorporates the changes from Bill 102 (in force since April 12, 2023) and clarifies the requirements for projects subject to the EQA and the REAFIE.

For federal projects, the PSPC standard and CCME guidelines may also apply.

How long does a Phase 1 study take?

Turnaround is usually 4 to 6 weeks. We need to have received responses to the access-to-information requests sent to the municipality and the MELCCFP before we can issue the report — it is these agencies that dictate the timeline. If the city and the MELCCFP provide their documents within the week following the contract signature, the Phase 1 can be completed in 2 weeks, but this situation is very rare.

What does a Phase 1 report contain?

A report compliant with CSA Z768 and the 2024 MELCCFP Guide includes the following sections:

Introduction and scope
Site description and hydrogeological context
Documented history of uses (land titles, dated aerial photos, permits)
Inventory of PCAs on-site and in the surrounding area
Visual inspection with photos and a plan
Interviews
Analysis and risk prioritization
Clear conclusions and recommendations (Phase 2 or file closure)
Methodological limitations
Signature of the professional in charge
Appendices

For a complex site, the report length can range from 50 to 150 pages (including appendices).

How much does a Phase 1 assessment cost?

For a non-accredited Phase 1 study (without a signature from a professional order), fees range from $1,995 to $2,995 depending on location and file complexity — 90% of mandates are settled for under $2,350. A $1,500 surcharge applies when the report must be signed by a member of a recognized professional order. Envirosol offers free quotes tailored to each project.

Who signs the Phase 1 report?

Envirosol has in-house professional technologists who are members of the Ordre des technologues professionnels du Québec (OTPQ) and are authorized to sign these reports, and calls on external partner engineers when a signature from an OIQ member is required by the client, the lender, or the project's regulatory framework.

How long does a Phase 1 remain valid?

There is no uniform legal duration in Quebec. In practice: most Quebec financial institutions consider a report usable for 6 to 12 months; beyond that, an update is generally requested. For comparison, the American ASTM E1527-21 standard sets 180 days for user research and one year for the site visit. Any new event (a spill, added equipment, a change of industrial tenant) may require an earlier update.

Envirosol offers a discount on updating a Phase 1 when the original study was carried out by our team. The process requires the same steps as an initial study, but we already know the file, which reduces the risk of extra delay and ensures continuity in the analysis.