Phase II & III

To confirm or rule out the signs of contamination identified in Phase 1, by sampling soil (auger boreholes, test pits, or coring with a Geoprobe® drill rig), groundwater (micro-wells or standard wells, low-flow sampling for volatile compounds), and — if needed — soil gas or dry materials. Analytical results are compared against Criteria A, B, and C of the MELCCFP's Intervention Guide and against Schedules I and II of the RPRT (Regulation respecting the protection and rehabilitation of land). Phase 2 provides a general estimate of the extent of contamination; precise delineation is the role of Phase 3.

Envirosol carries out all the work in-house, including drilling. We operate our own Geoprobe® drill rig, which lets us better control the schedule, sampling quality, and sample traceability from the field to the laboratory — without depending on a subcontractor.

Three frameworks apply together:

• CSA Z769 — pan-Canadian technical methodology (sampling, quality control, documentation);
• MELCCFP's Land Characterization Guide, 2024 edition — minimum sampling plan, chain of custody, sample preservation;
• CEAEQ analytical methods — analyses must be performed by a laboratory accredited by the CEAEQ under the PALA program. Common methods: MA. 400 – HYD. 1.1 (C10-C50 hydrocarbons), MA. 200 – Mét. 1.2 (metals by ICP-MS), MA. 400 – HAP 1.1 (PAHs).

Envirosol works with Eurofins EnvironeX, a CEAEQ-accredited laboratory, for all of its soil and water analyses.

Phase 2 confirms the presence of contamination and provides a general estimate of its extent. The sampling plan targets the potentially contaminating activities identified in Phase 1, typically 4 to 10 boreholes depending on the site's area. It answers the question: "Is there contamination, and roughly where?"

Phase 3 precisely delineates the extent, both horizontally and vertically. It adds sampling points where the contamination boundary needs to be established. It allows the volumes to be rehabilitated to be estimated, a rehabilitation plan to be prepared for submission to the MELCCFP (when required), and post-rehabilitation monitoring to be defined.

Envirosol proceeds mostly sequentially — Phase 2 first, then Phase 3 as a separate mandate if the results warrant it. This approach avoids committing the client to delineation work before the presence and nature of the contamination have been confirmed.

The selection is strictly guided by the risks identified in Phase 1 — not a blind, blanket screening. The most common parameters in Quebec are:

• C10-C50 hydrocarbons (CEAEQ MA. 400 – HYD. 1.1) — former fuel oil tanks, gas stations, garages.
• PAHs — coking plants, creosote, railway ballast, asphalt work.
• BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes) — gas stations, solvents, petroleum depots.
• Chlorinated solvents (TCE, PCE, DCE, vinyl chloride) — dry cleaning, metal degreasing. Very persistent in groundwater.
• Metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, As, Hg, Cd, Ni, Cr) — paint, batteries, electroplating, foundries, ash-based fill.
• PCBs — pre-1985 transformers.
• Pesticides — agricultural sites, former orchards, treated post bases.
• For groundwater, additional physico-chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, hardness, alkalinity, iron, manganese, sulfates).

Envirosol also performs analyses for less common contaminants — cyanides, dioxins, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — when the site history warrants it.

The MELCCFP's Intervention Guide defines three GENERIC criteria for soils:

• Criterion A — background levels (metals) or limit of quantification (organic compounds). Above A and up to B = light contamination with no restriction.
• Criterion B — limit for residential, recreational, and institutional uses (schools, daycares, hospitals).
• Criterion C — limit for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure uses. Above C: high contamination, legal obligations (rehabilitation, restrictions, notation in the land register) under section 31.43 et seq. of the EQA and Schedule II of the RPRT.

For groundwater, distinct criteria apply: resurgence into surface water (RES) and drinking water (EC).

Typical Phase 2: 3 to 6 weeks

• Planning and mobilization: 3-10 days
• Field work (drilling, sampling): 1-5 days
• Laboratory: 5-10 business days (longer for PCBs, dioxins)
• Interpretation and report writing: 5-10 days

Phase 3: 2 to 4 additional weeks, depending on the extent of the work and whether permanent monitoring wells need to be installed.

Because we operate our own Geoprobe® drill rigs with in-house crews, we can mobilize quickly — without depending on a drilling subcontractor's schedule.

Quebec's Environment Quality Act (EQA) requires mandatory submission in several situations:

• Cessation of an activity designated in Schedule III of the RPRT (section 31.51).
• Change of use of a contaminated site (section 31.53).
• Authorization request under the REAFIE.
• Response to a notice from the Minister (section 31.43 et seq.).
• Exceedance of the limit values in Schedule II of the RPRT — may trigger listing in the Contaminated Sites Registry and notation in the land register.

Envirosol assesses the applicable obligations case by case. Most of our mandates do not require a submission to the MELCCFP. Only about twenty mandates per year require the results to be submitted to the MELCCFP.

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.