Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessments in Red Deer
Vista Environmental Science provides environmental site assessments in Red Deer for commercial, industrial, and investment properties. Our team delivers fast, CSA-compliant reporting that meets Alberta’s regulatory standards and lender expectations.
With extensive experience conducting Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments across central Alberta, Vista Environmental Science helps clients identify environmental risks, confirm site conditions, and move projects forward with confidence. Our locally informed approach ensures that each assessment follows the proper environmental assessment phases in Alberta, producing accurate, defensible, and lender-ready reports. Contact us to arrange a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment in Red Deer and receive the support you need to make informed property decisions.
Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Summary – Red Deer, Alberta
Location: 5902 & 5904 – 54 Avenue, Red Deer, AB
Date: March 2023
Challenge
Vista Environmental Science was retained to conduct a Phase I ESA to support the potential sale of a commercial property and evaluate any environmental liabilities. Due to the historical nature of the location (downtown Red Deer), regulatory searches were required for properties built before 1940. The work was completed in accordance with CSA Z768-01 (2016) and the Alberta EPA Environmental Site Assessment Standard (2016).
Scope and Methodology
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Comprehensive review of historic aerial photographs, land titles, city directories, and a full-spectrum regulatory database search dating back to the 1940s.
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Site inspection completed Feb 28, 2023, including interviews with the current owner, previous owners (where available), and listing agent.
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Evaluation of current and historical land uses to identify Areas of Potential Environmental Concern (APECs).
Key Findings
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The site has operated as commercial/light industrial since 1947 (welding shop later converted into an antique mall).
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No underground or aboveground storage tanks, spills, or releases identified.
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Neighbouring commercial businesses pose low risk; subsurface environmental impacts are not expected.
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No APECs or subsurface contamination indicators found.
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Potential presence of asbestos, lead paint, and PCB-containing materials was identified due to the building’s age; however, further investigation was outside the project scope.
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Addressed a possible area of concern near a currently operating retail fuel outlet in the vicinity.
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No further investigation (Phase II ESA) recommended.
Project Outcome
The assessment met all current regulatory standards and CSA requirements, was completed on time and on budget, and was accepted by the lender without conditions or follow-up work.
Purpose of a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
Our Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment in Red Deer is designed to evaluate environmental risk related to a property without soil or groundwater sampling. The assessment focuses on identifying actual or potential contamination concerns.
Key purposes include:
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Property transactions: Supporting commercial and industrial real estate purchases.
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Financing requirements: Assisting lenders with environmental due diligence documentation.
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Redevelopment planning: Evaluating environmental considerations prior to land-use changes.
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Historical review: Identifying past activities that may affect soil or groundwater.
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Baseline establishment: Documenting existing environmental conditions.
Vista Environmental Science aims to provide clear documentation that supports informed decision-making.
Records Review in Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
A core component of Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment services involves a detailed review of available records related to the property and surrounding lands.
This process may include:
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Historical aerial photographs: Reviewing land-use changes over time.
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Fire insurance plans: Identifying former industrial or fuel-related uses.
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City directories: Tracking historical occupants and business activities.
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Regulatory database searches: Reviewing environmental compliance and incident records.
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Land title information: Confirming property boundaries and ownership history.
These records help identify activities that may present environmental risk.
Identification of Potential Environmental Concerns
Based on compiled data, the Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment report identifies recognized environmental conditions (APEC’s) when applicable.
Examples may include:
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Fuel storage history: Evidence of current or former underground or above-ground tank systems, including refuelling areas and associated piping.
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Industrial operations: Past or present manufacturing, processing, or repair activities that may involve chemicals, oils, solvents, or hazardous materials.
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Waste management practices: Historical or existing disposal methods, waste storage areas, or handling practices that may present environmental concerns.
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Neighbouring site influence: Proximity to nearby properties with known or suspected contamination that could impact soil or groundwater conditions.
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Spill indicators: Documented spills, environmental incidents, or visible staining suggesting potential releases of contaminants.
The assessment identifies risk indicators rather than confirming contamination.
