What is an environmental assessment and it’s phases

What Is an Environmental Assessment and it’s Phases?

The sustainability of investment refers to the ability to continue generating benefits over time.

This, in turn, depends on several factors, including the continuous availability of resources employed in the project, management, and the long-term cost-benefit relationship.

Traditionally, the Environmental Site Assessment Services consist of a technical analysis of a proposed activity or project. It is usually done to identify and evaluate possible adverse impacts on the environment that may result from the project and to recommend appropriate mitigation and monitoring measures.

It is important that the environmental assessment process begins in the early stages of project preparation so that these measures can be incorporated into the project design. It is also widely accepted that evaluation cannot be a purely technical exercise carried out by external specialists; instead, it should include both project beneficiaries and other affected populations.

Finally, the current environmental assessment is not usually limited to the biophysical environment, but also includes economic, social and cultural aspects.

Whether in the context of a real estate transaction, a real estate development project or the refinancing of property, or for owners who value the value of their assets or protect the environment, environmental site assessment services can identify signs of potential and actual contamination on a property. Such an assessment also serves to determine the extent of contamination and the volume of soil or groundwater to be treated and to establish a rehabilitation plan and the necessary budget to 'work execution.

These do not require a complete Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is generally defined by national environmental laws. However, as explained in section A, even small-scale rural investment projects carry environmental risks that require evaluation and, if necessary, mitigation actions.

As a result, this manual presents simple procedures for environmental assessment, which is an easy-to-use tool for environmental assessment of such projects, and are designed for use by local technicians or other persons responsible for advising applicants in the preparation of their investment proposals. Procedures also require that when the potential impacts of a project are significant, an environmental expert should be available.

Phase 1 environmental site assessment is used to establish the environmental history of the property. Its objective is to verify whether on-site and nearby activities are at risk or have risked in the past causing contamination of the soil and groundwater of the studied property.

Phase 1 environmental site assessment in Alberta is required by financial institutions before issuing a mortgage loan involving a residential multi-unit residential building or commercial or industrial use.

Phase 2 Environmental Assessment, also known as preliminary environmental characterization, is required when the Environmental Site Assessment - Phase 1 has revealed evidence of actual or potential contamination that could affect the environmental quality of the study site.

Evaluators sample and characterize soils or groundwater at predetermined locations and submit these samples to laboratory tests to affirm or deny the presence of contaminants in concentrations greater than those permitted.

The Site Environmental Assessment - Phase 2 allows assessors to determine if land rehabilitation is required.