Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Whether your project site development is a greenfield or brownfield, Sola’s team of environmental and geotechnical engineers are experts in the investigation, assessment and remediation of contaminated land and groundwater. Our technical knowledge, experience and understanding of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) regulatory standards enables us to provide you with creative, well thought-out analysis, solutions and advice for environmental site assessments, site remediation, excess soil management, and environmental approvals.

Soil Test. Female agronomist taking notes in the field. Environmental protection, organic soil certification, research

Our Environmental Engineering Services Encompass:

  • Phase one and Phase l ESA
  • Phase Two and Phase ll ESA
  • Excess Soil Management
  • Remedial Action Plan (RAP)
  • Sampling and Analysis Plan
  • Soil Characterization Report
  • Excess Soil Destination Assessment Report
  • Records of Site Condition (RSC)
  • Site Remediation

Excess Soil Management

Newly introduced and evolving legislation for on-site processing of excavated soil or excavated rock, and the reuse and disposal of excess soil from project areas complicates the environmental approval process. Sola’s geotechnical expertise and consulting capabilities means that Sola can accurately assess soil quality and consult clients on soil management strategies that best suit client needs. Excess soil management begins with an Assessment of Past Uses (APU) to assess potential site contamination from past or present land uses. Where applicable, a Sampling and Analysis Plan is then implemented to identify contaminants in areas of potential environmental concern. Following this, a Soil Characterization Report establishes the concentration of and distribution of contaminants in the soil. This report guides the development of the Excess Soil Destination Assessment Report and the soil tracking system which serve to establish the destination of excess soils and to record the location and quantity of soils being transported.

Site Remediation

Site remediation is required when contaminants exceeding regulatory standards are identified in soil or groundwater during the phased ESAs. Our recommended remediation methods could include soil removal and off-site disposal, on-site or in-situ cleanup, or stabilization methods. Groundwater remediation could include onsite treatment or extraction and off-site treatment and disposal. A Sola Engineering site-remediation project requires us to understand all aspects of the site, including geological settings, past land use(s), contaminant origin and its nature, future land use and water use, and risks. By combining our findings with understanding of our client’s needs, Sola’s engineering team devises a remediation plan that balances the client’s desire to minimize remediation time, costs and risks. In the field, Sola Engineering’s strong emphasis on safety, execution design and planning, coupled with strong ability to coordinate and supervise field work enables our team to deliver the results our clients need.

Environmental Approvals

Clients have learned to rely on our expertise and experience to address their environmental hurdles and obtain the regulatory approvals needed to move a project forward; our staff have the knowledge and experience in dealing with local municipal and provincial authorities. We understand that, in some cases, project progress hinges on obtaining a MECP Record of Site Condition (RSC) registration. Our Qualified Persons (QPs) are experts in preparing environmental reports that meet the MECP’s RSC standards.

Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)

Sola Engineering possesses the capability to assist clients in conducting the ESAs needed to evaluate a property’s existing and potential contamination liabilities. We are skilled in carrying out Phase I and II ESA studies and developing Remediation Action Plans (RAP) where appropriate, all in accordance with protocols described under the Standards Council of Canada documents Z768-01 (R2012) and Z769 (R2013). Similarly, our expert consulting services extend to Phase One and Phase Two ESAs in situations where records of site condition are required, conducted in compliance with O. Reg. 153/04 under the Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19.

Phase I & Phase One ESA

The purpose of a Phase I ESA is to assess the existence of environmental issues due to the past or present use of a property. A Phase I ESA includes a review of historical property records, present site settings and operations, a visual site reconnaissance, and interviews with people knowledgeable about the site. A Phase One ESA tackles the same subject matter addressed in a Phase I ESA but is differentiated by its broader scope of analysis for the purposes of complying with O. Reg. 153/04. Both studies conclude with a report of findings, conclusions, and recommendations for further investigation if needed.

Phase II & Phase Two ESA

The purpose of a Phase II ESA study is to further assess environmental risks identified in a Phase I study. A Phase II study involves sampling and testing of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment and soil vapour. Its objective is to identify types, concentrations, and locations of contaminants, in the context of applicable regulatory standards for the proposed land use. Similarly, a Phase Two ESA addresses the subject matter covered by a Phase II ESA but its scope is widened to accommodate the requirements set out under O. Reg. 153/04. Both studies conclude with a report of findings, conclusions, and recommendations for environmental approvals such as a Record of Site Condition or site remediation strategies.

Additional ESA Studies

Additional ESA studies, including Supplemental Phase II ESAs might be required to further investigate the nature and extent of adverse environmental impact identified by a Phase II ESA. The work includes conducting additional soil, groundwater and soil vapour sampling and analyses. The investigation output is a Remediation Action Plan (RAP).