Commercial & Industrial
Expert Environmental Consulting & Assessment Solutions for Businesses
Boost the Worth and
Security of Your
Commercial & Industrial Property
Our commercial and industrial environmental services are meticulously crafted to protect your assets and ensure the well-being of your business.
With over 28 years of expertise in the field of environmental consulting, we stand as your reliable choice for comprehensive assessments and solutions, addressing potential contamination that could jeopardize your business operations and become financially burdensome if left unattended.
Tailored Commercial & Industrial
Environmental Solutions to Meet Your Needs
We extend a comprehensive spectrum of specialized services, carefully designed to meet the unique demands
of business owners, industrial operators, and real estate professionals throughout Quebec. Our services are thoughtfully customized to enhance safety and enhance the value of your commercial and industrial properties.
Commercial &
Industrial
Environmental
Evaluations
Our team of expert environmental consultants conducts thorough environmental assessments aimed at enhancing the environmental aspects of your property. Our focus is on safety, quality, and sustainability, ensuring that your commercial or industrial space remains free from potential contamination.
As a business owner, industrial operator, or commercial real estate professional in Quebec, understanding the significance of environmental evaluations is crucial.
Environmental evaluations provide a plethora of benefits:
- Secure Your Investment: Our environmental site assessments provide vital information to make informed decisions about your property.
- Streamline Transactions: Our commercial and industrial environmental evaluations are accepted by all major stakeholders, making real estate transactions smoother and more efficient.
- Enhance Property Value: Environmental evaluations help identify and address environmental issues, ensuring your property is in its best possible condition.
- Ensure Operational & Employee Safety: A safe and healthy work environment is vital for the success of your business and the well-being of your employees.
In our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for your commercial or industrial property, our environmental evaluations are structured into distinct phases, each serving a unique purpose in assessing and addressing potential environmental risks or concerns.
Phase I – Historical Study of Environmental Risks
Initial non-intrusive preliminary study entailing site history, inspection and documentary research.Initial assessment to understand historical environmental risks.
Phase II – Soil and Groundwater Environmental Characterization
Soil and groundwater sampling and analysis (soil tests) to confirm the presence or absence of environmental contamination.
Supplementary Phase II or Phase III – Complementary Soil Characterization
Additional sampling to understand contamination extent and develop remediation strategies.
Phase I – Historical Study, Inspection and Document Research
Phase I plays a pivotal role, especially when it comes to commercial and industrial properties. It is a necessary step, particularly for properties with complex industrial histories. In this phase, we conduct a historical study, a site inspection as well as documentary research to identify areas of potential environmental concern on your property. No soil or groundwater sampling is done during Phase I.
The review of records pertaining to the property will provide a basis for establishing the site history, while the site visit will help to identify the presence of activities or facilities on the site and in the surrounding area that may potentially affect soil and groundwater environmental quality.
Our thorough research extends over a century and involves the utilization of numerous information sources, including Opta Information Intelligence, Québec land register, Énergir, and others.
Phase I serves the critical purpose of determining whether your industrial or commercial property may have been contaminated in the past and/or whether it is likely to be contaminated.
Phase I includes:
● A site visit and inspection
● Historical records review: aerial imagery, fire insurance plans, OPTA Information Intelligence Records, title search and data evaluation.
● In-depth interviews with individuals well-versed in the property’s historical background and activities.
● Examination of pertinent property documents from governmental authorities.
If Phase I raises concerns regarding contamination, we recommend proceeding to Phase II to confirm or deny the presence of environmental contamination in your commercial or industrial space.
Our Phase I environmental reports are accepted by all financial institutions and are prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). They also follow the Canadian standard CSA Z768-01 (R2022) – Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (2022), and adheres to principles outlined in the “Guide de caractérisation des terrains” (2024) provided by the Quebec Ministry of Environment.
Phase II – Soil Characterization
Phase II, known as Soil Characterization, involves collecting soil and/or groundwater samples. These samples undergo laboratory analysis to assess contamination levels based on your property’s intended commercial or industrial use. This phase aims to confirm the presence or absence of contaminants related to the risks identified during Phase I. The entire process adheres to the requirements set by the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP).
The specifics of Phase II, including the number of samples, their locations, parameters for analysis, and drilling depth, are determined based on the risks identified in Phase I, all with a commercial and industrial focus in mind.
Phase II includes:
● Drilling of boreholes, digging trenches, and/or installation of groundwater monitoring wells as needed.
● Collection of soil and groundwater samples.
● Laboratory analysis of collected samples.
● Assessment of various physico-chemical parameters related to potential contamination sources.
● Evaluation of contamination levels and their impact on the property’s environmental quality.
The findings from Phase II play a critical role in the environmental site assessment process. They confirm the existence of contaminants in specified zones, pinpoint affected environments, including soil, groundwater, and surface water, assess the extent of contamination, and provide a decisive evaluation of whether the property aligns with or surpasses the criteria set by the Ministry of Environment in regard to property usage and zoning. These results not only inform property stakeholders but also facilitate informed decision-making on necessary measures for ensuring the safety, compliance, and environmental integrity of the site.
If Phase II identifies significant contamination, additional testing may be necessary to accurately determine the extent of contamination. This information is critical for developing an informed plan for soil remediation (rehabilitation).
In cases where contamination is confirmed, you, as the client, have the discretion to proceed or not. The report is strictly confidential. However, it is worth noting that in commercial and industrial real estate transactions, it is typically the lender or potential buyer who may request property decontamination, making your property more attractive and market-ready.
Our Phase II environmental characterization methodology is based on the Canadian standard CSA Z769-00 (R2023) – Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (2023) and the standard methodologies outlined in documents provided by the Ministry of Environment.
Phase III – Supplementary Phase II or Complementary Soil Characterization
Phase III, known as Complementary Soil Characterization or Supplementary Phase II, is the next step if contamination requiring decontamination is identified in Phase II. It involves additional soil and groundwater sampling, analysis, and assessment.
The primary objective of Phase III is to conduct a thorough examination of the extent of contamination and the quantity of affected materials, offering a comprehensive understanding of the environmental impact. This phase is instrumental in determining the direction and velocity of contaminant migration, helping to model contamination plumes and their potential spread. Furthermore, Phase III enhances the assessment of the ramifications of contamination on the receiving environments, enabling a more precise evaluation of the environmental consequences and guiding the development of effective remediation and containment strategies.
Phase III includes:
● Execution of additional surveys and observation wells for precise delineation of contaminated areas.
● In-depth evaluation of rehabilitation or containment alternatives.
● Thorough modeling of contamination plumes and their impact on surrounding environments.
Phase III offers a more in-depth assessment of the impacts on receiving environments, providing valuable insights that guide effective decision-making and strategies for property rehabilitation and containment, ultimately ensuring the safety and environmental integrity of the site.
Commercial & Industrial Environmental Assessment FAQ
What industrial environmental services do you offer?
We offer a comprehensive range of industrial environmental services, including Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I, Phase II and/or Phase III), environmental site rehabilitation (Phase IV) and geotechnical studies.
What is the purpose of a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA)?
A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (Phase 1 ESA) is a comprehensive evaluation of a property to identify and assess areas of potential environmental concern (risks or contamination). It typically involves historical research, site inspections, and data analysis to determine the property’s environmental condition (potential and actual sources of contamination).
What does a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment involve?
A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment entails the collection of soil and/or groundwater samples. This phase is designed to confirm the presence or absence of contaminants based on the risks identified during Phase I.
When is a Phase III Environmental Site Assessment necessary?
A Phase III Environmental Site Assessment is necessary when significant levels of contamination are identified during Phase II. This phase involves a more detailed evaluation of environmental impact, modeling of contamination plumes, and the formulation of rehabilitation or containment strategies.
Environmental characterization aims to assess the presence of contaminants on a given site. Complementary environmental characterization is an additional step that involves more detailed assessments to better understand the extent of contamination, the migration of contaminants, and the environmental consequences.
Environmental Site Rehabilitation (Soil,Groundwater, and Sediment)
At Gestenv NG2, site environmental rehabilitation or remediation is a crucial phase undertaken following a Phase II or Phase III Environmental Site Assessment when the presence of contamination is confirmed on a property.
Our expertise extends to the meticulous restoration and rehabilitation of sites to their maximum potential. We prioritize safety and environmental responsibility.
Soil rehabilitation, also known as soil remediation, aims to return the soil to a condition that meets the acceptable criteria for its intended purpose.
This is achieved through various techniques, including:
● Excavation and proper disposal of contaminated soil at authorized sites
(ex-situ remediation
● On-site treatment of contaminated soil (in-situ remediation)
Our evaluation of decontamination work considers several factors, including:
● The elements affected by the contaminant (soil, groundwater, surface water)
● The type of contaminant
● Existing infrastructure and the accessibility of the area to be rehabilitated
● The dimensions of the site
● The volume of contaminated soil
These measures are taken to ensure a safe and environmentally compliant commercial or industrial property ready for use according to your specific needs.
Our environmental site rehabilitation service includes:
● In-depth evaluation of rehabilitation or containment alternatives.
● Development of comprehensive rehabilitation plans.
● Precise estimation of environmental rehabilitation costs.
● Implementation of decontamination measures on the site.
● A traceability system for excavated contaminated soils with a certifier in the company (Traces Québec)
Since January 1, 2023, all contaminated soils transported outside the original site must be mandatory tracked through the government traceability system, Traces Québec. This requirement arises from the Regulation Concerning the Traceability of Excavated Contaminated Soils (RCTSCE). At NG2, we can provide you with this service and guide you through every step of this process.
Application of Section IV of Chapter IV (Title 1) of the EQA
The “Regulation on the Protection and Rehabilitation of Land,” adopted by the Council of Ministers on February 26, 2003, allows for the implementation of certain provisions of Bill 72. This regulation, published in the Official Gazette on March 12 and in effect since March 27, 2003, establishes, among other things, concentration limits for contaminants in the soil that enable the assessment of a land’s contamination level based on its use. It also defines the categories of industrial and commercial activities covered by some legislative provisions.
As the owner of contaminated land, the MELCCFP and municipalities may be required to enforce this law. For the municipality, this may involve characterizing and, if necessary, rehabilitating land after its use or when changing its use, notifying owners of adjacent properties of contamination at the boundaries of municipal property, or, if necessary, recording notices of contamination, notices of land use restrictions, or notices of decontamination concerning municipal property on the land registry. In this context, our environmental services include certifications of environmental studies conducted in this legal framework by a professional referred to in Article 31.42 of the EQA, as well as guiding the client throughout the regulatory process.
Commercial & Industrial Environmental Site Rehabilitation FAQ
What is Commercial & Industrial Environmental Site Rehabilitation?
Commercial & Industrial Environmental Site Rehabilitation refers to the process of restoring a contaminated or compromised property to an environmentally safe and compliant condition. It becomes necessary when the presence of contamination is confirmed on a commercial or industrial property, typically after Phase II or Phase III environmental site characterization.
Can you explain what “in-situ environmental rehabilitation” means?
In-situ environmental rehabilitation refers to the treatment of contaminated soil on-site, without the need for excavation and removal. This method may include techniques such as bioremediation, bioaugmentation, or chemical treatment to reduce or eliminate contaminants.
Can you explain what “ex-situ environmental rehabilitation” means?
Ex-situ environmental rehabilitation refers to the process of removing contaminated materials, such as soil, from their original location or site for treatment, disposal, or containment elsewhere. This approach involves excavating or physically transporting the contaminated materials to a designated facility or site where the necessary rehabilitation processes, such as treatment, disposal, or containment, can be carried out.
What are the goals of Commercial or Industrial Environmental Site Rehabilitation?
The primary goals of Commercial Environmental Site
Rehabilitation are to:
● Eliminate or mitigate environmental hazards.
● Restore the property to a condition that aligns with environmental standards and regulations.
● Ensure the property’s safe and sustainable use for commercial or industrial purposes.
How are the costs estimated for Commercial or Industrial Environmental Site Rehabilitation?
The cost of Commercial Environmental Site Rehabilitation is determined based on the specific project’s requirements, including the extent of contamination, the complexity of the work, and the chosen remediation technique. Cost estimates are provided on a case-by-case basis, ensuring precision and tailored solutions.
Geotechnical
Commercial and
Industrial Studies
A geotechnical study is a comprehensive investigation aimed at assessing the properties of soil and rock, as well as local groundwater conditions for commercial and industrial sites. The primary objective is to establish critical geotechnical parameters specific to the site, providing a foundation for recommendations during the design and construction of various engineering projects. Our geotechnical studies adhere to rigorous standards, including compliance with the National Building Code, the Canadian Foundation Engineering Manual, and the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). Our specialists conduct these studies, ensuring they meet these stringent requirements.
Geotechnical studies are indispensable for a wide range of projects within the commercial and industrial sectors. They serve as a vital tool for architects, engineers, builders, and property owners, offering insights into soil and rock properties and their capacity to support planned structures.
Whether you are developing a new commercial facility, expanding industrial operations, or assessing an existing structure, our geotechnical studies provide essential information to determine site suitability, identify potential geological risks, and ensure the stability and safety of your project.
Our geotechnical studies involve a systematic process overseen by our specialists, often with an engineer at the helm to ensure compliance with national and industry standards. The process typically includes soil and rock sampling, in-situ tests, and laboratory analysis, generating valuable data about the site’s geotechnical characteristics, groundwater conditions, and soil-bearing capacity. This information enables us to make informed recommendations for your project’s design and construction.
We offer two types of geotechnical studies:
This study assesses the composition and characteristics of the soil beneath a proposed or existing structure, evaluating its bearing capacity. By determining the soil’s ability to support the weight and loads of commercial or industrial buildings, we ensure stability and safety.
Our slope stability study examines the characteristics of slopes to plan building or expansion locations. It identifies areas at risk of landslides and may also consider soil-bearing capacity, safeguarding commercial and industrial projects from geological hazards.
At Gestenv NG2, our geotechnical studies adhere to stringent standards, encompassing compliance with the National Building Code, the Canadian Foundation Engineering Manual, and the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS).
Our services are designed to meet the highest industry standards, providing reliability and peace of mind to our commercial and industrial clients, backed by errors and omissions liability insurance.
Geotechnical Commercial Studies FAQ
What is the purpose of a geotechnical study for commercial and industrial projects?
A geotechnical study for commercial and industrial projects is conducted to assess the properties of the soil, rock, and local groundwater conditions at a specific site. This study provides crucial insights into the site’s geotechnical characteristics, helping to ensure the safety, stability, and suitability of the land for construction and other operations.
What do geotechnical studies have to do with industrial environments?
Geotechnical studies assess soil and rock properties, as well as groundwater conditions at industrial sites. These studies provide critical information for designing and constructing various engineering projects in industrial settings.
What are the key components of a geotechnical study for commercial and industrial projects?
A comprehensive geotechnical study typically includes soil and rock sampling, in-situ tests, laboratory analysis, and expert evaluations. These components provide essential data about the site’s geotechnical properties, groundwater conditions, and soil-bearing capacity, allowing for informed recommendations during the project’s design and construction phases.
When should I consider a geotechnical study for my commercial or industrial project?
A geotechnical study should be considered at the early stages of any commercial or industrial project. Whether you are planning new construction, expansion, or assessing an existing facility, conducting a geotechnical study helps you make informed decisions and ensures the project’s long term success.
What are the differences between Soil Bearing Capacity and Slope Stability studies?
Soil Bearing Capacity studies assess the soil’s ability to support the weight and loads of a building, ensuring its stability and safety. On the other hand, Slope Stability studies evaluate characteristics of slopes and determine safe building locations while considering soil bearing capacity to guard against geological risks.
Due to the confidential nature of commercial and industrial geotechnical projects and the need to protect the privacy of our clients, we are unable to provide specific references or examples. However, our extensive experience and expertise in the industry have earned recognition and trust from major stakeholders.
The cost and timeline of a geotechnical study can vary depending on factors such as the project’s complexity and scale. We tailor our services to individual project requirements and provide customized cost estimates and timelines to meet your specific needs.
Expertise Tailored to You
At Gestenv NG2, our team of experts is wholeheartedly committed to understanding your unique requirements within the commercial and industrial sectors. Our environmental consulting expertise is deeply rooted in experience and collaboration, ensuring we are your most reliable partner for all your environmental needs in these sectors.
We are well-versed in the commercial and industrial landscape, with services recognized and accepted by all lenders and financial institutions for smooth transactions. You can trust us for expert environmental consulting and innovative environmental consulting & technology.
Your Commercial or Industrial Property
Deserves Excellence
We recognize the value of your property and are committed to optimizing it. As a dedicated partner in environmental services, we are here to meet all your needs, ensuring a safer and more resilient commercial or industrial environment.
Contact us today to embark on a journey toward unlocking the full potential of your commercial or industrial property. Nothing less is worthy of your asset, and we are here to achieve that. As a devoted partner, we provide commercial and industrial environmental services in Quebec that address all your requirements, creating a safer and more sustainable environment for your property.