Environmental Assessments Many institutions and insurance companies that provide funding to commercial and industrial sites require environmental assessments and site audits. Assessments are frequently required by a purchaser's legal advisors prior to transfers where there is a history of commercial or industrial operations. Our engineers meet with clients to assist in determining the need for, and level of auditing. Site audits can, and do uncover concerns which should be addressed prior to finalizing business arrangements. Reliable audits are best performed by engineers experienced in examining land and buildings for potential problems. Site assessments are carried out at three levels: a phase I, consisting of a site visit and report, phase II consisting of soil sampling and laboratory testing, and phase III to detail remediation requirements. Comco has developed visit, sampling and reporting protocols to maximize the information and minimize client exposure. Phase I Assessment A Phase I audit will involve a review of the history of the site and the site visit by and engineer with "hands on" industry experience. The site visit involves examining the property for obvious environmental concerns, such as areas with evidence of stored chemicals, existence of banned substances, staining, or evidence of buried tankage. The Phase I audit may include a recommendation for a Phase II audit. Phase II Assessment A Phase II Assessment involves sampling and testing on a site, including a sub-surface investigation. Comco utilizes its own drilling equipment, including a CME45 truck-mounted drilling rig and small-scale excavating equipment. The extent of sampling is often determined during the audit. Comco's in house capabilities for In-stu testing for vapour phase hydrocarbons, conductivity and pH minimizes cost and pinpoints needs for additional sampling or detailed laboratory analysis. These Phase II investigations often provide efficient data to provide an estimate of remedial work and eliminate the need for a phase III Assessment. Phase III Assessment A Phase III Assessment involves extensive drilling programs to determine the extent of impact found in a Phase II audit. The Phase III Assessment can provide the details necessary to accurately define remediation costs.