TEAM D
1009-77 Edmonton Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 4H8
t: 204-957-1313
www.teamd.ca
December 11, 2014
Mr. Robert Officer
Environmental Management Instructor
Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology
2055 Notre Dame Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3H 0J9
Dear Mr. Officer,
Subject: Phase One Environmental Site Assessment
Red River College Zone RRCSE, 2055 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg Manitoba
We are pleased to submit this report for the Phase One Environmental Site Assessment of Red River
College, Zone RRCSE located at 2055 Notre Dame Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Phase One ESA followed the standard as per CSA Z768-01 which includes completion of a detailed
checklist during a site visit (see Appendix A – Phase 1 ESA Site Assessment Process Checklist), record
review of Red River College Board of Governor minutes, aerial photographs dating to 1960 and
interviews with staff from Red River College and preparation of the final report pertaining to the site.
The following observations can be made:
• Red River College uses extensive amounts of salt to deice road and walkways during the winter
months.
• Pesticide use has been modified recently to include newer more eco-friendly methods.
• Runoff from the roofs of adjacent buildings constructed from torched asphalt does not
discharge into a proper drain or catch basin, it drains into the soil.
Based on the review of records, photos, interviews and the site visit, Team D concludes that there is
potential for soil and groundwater contamination on the Notre Dame Red River College Campus zone
RRCSE. A Phase Two ESA will be required to confirm the presence or absence of environmental
contamination at the site.
Sincerely,
Jodi Neumann, Vipan Sandhu, Lucas Gannon & Mark Dacquel
Senior Environmental Management Group Project
Prepared for:
Robert Officer
Phase One Environmental Site Assessment
2055 Notre Dame Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba Red River College Zone RRCSE
Prepared by:
TEAM D Jodi Neumann
Lucas Gannon
Mark Dacquel
Vipan Sandhu
i
Executive Summary
At the request of Mr. Robert Officer, Environmental Management instructor at Red River
College, a Phase One Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was conducted for the
southeast campus grounds at 2055 Notre Dame Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba as for
the purpose of potential development.
The main objective of this Phase One ESA was to identify potential environmental
liabilities at the site that may have resulted from activities on and adjacent to the
property and to identify any present conditions or practices that may represent
significant environmental risks or liabilities.
The Phase One ESA followed the standard as per CSA Z768-01 which includes
completion of a detailed checklist during a site visit (see Appendix A – Phase 1 ESA
Site Assessment Process Checklist), record review of Red River College Board of
Governor minutes, aerial photographs dating to 1960 and interviews with staff from Red
River College and preparation of the final report pertaining to the site.
The following observations can be made:
• Red River College uses extensive amounts of salt to deice road and walkways
during the winter months.
• Pesticide use has been modified recently to include newer more eco friendly
methods.
• Runoff from the roofs of adjacent buildings constructed from torched asphalt
does not discharge into a proper drain or catch basin, it drains into the soil.
Based on the review of records, photos, interviews and the site visit, Team D concludes
that there is potential for soil and groundwater contamination on the Notre Dame Red
River College Campus zone RRCSE. A Phase Two ESA will be required to confirm the
presence or absence of environmental contamination at the site.
.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... i
1.0 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Objectives .................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 Site Description ............................................................................................................... 2
3.0 Site Assessment Process .................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Scope of Work ............................................................................................................. 3
3.2 Methodology ............................................................................................................... 3
3.2.1 Records Review .................................................................................................... 3
3.2.2 Interviews ............................................................................................................ 4
3.2.3 Site Visit ............................................................................................................... 4
4.0 ESA Findings .................................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Historical and Current Land Use ................................................................................... 4
4.2 Adjacent Land Use ....................................................................................................... 5
4.3 Building Materials ........................................................................................................ 6
4.4 Grounds and Roadways ............................................................................................... 6
4.5 Surface Staining ........................................................................................................... 6
4.6 Pesticides and Herbicides ............................................................................................. 6
4.7 Sumps and Drains ........................................................................................................ 7
4.8 Pipelines ...................................................................................................................... 7
4.9 Stressed Vegetation ..................................................................................................... 7
5.0 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 8
6.0 Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 10
Bibliography .............................................................................................................................. 11
Appendices ............................................................................................................................... 13
Appendix A: Phase 1 ESA Process Checklist ............................................................................ 14
Appendix B: Red River College Campus Zone RRCSE .............................................................. 14
Appendix C: Aerial Photograph 1960 ..................................................................................... 15
Appendix D: Aerial Photograph 1968 ..................................................................................... 16
Appendix E: Aerial Photograph 1975 ..................................................................................... 17
Appendix F: Aerial Photograph 1983 ..................................................................................... 18
Appendix G: Aerial Photograph 1998 ..................................................................................... 19
Appendix H: Aerial Photograph 2014 ..................................................................................... 20
Appendix I: Auxiliary Equipment of Sprinkler System ............................................................. 21
Appendix J: Interview Notes .................................................................................................. 22
Appendix K: Adjacent Properties ........................................................................................... 25
Appendix L: Deterioration of Concrete Steps ......................................................................... 26
Appendix M: Concrete Gutter ................................................................................................ 27
1
1.0 Introduction
At the request of the Civil Engineering Technology Department of Red River
College of Applied Arts, Science and Technology, a Phase One ESA was
conducted at the Red River College southeast campus grounds at 2055 Notre
Dame Avenue in Winnipeg, Manitoba as for the purpose of potential
development. Authorization to proceed with this assessment was given by Mr.
Robert Officer, Environmental Management instructor at Red River College on
November 4, 2014.
The property is owned by Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and
Technology and is located at the southeast corner of Route 90 and Notre Dame
Avenue (Zone RRCSE) and occupies approximately 4.1 hectares (see Appendix
A – Red River College Zone RRCSE). The aerial photographs of the area are
provided in Appendix C, D, E, F, G, and H.
The site is a grass park with two parking lots located on the northwest and west
side. Activities on the site include surveying labs for Civil Engineering
Technology students, canine relief for the Veterinary Department and a resting
place for migrating geese. The north face of the Red River College CARSI Lab is
the only building located on the site and was built in 2007. Catch basins are
located throughout the site with weeping tile underground. East of the Antoine
Avenue right of way is a large stone enclosure where auxiliary equipment of the
grounds sprinkler system is located (See Appendix I – Auxiliary Equipment for
Sprinkler System). Located on the north side is a concrete gutter that runs east
towards route 90.
We understand that Red River College is looking into potential develop of this
property and this Phase One ESA was requested by the client to assist in the site
development plan approvals and to support filing a Record of Site Condition
(RSC).
2
1.1 Objectives
The Phase One ESA was conducted in accordance with CSA Z768-01 to identify
potential environmental liabilities at the Site resulting from existing and previous
land uses and to identify any present conditions or practices that may cause
significant environmental risks or liabilities.
The objectives of the Phase One ESA include:
• To develop a preliminary determination of the likelihood of contamination
in soil or groundwater at the property.
• To develop the need for a Phase Two ESA and if necessary, provide the
basis for conducting a Phase Two ESA.
The objectives were met through the evaluation of the information gathered from
a records review, interviews, and a site visit which includes completion of a
detailed checklist during reconnaissance.
2.0 Site Description
The property is owned by Red River College of Applied Arts, Science and
Technology and was constructed in 1963. The property is located at the
southeast corner of the campus on the corner of Route 90 and Notre Dame
Avenue (Zone RRCSE) and occupies approximately 4.1 hectares (see Appendix
A – Red River College Zone RRCSE). The subject property was vacant prior to
1963 and is of pasture cover type The site is a grass park with two parking lots
located on the northwest and west side. Activities on the site include surveying
labs for Civil Engineering Technology students, canine relief for the Veterinary
Department and a resting place for migrating geese. Catch basins are located
throughout the site with weeping tile underground. East of the Antoine Avenue
right of way is a large stone enclosure where a sprinkler system is located.
Located on the north side is a concrete gutter that runs east towards route 90
and stops prior to the sidewalk.
3
3.0 Site Assessment Process
3.1 Scope of Work
The Phase One ESA consisted of:
• Records review
• Aerial photographs
• Interviews
• Site Visits
• Providing detailed recommendations for further environmental assessment
3.2 Methodology
The Phase One ESA was conducted in accordance with CSA Z768-01 to identify
potential environmental liabilities at the Site resulting from existing and previous
land uses, to identify any present conditions or practices that may cause
significant environmental risks or liabilities and to prepare a final report that
documents the study results.
3.2.1 Records Review
Documents relating to the development history were reviewed during this
assessment. Any environmental issues identified were subject to further
investigation during the Site inspection and interviews. The records reviewed
consisted of the following:
• Aerial photographs obtained from Mr. Robert Officer
• Red River College Board of Governors Minutes
• Red River College history as documented on the Red River College
website (http://www.rrc.ca/index.php?pid=316)
4
3.2.2 Interviews
In an effort to obtain further information regarding the development, occupancy
history and environmental conditions of the Site, interviews were conducted with
the following people:
• Gordon McCleod – Pavement and Grounds Department
• Robert Zakaluk - Red River College Civil/CAD/GIS Instructor
Interview notes are provided in Appendix J.
3.2.3 Site Visit
Field personnel visited the Site on November 5, 2014 between the hours of 1 and
3pm to conduct a walk-through inspection, evaluate potential on-Site issues and
determine whether any surrounding land uses may have and/or are currently
impacting the environmental condition of the Site. The weather at the time was
overcast and approximately 4̊C. Photographs were taken from the Site and
publicly accessible lands to document current site conditions.
4.0 ESA Findings
4.1 Historical and Current Land Use
The Site was vacant and of grassy cover type prior to 1963. Development of the
Red River College Campus Zone RRCSE includes:
• 1963 - Access roads, parking lots, concrete gutter and buildings A and B
constructed
• 2007 – CARSI Lab constructed
• 2007-2014 – Paved walkways around flower beds constructed and Red
River College LED signage erected on southeast corner of the Site.
The Site is a grass park with two parking lots located on the northwest and west
side. Activities on the site include surveying labs for Civil Engineering
Technology students, canine relief for the Veterinary Department and a resting
5
place for migrating geese. The north face of the Red River College CARSI Lab is
the only building located on the site and was built in 2007. Catch basins are
located throughout the site with weeping tile underground. East of the Antoine
Avenue right of way is a large stone enclosure where auxiliary equipment of the
grounds sprinkler system is Phase located (See Appendix I – Auxiliary
Equipment for Sprinkler System). Located on the north side is a concrete gutter
that runs east towards route 90.
4.2 Adjacent Land Use
Properties surround the Site are summarized as follows:
North of the Site
Adjacent to the north perimeter of the site is the CARSI Lab, Building B and a
recreational field (See Appendix K – Adjacent Properties).
East of the Site
Adjacent to the east perimeter of the site is Route 90 and the Brooklands
Community (See Appendix K – Adjacent Properties).
South of the Site
Adjacent to the south perimeter is Notre Dame Avenue and industrial/commercial
zone (See Appendix K – Adjacent Properties).
West of the Site
Adjacent to the west perimeter of the site is the east wall of the south gym,
Building A and parking lot (See Appendix K – Adjacent Properties).
Summary
Based on observations of these surround properties, no potential environmental
concerns were identified at the time of the Site inspection associated with
surround land activities.
6
4.3 Building Materials
Building Material on the Site buildings include:
• Torched asphalt and 2” river rock on roofs
• Non recycled asphalt on parking lots
4.4 Grounds and Roadways
The college salts their roads, sidewalks and parking lots as needed. The mix
consists of 10% calcium and 90% sand.
4.5 Surface Staining
Observations of surface stains include:
• Oxidation of exposed rebar on south entrance of south gym (see Appendix
L – Deterioration of Concrete Steps)
• Visible stains are on various locations of the north and northwest parking
lots and can inferred that it is motor oil or gasoline from parked vehicles.
4.6 Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides used on for lawn care and flower beds include:
• Round-up (glyphosate) to control grassy weeds
• Eco Clear
• 2-4-D or Par 3 to control broad leaf weeds
• Fiesta to control broad leaf weeds
• Copper spray as a fungicide on trees & shrubs
7
4.7 Sumps and Drains
Sumps and drains observed during site visit include:
• Catch basins throughout the Site
• A concrete gutter collecting rain from the roofs of the south gym, Building
B and the CARSI Lab (see Appendix M – Concrete Gutter)
4.8 Pipelines
Underground pipelines were inferred with observations of sprinkler check valves
throughout the grounds. A housing unit of underground pipes was also observed
on grounds (See Appendix I – Auxiliary Equipment for Sprinkler System).
4.9 Stressed Vegetation
Locations of stressed vegetation include:
• Along the east and west right of way of Antoine Avenue
• Along southern border of north parking lot
• Throughout the Site (inferred from ponding)
• At the end of concrete gutter (see Appendix M – Concrete Gutter)
8
5.0 Conclusion
Conclusions regarding the current environmental conditions at the Notre Dame
Red River College Campus Zone RRCSE property in Winnipeg, Manitoba are
based solely on the results of the information reviewed, Site inspection and
interviews conducted as part of this Phase Once ESA as described in this report.
Based on the Phase One ESA, we conclude there is a high potential for
significant environmental liabilities to be associated with the Site. The following
potential environmental concerns associated with the current and historical use
of the Site and its environmental condition were identified:
• Spills and Leaks
There is no protocol as to response to spills and leaks occurring from parked
vehicles on Antoine Avenue and the north and northwest parking lot. There is
high potential for contaminants to reach the soil and groundwater.
• Deterioration of Concrete Steps
At the south gym south entrance, concrete steps have deteriorated and exposes
rebar that has rusted. It is assumed that when rainfall and snow melt occur the
precipitation that is exposed to this rusty metal is running off of the steps into the
grass field and drainage systems. With stating this, rust is non-toxic and
therefore does not present any biological hazards to the environment. The only
concern that this site finding presents is the support of the structure. It is clearly
noticeable that the concrete structure has been worn down, cracked and broken
away, but with the rebar being exposed, the air and moisture that it is exposed to
has caused it to rust and therefore arise concerns of supporting the structure in
the future. The exposed rebar also creates serious safety concerns for the
pedestrians using these steps as the concrete could crack or collapse at any time
and pedestrians could trip or cut themselves on the exposed rebar, especially if
hidden by a snowfall in the winter.
• Salts
Adjacent to City of Winnipeg Streets and sidewalks, which are salted in the
winter as needed. As cars drive by, they cause salt to spray onto Red River
property. When the snow melts the ice can make its way into the soil and ground
9
water. The college salts their roads, sidewalk and parking lots as needed. In the
year 2013, a total of 8 semi loads were used on the entire college.
Excessive amounts of chloride used for snow melt can have an impact on wildlife
and vegetation. The chloride is very soluble and once it gets into soil, there is no
natural process that can remove it. Because chloride is so soluble, there is a
chance of groundwater contamination.
• Pesticides and Herbicides
Although roundup is a toxic compound, it breaks down into harmless substances.
“Eco Clear” is made of organic products and is considered safe to use and
ecofriendly.
“2-4D” or “Par 3” has a short half-life and a low persistence in soil and water.
Because it has a high potential to leak from soils, groundwater contamination is
possible.
The “Fiesta” now used to control broad leaf weeds is considered lower risk and
non-toxic. Is has a low environmental impact and acts as a non-toxic way to
control pests.
The copper spray used on trees can build up in soils.
• Torched Asphalt Roofing
Acid rain decays the asphalt on your roof. While asphalt will not rust under
normal conditions, the acidic solution will eventually break down the asphalt,
exposing the underlying structure. Left unchecked, it can result in costly repairs.
The corrosive effect of acid rain is well established in Winnipeg The decay
increases with continued deposition. Precipitation flows from the rooftops of
Building B, the CARSI Lab and the south gym down the concrete gutter towards
Route 90. There is no observable catch basin and it can be inferred from visible
stressed vegetation that ponding occurs at the end of the concrete gutter.
10
6.0 Recommendations
Team D recommends that an ESA II be conducted to determine the extent of
possible soil and ground water pollution/contamination from salt, runoff from the
torched asphalt roofs and pesticides currently being used on trees and gardens
as well as pesticides used in the past.
Testing should focus on the discharge area of the concrete gutter, the soil along
roads, sidewalks and areas with stressed vegetation to test for salt and random
sampling throughout the property to test for pesticides in soils. Once pollution
reaches the groundwater it can spread faster therefore it is important that random
groundwater sampling be conducted throughout the entire site.
11
Bibliography
Amec Earth & Environmental. (2005, March 31). PHASE 1 ENVIRONMENTAL
SITE ASSESSMENT FORMER BAIE VERTE MINE. St. John's,
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Laso, M. D. (n.d.). Effects of Acid Rain on Asphalt Shingles. Retrieved December
6, 2014, from eHow:
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad
=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ehow.com%2
Flist_6150104_effects-acid-rain-asphalt-
shingles.html&ei=y9ODVLKIPMKyyATcjYLABg&usg=AFQjCNGJrOr9l6Fv
EMP8i7izDIt77y9euA&sig2=ZXX5kOos
Monsanto. (n.d.). ORGANIC CONSUMERS. Retrieved December 2014, from
organicconsumers.org:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/monsanto/roundup.cfm
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services. (2014). Environmental,
Health and Economic Impacts of Road Salt. Retrieved December 6, 2014,
from New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services:
http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/was/salt-reduction-
initiative/impacts.htm
Pinchin Environmental. (2013, April 22). Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
400 and 444 South Drive. Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
12
Red River College. (2014). RRC HISTORY. Retrieved December 6, 2014, from
Red River College: http://www.rrc.ca/index.php?pid=316
13
Appendices
14
Appendix A: Phase 1 ESA Process Checklist
15
14
Appendix B: Red River College Campus Zone RRCSE
15
Appendix C: Aerial Photograph 1960
16
Appendix D: Aerial Photograph 1968
17
Appendix E: Aerial Photograph 1975
18
Appendix F: Aerial Photograph 1983
19
Appendix G: Aerial Photograph 1998
20
Appendix H: Aerial Photograph 2014
21
Appendix I: Auxiliary Equipment of Sprinkler System
22
Appendix J: Interview Notes
23
24
25
Appendix K: Adjacent Properties
Notre Dame Red River College Campus (Google Maps 2014
26
Appendix L: Deterioration of Concrete Steps
27
Appendix M: Concrete Gutter