Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA): Equipment Checklist for Canadian Consultants

A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment requires confirmed, defensible sampling data — and the equipment list that gets you there is longer than most project checklists suggest. This guide covers every category of field equipment Canadian consultants need to execute a Phase II ESA in accordance with ASTM E1903 and the CCME Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines, from hollow-stem auger soil sampling through groundwater low-flow purging, soil gas collection, decontamination, and site safety. Use it as a pre-mobilization checklist, not a general overview — your field team needs specific equipment confirmed, not principles described.

What Does a Phase II ESA Actually Involve?

A Phase II ESA is an intrusive investigation that confirms or denies the presence of contamination identified as a concern during a Phase I assessment. Where a Phase I (governed by CSA Z768 in Canada) is a desktop and site reconnaissance exercise, a Phase II requires physical sampling — soil, groundwater, soil gas, or all three — and laboratory analysis against applicable Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines (CEQGs) or provincial numeric standards.

The scope is driven by the Conceptual Site Model developed at Phase I: the identified Areas of Potential Environmental Concern (APECs) determine which media to sample, at what depths, and with what analytical suite. Equipment selection follows directly from that scope. A petroleum hydrocarbon investigation at an old fuelling station looks different from a chlorinated solvent assessment at a dry cleaner site — the media, depths, required analytical labs, and even the materials specifications on your sampling equipment (no PVC where DNAPL contact is likely) change based on the contaminants of concern.

Soil Sampling Equipment for Phase II ESA

Soil sampling is the most common component of a Phase II ESA. ASTM E1903 references ASTM D1586 (Standard Penetration Test and split spoon sampling) as the standard method for borehole-based soil sampling. Equipment selection within the soil sampling category depends on investigation depth, soil type, and whether the sample requires intact structure for volatile compound analysis.

Hand Augers: Sand and Mud Types

Hand augers are the starting tool for shallow boreholes in unconsolidated material — typically the first 0 to 4.5 m before drill-rig advancement becomes necessary. A sand auger uses an open-barrel design with a closed cutting head that retains granular soils (sand, gravel, coarse-grained fill) during withdrawal. Switch to a mud auger (Dutch or closed-bucket pattern) when you encounter cohesive or saturated soils: soft clay, lacustrine silt, saturated fine sand, or Leda clay in Eastern Canada. The mud auger retains material that collapses out of an open barrel.

ERE stocks sand and mud augers in 2″, 3″, and 4″ diameters with 3-foot and 5-foot stainless steel extension rods. Rod threads are interchangeable between head types, so field crews carry one rod set and swap heads as formation conditions change.

Hollow-Stem Auger and Split Spoon Samplers (ASTM D1586)

Once a drill rig is on site, the hollow-stem auger is the standard borehole advancement method for Phase II ESA work in unconsolidated to semi-consolidated formations. The hollow center allows split spoon sampling at discrete depth intervals through the auger stem, without the need to withdraw the auger string to collect a sample.

The split spoon sampler (standard 2″ OD, 1.375″ ID, per ASTM D1586) is driven into undisturbed soil at the base of the borehole by a 140-lb hammer dropped 30 inches. This yields the Standard Penetration Test N-value for geotechnical characterization alongside a soil sample for laboratory analysis. ERE stocks split spoon samplers, replacement drive shoes, and barrel sections.

Soil Core Samplers with Disposable Liners

When sampling for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), BTEX, chlorinated solvents — a disturbed split spoon sample placed loose in a sample jar will underreport concentrations by 30 to 80% relative to a sealed intact sample, due to volatilization losses during handling. For VOC-sensitive Phase II sampling, use a soil core sampler with a disposable acetate (CAB) or HDPE liner. The liner is sealed with end caps and parafilm within 2 minutes of extraction, placed on ice, and shipped to the laboratory without sample transfer.

Shelby Tubes

Shelby tubes (ASTM D1587) are used where intact sample structure is critical for geotechnical strength testing — soft sensitive clays, soft organic soils, and other low-strength materials where split spoon driving distorts the sample structure. Contact ERE for Shelby tube availability.

Browse soil sampling equipment: augers, split spoons, core samplers, and accessories →

For a detailed treatment of auger and core sampler selection, see: Soil Sampling Equipment: Augers, Core Samplers & Kits.

Soil Sample Containers

Sample containers are dictated by your laboratory and analytical suite. Common Phase II ESA soil containers include:

• VOA vials (40 mL amber glass) — pre-preserved with methanol or sodium bisulfate, for PHC fractionation and chlorinated solvent analysis.
• 8 oz amber glass jars — for semi-volatile organics (PAHs, PCBs), metals by aqua regia, and pesticide analysis.
• HDPE containers (500 mL to 1 L) — for metals by total digestion and inorganic parameters.
• Sealed core liners — for intact VOC sampling as described above.

Groundwater Sampling Equipment for Phase II ESA

Groundwater sampling is the second major component of most Phase II ESAs. CCME's Guidance Manual on Sampling, Analysis, and Data Management for Contaminated Sites specifies low-flow sampling as the preferred method for monitoring well sampling — a standard reflected in Ontario O. Reg. 153/04 technical guidance, BC CSR protocols, and Quebec's RPRT policy document.

Dedicated Bailers: PVC, Stainless Steel, and PTFE

A bailer is a hollow tube with a bottom check valve that collects a discrete grab sample from a monitoring well. For Phase II ESA initial sampling and screening, disposable PVC bailers eliminate cross-contamination risk between wells without a decontamination step.

• Disposable PVC bailers — standard for Phase II ESA grab sampling. Available in 1″, 1.5″, and 2″ diameters. Single-use; no decontamination required.
• Stainless steel bailers — for long-term monitoring programs with established decontamination procedures.
• PTFE (Teflon) bailers — specified when sampling for trace-level organics where PVC may sorb target analytes. Required at chlorinated solvent sites.

For regulatory submissions under most Canadian provincial programs, low-flow pump sampling is expected for monitoring wells — bailer results may be flagged as grab samples. For a full treatment of bailer types, see: Groundwater Bailers: Types, Materials & Selection Guide.

Peristaltic Pumps for Low-Flow Sampling

Peristaltic pumps are the field workhorse for low-flow groundwater sampling from shallow to moderate-depth monitoring wells. Practical suction lift is approximately 8 m (25 ft). A variable-speed peristaltic pump allows you to dial in the 100 to 500 mL/min flow rate required by CCME and most provincial low-flow protocols. ERE stocks portable peristaltic pumps with variable speed control, C-Flex and silicone tubing, and flow-through sampling cells for pH, conductivity, DO, ORP, and turbidity stabilization monitoring.

Bladder Pumps for Deep Wells and VOC-Sensitive Sampling

Bladder pumps are the standard for low-flow sampling in deep monitoring wells (beyond peristaltic suction limits) and for analyte suites sensitive to sample aeration — dissolved gases, volatile organics, and dissolved metals where oxidation state matters. A compressed-gas-driven bladder delivers a representative, non-agitated sample from wells as deep as 60 m or more.

Low-Flow Field Meters

Low-flow purging requires real-time stabilization parameter monitoring for pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen (DO), ORP, and turbidity. The CCME guidance target for turbidity at sample collection is less than 10 NTU. ERE carries portable multi-parameter water quality meters from Hanna Instruments.

Browse water and liquid sampling equipment: bailers, pumps, tubing, and field meters →

Soil Gas Sampling Equipment

Soil gas and sub-slab vapour sampling are required when a Phase II ESA identifies a vapour intrusion pathway — particularly at petroleum hydrocarbon and chlorinated solvent sites adjacent to occupied buildings. Sampling method and collection vessels must be confirmed with your laboratory before mobilization.

Summa Canisters and Tedlar Bags

Summa canisters are electropolished stainless steel vessels evacuated to near-vacuum. They collect soil gas by atmospheric inflow through a flow controller — typically 8 hours for time-integrated indoor air sampling, or a shorter grab-sample fill for sub-slab vapour. Summa canisters are the standard for TO-15/TO-15A analytical methods and required by most Canadian provincial guidance documents for vapour intrusion investigations.

Tedlar bags collect gas by positive displacement from a pump. Lower-cost than Summa canisters for grab vapour sampling, but not appropriate for chlorinated solvents or low-nanogram detection limits.

Browse air sampling equipment: Summa canisters, sampling trains, and accessories →

For air sampling pump selection, see: Air Sampling Pumps: Buyer's Guide for Canada.

Air Monitoring Equipment: PIDs and 4-Gas Monitors

Air monitoring instruments on a Phase II ESA serve two distinct purposes: field screening of soil headspace for contaminant presence, and worker safety monitoring for hazardous atmospheres.

Photoionization Detectors (PIDs) for Field Screening

A PID measures total VOC concentration in ppm-equivalent for soil headspace screening. Place the probe over an open split spoon sample in a sealed plastic bag headspace and read the VOC concentration to direct field decision-making about which intervals to submit for laboratory analysis. PIDs give a rapid, semi-quantitative indication of VOC presence — not regulatory-submission data. ERE carries PIDs for sale and instrument rental.

4-Gas Monitors for Confined Space Entry

If Phase II ESA work involves entry into confined spaces — excavations deeper than 1.2 m, underground storage tank sumps, catch basins, or any enclosed space with restricted egress — a 4-gas monitor is mandatory. It simultaneously measures oxygen (O₂), combustible gas (LEL), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). Ontario O. Reg. 632/05 and Alberta OHS Code Part 5 require atmospheric testing before entry and continuous monitoring during occupancy. CSA Z1006 provides the national standard framework. ERE rents multi-gas monitors for field programs.

Decontamination Equipment: What the CCME Protocol Requires

Decontamination between sampling locations is mandatory under CCME's Protocol for the Decontamination of Field Equipment Used in Contaminated Site Investigations (CCME 1993). Skipping or shortcutting decontamination introduces cross-contamination — a reportable QA deficiency that can require re-sampling.

Standard three-step decontamination sequence:

1. Dry decontamination: Remove visible soil with a clean brush or disposable rag.
2. Alconox detergent wash: Wash all equipment surfaces with Alconox phosphate-free detergent and distilled water. Scrub interior barrel surfaces.
3. Solvent rinse: Wipe or rinse with analytical-grade isopropanol (IPA) when organic contamination is suspected or confirmed.

Standard Phase II decontamination kit: Alconox detergent, 5 L distilled water carboys, long-handled brushes, plastic wash basin, decon pads, disposable rags, plastic sheeting, IPA spray bottle, chemical-resistant gloves, and waste containers for rinse water per provincial generator requirements.

Field Documentation and QA/QC

Field documentation determines whether Phase II ESA data is defensible in front of a regulator or in litigation.

Chain of Custody (COC) Forms

Every sample submitted to an accredited laboratory must be accompanied by a completed COC form documenting: sample ID, collection date/time, collector name, preservation method, container type, and requested analyses. Complete the COC in the field at the time of collection, not at end of day from memory.

Field Blanks, Trip Blanks, and Equipment Blanks

• Trip blank — sealed lab-prepared blank carried with VOA vials from lab to field and back. Required for every cooler containing VOC samples.
• Field blank — deionized water poured over decontaminated equipment and submitted for analysis. Documents decontamination effectiveness.
• Field duplicate — second sample from the same location submitted blind. Required at 1 per 10 environmental samples (10%) per CCME guidance.

Calibration Logs

All field instruments require documented calibration before use: water quality meters, PIDs, gas monitors, and peristaltic pump flow meters. Missing calibration records are a reportable QA deficiency under most provincial submission requirements.

PPE Requirements for Phase II ESA Field Work

Standard Site PPE

• Steel-toed safety boots — CSA Z195 Grade 1 or 2. Impermeable boot covers when working near surface contamination.
• Chemical-resistant gloves — nitrile (8 mil minimum). Upgrade to butyl rubber for confirmed DNAPL or concentrated chlorinated solvents.
• Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles — CSA Z94.3 for all intrusive work.
• High-visibility vest — CSA Z96 Class 2 minimum near traffic.
• Hard hat — CSA Z94.1 near drill rigs or overhead lifting.

Confined Space Entry PPE (CSA Z1006)

• 4-gas monitor (O₂, LEL, CO, H₂S) with continuous monitoring during occupancy
• Full-body harness (CSA Z259.10) for vertical entry confined spaces
• Retrieval tripod and winch at the entry point
• Attendant stationed at the entry point at all times
• Rescue plan documented in the confined space entry permit

ERE carries RONCO PPE for chemical-resistant gloves, coveralls, and related protective equipment.

How to Choose a Phase II ESA Equipment Supplier in Canada

The difference between a good and a poor Phase II ESA equipment supplier is not price — it is technical depth, multi-brand inventory, rental availability, and calibration support.

• Multi-brand inventory: Phase II ESA equipment spans soil sampling, groundwater sampling, air sampling, and decontamination supplies. A single supplier covering the full range reduces purchase orders and coordination delays.
• Rental program: Bladder pumps, multi-gas monitors, and specialized core samplers are better rented than purchased for occasional Phase II work. ERE's instrument rental program covers the most commonly needed field mobilization equipment.
• Calibration services: Gas monitors and water quality meters require periodic certified calibration. ERE's repair and calibration department handles major brands across Canada.
• Technical expertise: ERE has been supporting Canadian environmental consultants for over 30 years — our team has field experience with the equipment we sell and rent.

For a full overview of the environmental sampling equipment range ERE supplies, see: Environmental Sampling Equipment Guide for Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

What soil sampling equipment is required for a Phase II ESA in Canada?

For hand-advanced boreholes in unconsolidated soils, a sand auger or mud auger handles the 0 to 4.5 m depth range. For drill-rig-advanced boreholes, split spoon samplers per ASTM D1586 are the standard. When sampling for volatile organic compounds, a soil core sampler with disposable sealed liners is required to minimize volatilization losses. Provincial regulations — Ontario Regulation 153/04, BC's Contaminated Sites Regulation, Alberta's Tier 1/2 guidelines — all specify sampling methods that must produce representative results for the analytical suite required.

Can I use disposable PVC bailers for Phase II ESA groundwater samples submitted to a regulator?

Disposable PVC bailers are acceptable for grab sampling and initial screening. For regulatory monitoring well submissions under provincial programs — Ontario O. Reg. 153/04, BC CSR, Quebec RPRT — low-flow pump sampling at 100 to 500 mL/min with documented stabilization criteria is the expected standard. Bailer results are typically flagged as grab samples and may be scrutinized by the regulator for site closure or risk assessment decisions.

What PPE is required for confined space entry during a Phase II ESA?

Confined space entry requires a 4-gas monitor (O₂, LEL, CO, H₂S), a full-body harness and retrieval system for vertical-entry spaces, a dedicated attendant at the entry point, and a documented entry permit and rescue plan. CSA Z1006 is the national standard; Ontario O. Reg. 632/05 and Alberta OHS Code Part 5 are the enforceable provincial requirements.

What decontamination supplies do I need for Phase II ESA soil sampling?

The CCME decontamination protocol (CCME 1993) requires: dry brush cleaning, Alconox phosphate-free detergent wash with distilled water, clean water rinse, and analytical-grade isopropanol (IPA) solvent rinse when organic contamination is suspected or confirmed. Kit essentials: Alconox, distilled water in 5 L carboys, long-handled brushes, plastic sheeting, wash basin, disposable rags, IPA spray bottle, and waste containers for rinse water per provincial requirements.

Related articles

• Environmental Sampling Equipment Guide for Canada
• Soil Sampling Equipment: Augers, Core Samplers & Kits
• Groundwater Bailers: Types, Materials & Selection Guide
• Air Sampling Pumps: Buyer's Guide for Canada

Lire en français : Bilan environnemental de phase II (ESA) : liste de vérification d’équipement pour consultants canadiens