Brownfields

In major cities across Canada, there has been growing interest in brownfield redevelopment to meet the rising demand for commercial and industrial property. These contaminated sites can represent significant investment opportunities with proper environmental management.

AEL employs a combination of remediation and risk assessment strategies that enable the redevelopment of brownfield sites. Our professional team of environmental engineers and geoscientists work alongside clients to ensure that the appropriate steps are taken to bring a brownfield site back into use. 

Proven Methods of Brownfield Remediation

With the right approach, brownfield sites can be transformed into valuable assets for communities and businesses alike. Remediation strategies include: 

  • Groundwater Remediation – Once we have gained a clear understanding of the source(s) of contamination and the nature of contaminant(s), we can work with you to determine an appropriate Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for your distinct brownfield property.  
  • Soil Remediation – The remediation of impacted soil does not have to be a guessing game. Our innovative approach to remediation employs on-site testing to ensure confidence in the management of your brownfield site(s). By testing soil throughout an excavation, we can save you both time and money in your quest to redevelop a brownfield property.
  • Bioremediation – In certain cases where soil excavation or pumping contaminated groundwater off-site is too challenging or not cost-effective, AEL employs bioremediation. This effective, in-situ remediation technology may serve as the best alternative for your brownfield property, plus it has the benefit of actually treating the problem, rather than relocating it elsewhere.
  • Risk Assessment (RA) – A Risk Assessment (RA) may be a viable option if practical challenges or project costs prevent a full site remediation. In the case of brownfield properties, there is always a possibility that the cost of remediation might outweigh the benefits of redevelopment. A Risk Assessment-based Record of Site Condition (RSC) provides site owners with indemnification from the Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Parks (MECP) and can be more cost-effective.

Tax Rebates for Property Owners Who Remediate Brownfield Sites

As always, the best approach to remediating a brownfield site will depend on a combination of environmental due diligence and your own personal site goals. You may even qualify for a tax incentive to help revitalize vacant property. One example is the Brownfields Financial Tax Incentive Program (BTIP) from the Government of Ontario, which can help offset the costs of remediation for the owners of eligible brownfield properties. 

This financial tool provides municipalities with tax assistance to clean up brownfield properties. A property must have a Community Improvement Plan and the results of a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in order to qualify for the program.

The AEL Approach to Brownfield Remediation

With expert guidance from the AEL team and the right remedial action plan, brownfield redevelopment can lead to significant investment opportunities for property owners. To better understand AEL’s remediation approaches, read our insightful blog post on remediation innovations we’ve adopted and implemented for our clients, or contact us today to discuss your unique needs.

Our Process

Why AEL Environment?

Save Time & Money

We ensure that our robust reporting and recommendations not only meet your needs, but help you make decisions efficiently and effectively.

Get Educated

With AEL environment not only do you receive detailed assessments and reports but we make sure you understand them as well. Learn more.

Excellent Client Services

Our dedicated team will answer any of your questions, big or small. We are committed to providing customized solutions. Contact us.

Expert Engineers

With over 30 years of experience our expert engineers will be able to address any concern or issue on your property. Meet the team.

Why AEL Environment?

Save Time & Money

We ensure that our robust reporting and recommendations not only meet your needs, but help you make decisions efficiently and effectively.

Get Educated

With AEL environment not only do you receive detailed assessments and reports but we make sure you understand them as well. Learn more.

Excellent Client Services

Our dedicated team will answer any of your questions, big or small. We are committed to providing customized solutions. Contact us.

Expert Engineers

With over 30 years of experience our expert engineers will be able to address any concern or issue on your property. Meet the team.

We help you manage the unknown

Every property has a history, we can help you interpret it using our detailed reports.

AEL environment is focused on creating tailored solutions based on your end goals for each property. Tell us the service you require, and our team of expert engineers will guide you through the process.

What Our Clients Are Saying
AEL environment
“As a real estate investor in Southern Ontario, I routinely rely on environmental services offered by AEL, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 procedures. The AEL team has consistently provided professional services that are timely, cost-effective, and in my opinion, the gold standard of the industry. I have used AEL on several occasions and plan to continue to do so as we focus on building our property portfolio.”
John Papanikolaou, Co-CEO
TenDream Properties
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