How long does an environmental assessment take?

Timelines vary based on the size of the site, the complexity of the project, and the type of study required, but generally range between two and six weeks.

Who conducts the studies?

Koncret works in collaboration with specialized firms certified by the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP).

Environmental study

Environmental impact of building construction

Q: When should an environmental assessment be conducted?

An environmental assessment may be required in several situations, including: when a financial institution mandates it as a condition for financing; during a change in the use of land or a building; when a site has a history considered to be at risk; when municipal or ministerial authorities require it for the issuance of permits; or as part of major excavation or redevelopment work.

Q: What is the difference between a phase I and a phase II study?

Phase I and II environmental site assessments include historical site analysis, visual inspections, and soil sampling and analysis to detect the potential presence of contaminants in accordance with MELCCFP requirements.

Q: What happens if contamination is detected?

When contamination is identified, our team guides the client through the evaluation of appropriate solutions—whether containment, remediation, or decontamination—in collaboration with specialized professionals and the relevant authorities.

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Understand the land before you build.

Even before a building is designed, understanding the site's environmental and geotechnical conditions plays a decisive role in the project's viability, compliance, and stability.

Environmental impact assessments and soil analyses for building construction help identify the technical, regulatory, and environmental constraints that could influence design, construction methods, costs, and timelines.

At Koncret, we coordinate all required environmental and geotechnical studies in collaboration with specialized, certified firms to ensure a structured, consistent, and compliant approach from the very first stages of your project.

This approach provides a clear understanding of site realities before work begins, thereby reducing the risk of major surprises, costly adjustments, and delays caused by constraints discovered too late.

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About

Why conduct these studies

A strategic step to keep risk down.

Environmental and geotechnical studies help you:

keep the building structurally stable and durable

meet the environmental and regulatory requirements that apply

support financing with the institutions

cut technical surprises and extra costs during the jobsite

steer the design choices and construction methods properly

Soil and environmental studies

Geotechnical and environmental studies directly influence design choices, construction strategies, and project budget planning.

By validating the actual characteristics of the land during the pre-project phase, it becomes possible to guide decisions more precisely, secure financing, and limit areas of uncertainty even before the site opens.

Soil study (geotechnical)

A geotechnical study evaluates soil composition, bearing capacity, drainage conditions, and the presence and level of the water table.
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This data is essential for foundation design, structural sizing, and the overall stability of the building. A solid understanding of geotechnical conditions also allows for the optimization of technical decisions and helps avoid costly corrective measures during construction.

Environmental study

An environmental study aims to determine the presence or absence of contamination on a site, identify the nature of potential contaminants, and define the management or remediation strategies required when necessary.
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These analyses are frequently required by financial institutions, municipalities, or regulatory authorities for commercial, institutional, or industrial projects. They play an essential role in securing the project, both financially and regulatorily.

At Koncret, we coordinate soil and environmental studies in collaboration with specialized, certified firms to provide a structured, compliant, and efficient approach from the very first stages of your project.

Our environmental and geotechnical study services

Koncret coordinates all required studies to ensure better synergy between the professionals involved and overall technical consistency for the project.

Phase I and II environmental studies

Historical site analysis, visual inspection, and soil sampling and testing to detect the potential presence of contaminants in accordance with MELCCFP requirements.

Geotechnical study

Assessment of the soil's bearing capacity, recommendations on foundations, analysis of the water table, soil stability and drainage.

Stormwater management study

Design of stormwater retention and infiltration systems that meet municipal requirements and suit the site.

Regulatory compliance analysis

Validation of the regulatory constraints tied to zoning, riparian buffers, wetlands and the environmental requirements that apply.

Technical report and recommendations

The certified reports needed to obtain permits, finance the project, and work out the technical solutions for the foundations and the build.

The koncret promise

The environmental and geotechnical studies are carried out by independent specialized professionals, then coordinated by our team, so the work stays integrated and the disciplines keep talking to each other.

That sharpens the technical solutions, cuts duplication, shortens coordination timelines, and keeps the studies, the design, the budget and the jobsite in step.

The goal is simple: to let the project move forward on solid, realistic, well-framed ground from the start.

FAQ

It wouldn't be concrete if it weren't clear and straightforward.

We believe a great project should be as intuitive as it is solid. Here is everything you need to know about Koncret™: from what sets us apart to what connects us to you and our network of partners.

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When should an environmental assessment be conducted?

Usually before purchasing land or starting a major construction project, to confirm the site's actual conditions, identify potential risks, and meet the requirements often requested by financial institutions and regulatory authorities.

What is the difference between a Phase I and a Phase II assessment?

Phase I consists primarily of a documentary and visual analysis of the site to identify potential contamination based on the land's history. Phase II includes soil sampling and laboratory analyses to confirm whether contaminants are present.

Is it mandatory in Quebec?

An environmental assessment may be required in several contexts, including:

when a financial institution mandates it as a condition for financing;
during a change in the use of land or a building;
when a site has a history considered to be at risk;
when required by municipal or ministerial authorities for permit issuance;
for major excavation or redevelopment work.

How long does an environmental study take?

On average, between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the size of the site, the required phase (I or II), and the number of analyses needed.

Who carries out the studies?

Koncret works with firms that are specialized and certified by the Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP).

What happens if contamination is detected?

If contamination is found, our team helps the client determine the best course of action—whether that involves containment, remediation, or decontamination—while coordinating with specialized professionals and the relevant authorities.