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Niagara Wine Visitor and Education Centre

137 Taylor Road

Niagara On the Lake, Ontario

Canada

Prepared for

Niagara College, Ontario, Canada

2012

Prepared By: Khalid Mahmood

Environmental Management and Assessment

Post Graduate Program

Niagara College, Ontario, Canada

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March 4, 2012

Niagara CollegeNOTL CampusNiagara College OntarioCanada

Ms Katie Aloft Professor Environmental Management Niagara College, Canada

Subject: Phase 1 ESA of Niagara Wine Visitor and Education Centre

Dear Ms Aloft,

Please find enclosed herewith the Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the above referenced site. The assignment involved the historical review, site reconnaissance and interviews to evaluate any existing and potential environmental contamination of the subject property.

I am pleased to submit this report for your kind consideration. If you require any further clarification, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

KhalidMahmoodEnvironmental Management and Assessment ProgramNiagara College, OntarioCanada

Ph [289]6960434

Kmahmood2@students.niagaracollge.ca

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents Page NoEXECUTIVE SUMMARY..................................................................................................................................................................6

1.0 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................................................7

1.1 Purpose.......................................................................................................................................................................................7

1.2 Scope of Services.......................................................................................................................................................................7

1.3 Significant Assumptions........................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.4 Limitations and Exceptions......................................................................................................................................................7

1.5 User Reliance...............................................................................................................................................................................8

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.1 Location .....................................................................................................................................................................................8

2.2 Current Property Use.......................................................................................................................................................... 8

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2.3 Structure and Improvements............................................................................................................................................. 8.

2.4 Adjoining Property Use.................................................................................................................................................... 9

3.0 USER PROVIDED INFORMATION.................................................................................................................................. 9

3.1 Specialised knowledge.................................................................................................................................................. 9

3.2 Owner, Property Manager and Occupant.............................................................................................................. 9

3.3 Prior Environmental Reports.................................................................................................................................... 9

4.0 RECORDS REVIEW..................................................................................................................................................................9

4.1 Property Use Record............................................................................................................................................................ 9

4.2 Easement Documents of property.................................................................................................................................... 9

4 .3 Land Use Map................................................................................................................................................................... 10

4.4 Fire Insurance Map........................................................................................................................................................... .10

4.5 Historical Use of Adjoining Property................................................................................................10

4.6 Previous Reports and Documents.......................................................................................................10

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4.7 Site Plan..............................................................................................................................................11

4.8 .Material Safety Data Sheet..............................................................................................................11

4.9 Geological Reports..........................................................................................................................11

5.0 |Historical interviews........................................................................................................................11

6.0 Physical Setting................................................................................................................................12

6.1 Topography ......................................................................................................................................12

7.0 SITE RECONNISANCE......................................................................................................................12

7.1. Heating and Cooling......................................................................................................................12

7.2 Solid Waste Disposal......................................................................................................................12

7.3 Wastewater Disposal.......................................................................................................................12

7.4 Sewage Discharge............................................................................................................................12

7.5 Surface Water Drainage ................................................................................................................ 12

7.6 Wells and Cisterns.......................................................................................................................... 12

7.7 Additional property Conditions............... ........................................................................................13

7.1.1 Hazardous Material Storage Conditions, Use and Handling.........................................................13

7.1.2 Spills and Stain Areas....................................................................................................................13

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7.1.3 Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs) ............................................................................................ .13

7.1.4Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs).........................................................................................13

7.1.5. Aboveground Storage Tanks(ASTs).............................................................................................13

7.1.6 Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)...............................................................................................13

7.1.7 Fill material.....................................................................................................................................13

7.1.8 Pits, Sumps.....................................................................................................................................,13

7.1.9 Special Attention items...................................................................................................................14

7.1.10 Odour ............................................................................................................................................14

8.0 FINDING AND CONCLUSIONS....................................................................................................14

8.1 EVALUATION OF FINDINGS..................... ...................................................................................14

8.2 RECOMMENDATIONS.....................................................................................................................14

9.0 REFRENCES.......................................................................................................................................15

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe Phase 1 study was carried out as an assignment for the course of Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) of the property Niagara Wine Visitor and Education Centre at the NOTL Campus of Niagara College, Ontario, Canada, subsequently referred to as “subject Property”. This assessment was prepared in accordance with Canadian Standards Association (CSA) ZZ768-01(R-2006) for Environmental Site Assessment Phase 1 ESA Process.

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Sum Summary of the findings

The subject property is owned by Niagara College and consists of two storey building. This building is located in the north east of Niagara College, Glendale Campus. The total area of building is about one acre and surrounding area of 39 acres is being used for vineyards. The subject property consists of wine making center and a retail outlet.

The purpose of Phase 1 ESA was aimed to identify the potential sources of environmental risks or liability of the subject property. Record review, site reconnaissance and interviews from the management and employees of Wine and Education Center were done to get firsthand knowledge. Prior to the construction of subject property, the area was used for grape growing and other agricultural uses. The observations made during the site reconnaissance and site visits were carried out carried out from Oct 31 to 2nd of Nov 2011.This exercise revealed the following facts.

Some stains on the floor of wine making facility may be an area of potential environment concern that needs to be further investigated.

Since the surrounding area is being used for the last 15 years for wine growing with continuous use of pesticides and herbicides, this area needs to be further

investigated for possible site contamination A Phase II ESA is recommended to probe the visible stains on the floor of wine

making facility and possible contamination of soil and ground water from surrounding fields.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

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The property ‘Wine and Education Centre’ located at 137 Taylor Road, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario was used for phase 1 study. This was a requirement for the Environmental Site Assessment course of the Post Graduate Environmental Management and Assessment Certificate program. The aforementioned property will be subsequently called as “subject Property “or “site” in following part of the report.

The subject property is owned by Niagara College and consists of two storey building. This building is located in the north east of Niagara College, Glendale Campus. The total area of building is about one acre and surrounding area of 39 acres is being used for vineyards. The subject property consists of wine making center and a retail outlet

1.2 Purpose The objective of this exercise was to find out the actual or potential risks of environmental contamination and subsequent liability of the subject property due to its past uses and current practices.

1.3 Scope of WorkThe study was carried out in accordance with the Canadian Standards Associations768- 01(R2006).The scope of work included a review of available historical record, site reconnaissance and interviews with the management and employees. The scope of work did not involve any laboratory analysis.

1.4 Significant Assumptions The assumptions in this case are that all the required information has been made

available and it is factually correct and nothing has been concealed with respect to past uses of the subject property and all the practices have been duly recorded in the available documents. The findings and recommendations are based upon the scope of work agreed between the management of Wine and Education Center of Niagara College. It is also a fact that no degree of work undertaken during Phase 1 of Site assessment can be fully conclusive and accurate.

1.5 Limitations and Expectations The services carried out in this report are based on the visual observation of the structures of the subject property.

The aim of this report was to find any credible source of potential contamination and bounded by the agreement of management of Wine Center and the undertaker of this exercise. Evaluating compliance by the past or future.

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1.6 User Reliance

The report may be used for any academic or research purpose only.

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION

2.1 LocationThe site is located at 137, Taylor Road, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario and faces the Glendale Campus .of Niagara College from North West. The total area of building is about one acre and vineyard of 39 acres surrounds the site from the north. There is a lagoon on the west of the site.

A summary of the physical description is given as follows.

Sites Findings Site name Niagara Wine Centre Site location 137 Taylor Road NOTL Site area 1 acre Site improvements Double storey building Heating and cooling system

Boiler system

Parking lot South of the site.

2.2 Current Property UseThe subject property is currently used as wine making and retail store. The basement is used for educational purpose for the students of Niagara College

2.3 Structures and Improvements

Age No of stories

Usage Construction

2 Years

2 Wine Making and academicbuilding

Construction

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2.4 Adjoining Property UseThe adjoining land is being used for the vineyards having an area of 39 acres.

3.0 USER PROVIDED INFORMATION

3.1 Specialized Knowledge No specialized knowledge of RECs or other potential concerns were reported by the client.

3.2 Owner, Property Manager and OccupantThe subject property is currently owned by the Niagara College, Canada and currently occupied Canadian Niagara Wine Visitor and Education Centre, Canada. Steve Gill is serving as General Manager/key site manager of the subject property.

3.3 Prior Environment ReportsNo prior Phase 1 ESA report or any other environmental related documentation was provided by the client.

4.0 RECORD REVIEW A historical review was conducted to assess any potential environmental

impacts from previous use of the site.

4.1 Property Use RecordNo information was available from St. Catharines Public Library as they do not carry any property use directory.

4.2 Easements Documented For Property The Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario, December 12, 1953 The Corporation of the Township of Niagara-on-the-lake, May 5, 1986 The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-lake, Jan. 2, 1998

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4.3 Records of Land Titles Regarding Niagara College Canada

4.3 Land Use Map Aerial photographs for the subject property were not available However,

land use map was available and it shows the presence of farm land.

4.4 Fire Insurance Map Mr Steve Gill and Mr Gavin were asked about the presence of any fire

insurance map. They both had no information about it. However, Mr Gavin confirmed that there had never been a fire incident ever since the construction of the subject property in 2009.

4.5 Historical Use of Adjoining Properties

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INSTRUMENT TYPE

FROM TO DATE

Agreement The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-lake

Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology

September 9, 1999

Agreement Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology

The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-lake

November 30, 1999

Agreement The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-lake

Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology

October 23, 2002

Notice Agreement

The Corporation of the Town of Niagara-on-the-lake

Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology

April 20, 2004

Apl Court Order

Ontario Superior Court of Justice

Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology

March23, 2005

Historically, this area was used for agricultural purposes and adjoining area in the further north of the subject property is currently used for grape growing for the last fifteen years.

4.6 Previous Reports and DocumentNo previous phase 1 ESA report was available about the subject property.

4.7 Site Plan The site plan was obtained from the Facility Management Centre office

located at Glendale Campus of Niagara College.

4.8 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)Though the current MSDSs were not maintained by the management but Mr Gavin claimed that we are doing our practices as per standard MSDS sheets approved for the industry across Canada. (Attached as annexure B)

4.9 Geological and Geo Technical ReportsCampus living center maintains geological reports so these were not available. 5.0 HISTORICAL INTERVIEWS

The first interview was conducted with Mr Steve Gill on Oct 30, 2011.He is currently serving as General Manager, Wine Education center. He told that property is owned by Niagara College. This building was constructed in 2009.The approximate production of wine is 45000 litres of finished wine in one year. He further told that chemicals and juices used in this used wine making facility are totally safe from health and environmental perspective.

The second interview was conducted with Mr. Gavin who is serving as winery technician for the last one year He accompanied me during the inspection of building and briefed various processes and practices of wine making. It was noted that there was moderate odour in the hall where wine making was taking place. In response to question. The temperature was maintained at 19 degree Celsius .Dark (brown)stains were observed under the fermentation tanks.(Photo attached in annexure).Many acids like tartaric acid, Potassium meta bisulphate, citric acid, ascorbic acid and potassium bicarbonate are used in different steps of wine making processes. According to Gavin, all these acids are already present in different fruits so

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these are not dangerous for human health or to the environment and are non hazardous in nature.

Mr Thomas Oppentauder is contact grower who has been growing grape crop in the vineyard for the last several years was contacted on telephone on three different occasions. The purpose of the making contact was to get information about different pesticides and herbicides being used on the fields. Mr Thomas was properly briefed about the about the objective of the undertaking. He politely declined to give any information in this regard.

6.0 Physical SettingThe site is located in the north east of the Glendale Campus of Niagara College. A vineyard is located further north of subject property. There is a parking lot of college campus in the south of the subject building.

6.1 Topography Topography is uneven. It ranges from gentle to moderately sloppy.

7.0 SITE RECONNAISSANCE The subject property was inspected by Khalid Mahmood, Post Grad student

of Environmental Management and Assessment Program. All areas of the subject property were accessible during the inspection and no obstruction of any type was found. 7.1 Building Heating and Cooling

Central heating and cooling systems are used. Temperature is maintained at 18 degree centigrade.

7.2 Solid Waste Disposal There is no special solid waste disposal system as no hazardous chemicals or

material are used.

7.3 Process Waste Water Disposal The municipal line is used for the waste water collection and disposal.

7.4 Sewage Discharge A separate sewer disposal line for the collection of sewage runs to

municipal sewage collection system.

7.5 Surface Water Disposal

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There are underground collecting pipes for collection storm water running into municipal water collection system.

7.6 Wells and Cisterns No wells and cisterns were seen for water supply and storage.

7.7 Additional Property Conditions The general cleanliness was not good in the wine making area and

laboratory and water spills were found all over the floor especially in wine making area .However, other portions of building were properly cleaned and appropriately maintained.

7.7.1 Hazardous Materials Storage and Handling No hazardous materials were found in the subject property

7.7.2 Spills and Stains Area No spill and stain area was observed other than the stains found below the

fermentation tanks.

7.7.3 Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls(PCBs) No PCBs or PCB material were seen during the site visit.

7.7.4 Asbestos Containing Materials(ACMs) No asbestos or ACMs were found in the subject property.

7.7.5 Above Groun Storage Tanks(ASTs) 27 numbers of containers were found used for the storage of prepared wine

but no spills were observed during the site visit. In addition to this, large numbers relatively small size containers called barrels having finished wine were observed in an separate but attached room of the wine making facility.

7.7.6 Underground Storage Tanks(USTs) No UST was reported by the site representative and no evidence of any UST was

found on the subject property.

7.7.7 Fill materials No evidence of fill material was found either in the interior or exterior of

the building.

7.7.8 Presence of Pits and Sump

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No evidence of pits, sumps was found.

7.7.9 Special Attention items No signage of workplace hazard was found. An eye washer was observed in

the wine making area.

7.7.10 Odour A moderate odour was observed in the wine making area. It appears that

this may be due to fermentation process taking place in fermentation tanks.

8.0 FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS Some stains on the floor of wine making facility may be an area of

potential environment concern that needs to be further investigated. Since the surrounding area is being used for the last 15 years for wine

growing with continuous use of pesticides and herbicides, this area needs to be further investigated for possible site contamination.

8.1 Evaluation of finding The presence of dark brown stains on the floor of wine making facility may

not be due to lack of proper cleaning of floor area. According to Mr Gavin, these stains are due to the presence of mould and it is non-significant. But it needs to be ruled out that this is not area of potential environmental concern.

9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS To rule out any possibility of environmental contamination that may

become a liability for the subject property in future, it is necessary to undertake phase II ESA.

The surrounding area grown with the grape crop for the last fifteen years is constantly been subjected to pesticides and herbicides use need to investigate through soil and water testing. Hence, phase II is recommended for the subject property.

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REFERENCES

The following sources were consulted for the preparation of phase 1 Report

1. Niagara Falls College Library

2. St Catherines Public Library, Ontario

3. “Niagara College Canada “A vision for the new Glendale Campus prepares by Christie Dunbar and Walter Kehm, University of Guelph (1998)

4. Google Maps

5. A previous Phase 1 study for Niagara College Residences prepared by Nobue kinoshita (2010)

6. FMC office, Niagara College, Glendale Campus

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7. Direct Interviews from management and employees of Niagara wine Centre.

Annexure A Fig 1

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The Exterior of the building (East) showing some oily spill

Annexure A Fig 2

Empty Containers in the exterior of the building

Annexure A Fig 3

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Some Brown staining on the floor under and besides wine fermenting tanks

Annexure A Fig 4

Cleaning Process of Fermentation Tanks In the wine Making Area

Annexure A Fig 5

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Wine Fermenting Barrels under open sky

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Building Plan

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