Site Investigations
Site investigations are often necessary to collect the information required to obtain a clear and accurate understanding of contamination to the environment, the potential ecological and human risks, and the financial consequences associated with the contamination. Depending on the needs of our clients, EnviroSense can design site investigations to preliminarily evaluate a site for the presence of contamination, or to fully characterize the nature, magnitude, and extent of contamination in the environment. EnviroSense commonly conducts these investigations to:
- Identify sources, pathways, and potential receptors of environmental contamination;
- Assist in risk characterization of human health, public welfare, safety and the environment;
- Assist in quantifying potential environmental liability associated with a site;
- Evaluate the necessity to implement remedial action;
- Collect necessary data to support the evaluation, selection, and design of appropriate remedial alternatives;
- Support Brownfields/Redevolopment projects;
- Evaluate regulatory compliance; and
- Support the development of strategies and options for litigated cases.
Common activities EnviroSense conducts during site investigations include:
- Regulatory reviews and owner/operator interviews;
- On-site inspections and surveys;
- Design and installation of environmental monitoring networks;
- Sampling and analysis of environmental media, such as soil, ground water, surface water, sediment, and air;
- Hydrogeologic evaluations;
- Aquifer hydraulic testing;
- Investigations of non-aqueous phase liquid contamination;
- Contaminant fate and transport analysis; and
- Analytical and numerical computer modeling.
At EnviroSense, we believe that the most appropriate investigation program is designed based on our client's needs and objectives, regulatory requirements, existing and potential legal issues, and technical practicality. We typically conduct investigations in a phased approach starting with the collection of existing data from regulatory and municipal files, any known investigation reports previously prepared for the site or nearby properties, scientific reports prepared by federal or state agencies, site reconnaissance surveys, and interviews with past and present facility personnel or people with reliable knowledge of the site. Information gathered during this first phase is used to evaluate the need for, and if necessary, the development of, an intrusive investigative program. Depending on the physical and chemical complexity of the site, the intrusive investigation may also be phased for cost-effective data collection.
If you are in need of a site investigation and are looking for a team who will completely and diligently manage your case from the preliminary filings and all the way through site development, contact EnviroSense today.