How do you assess environmental impact and liability during site investigation?

1 Define the scope

The first step is to define the scope of the site investigation, which means determining the objectives, boundaries, and criteria of the assessment. You need to consider the purpose and context of the site investigation, such as whether it is for regulatory compliance, due diligence, or litigation support. You also need to identify the relevant stakeholders, such as the site owner, the client, the regulators, or the public, and their expectations and requirements. The scope of the site investigation will guide the selection of the methods, tools, and resources for the next steps.

2 Conduct a desktop study

The second step is to conduct a desktop study, which means reviewing existing information and data about the site and its surroundings. You can use sources such as maps, aerial photos, historical records, databases, reports, and literature to gain a preliminary understanding of the site's characteristics, history, and environmental issues. You can also identify data gaps and information needs for the field investigation. The desktop study can help you to establish a conceptual site model, which is a representation of the sources, pathways, and receptors of potential contaminants at the site.

3 Plan and perform a field investigation

The third step is to plan and perform a field investigation, which means collecting and analyzing samples and measurements from the site. You need to design a sampling strategy that covers the relevant media, such as soil, water, air, or biota, and the appropriate locations, depths, frequencies, and methods. You also need to follow quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure the reliability and validity of the data. The field investigation can provide direct evidence of the presence, extent, and concentration of contaminants at the site.

4 Evaluate the environmental impact

The fourth step is to evaluate the environmental impact, which means assessing the nature and magnitude of the adverse effects of the contaminants on the environment and human health. You need to compare the data from the field investigation with the applicable standards, guidelines, or criteria for environmental quality and exposure. You also need to consider the fate and transport of the contaminants, such as how they move, transform, or degrade in the environment. The environmental impact evaluation can help you to identify and prioritize the environmental risks and liabilities associated with the site.

5 Develop remedial options

The fifth step is to develop remedial options, which means proposing and evaluating possible solutions to address the environmental risks and liabilities. You need to consider the technical feasibility, environmental effectiveness, social acceptability, and economic viability of the remedial options. You also need to consult with the stakeholders and obtain their feedback and approval. The remedial options can range from no action, to monitoring, to containment, to treatment, to removal, depending on the level of risk and liability.

6 Prepare and present a report

The sixth and final step is to prepare and present a report, which means documenting and communicating the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the site investigation. You need to follow the appropriate format, structure, and style for the report, and include all the relevant information and data. You also need to tailor the report to the intended audience and purpose, and use clear and concise language. The report can serve as a basis for decision-making, action-taking, or further investigation regarding the site.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?