The Environmental Assessment Process

The scope of our services is portrayed in the table below

While it is often impossible to classify all of our work into neat categories, the table shows the relationship among various types of environmental investigations that do take place. Frequently, we have found that the terminology is used without precision. This description and our discussion on each aspect of environmental investigations is aimed at adding some clarity to the picture. In real life, a given client's needs may embrace a number of services.

Environmental Site Assessments

(ESAs) explore the legacy of past activities and concentrate on contamination that has been left on site that might affect the value of the asset. The review is retrospective, the need for action is immediate. The phasing of ESAs addresses the certainty with which the investigations are completed. Phase I ESAs raise the possibility of contamination, Phase II confirms the possibility and Phase III, if required, identifies the extent of contamination.

Environmental Audits look at the way in which present operations comply with regulations, guidelines and policies for environmental protection. The review is of present conditions and the need for action tends to be prospective.

Environmental Risk Assessments consider the potential for an unplanned event but one for which the consequences may be significant. The review is prospective and the need for action is triggered by the occurrence of a future event.

Engineered Solutions

Vydexa offers both the investigation and the solution to environmental concerns. As a result of the investigations described, there are a number of possible solutions.

Findings of site contamination during ESAs may require remediation of the site. Remediation can have a number of defined endpoints depending on the proposed uses for the site. For Vydexa clients, the possibilities range from declining to purchase or lease a site through to full restoration, including assistance with all permits required to make the site useful again.

Findings of non-compliance during an Audit lead to the development of remedial solutions such as those involving permitting existing operations, abating existing polluting activities or modifying systems or procedures to ensure compliance with regulations, guidelines or policies, including internal policy.

Some Risk Assessments that identify unacceptable risk can involve fundamental change in the way a process is operated, e.g. changing the use of a feedstock or relocating a facility. Other Risk Assessments will suggest that a minor process adjustment (e.g. the protection of a worker from chronic exposure) will ensure improved performance. Risk reduction often involves the implementation of procedures to protect the environment in the case of an unlikely event.

Environmental Site Assessments

ESAs are aimed at identifying site conditions or the presence of operating conditions that raise environmental concern. Vydexa completes ESAs for owners, prospective purchasers or anyone with a financial interest in a site. Owners and/or their Boards of Directors have a need to demonstrate due diligence through informed management of site issues. Prospective purchasers need to know about the liabilities associated with the property being acquired. Financiers want to reduce the uncertainty concerning the risk associated with a site that likely secures their financing.