Environmental consulting firms offer exactly what the title implies. They offer consulting on things concerning environmental due diligence, and how organizations can comply with certain standards and requirements set by law regarding their property. Services like Phase I ESA’s, environmental management services and many others are common requirements for real property transactions involving buyers, investors and developers.
When do you need the services of environmental consulting firms? These services are required when buying or selling land with issues involving potential hazardous substances. They are necessary in order to comply with municipal and federal regulations on aspects of planning,
property condition assessments, environmental impact assessments and other similar services.
There is a wide variety of services a consulting firm may offer. Some firms focus on specific services like engineering, while others focus on testing and still other consulting firms offer almost all available environment-related services.
Performing necessary environmental due diligence serves many purposes, to both the transacting parties and the government. First, it ensures the safety of the people who are going to use or inhabit the property. Second, it saves the government possible cleanup costs in cases resulting from neglect on the part of the landowner, developer or the government.
Environmental engineering firms test, assess and determine whether pollution of a property may cause harm to people and to the environment prior to any development or construction taking place.
It’s not just the United States that does this kind of environmental due diligence. Like the Superfund law in the US, Canada has enacted the Environmental Assessment Act to protect against any harmful events due to land toxicity, water pollution and other forms of contamination that can affect real property.
How do you find the best consultant for you? First, make a detailed list of any known environmental issues you want the consultant to analyze. Gather as much detailed information as possible, so you can supply the environmental consulting firm with enough input for them to make a detailed plan of action. You can also seek a referral from your attorney. In addition to seeking referrals for such a firm, you can make use of other resources, such as the Internet. The online community has become one of the single most powerful tools for consumers and businesses seeking help to ensure environmental due diligence is performed.
Select two or three consultants to contact and ask for more information about the services they offer. You will also need to detail your current situation, in order to determine their level of experience in dealing with similar situations. Obtain a review and proposal from one or two companies. Finally, confirm that their proposal matches your goals and schedules.
Once you have this information, you will be able to select a consultant and retain them. Be sure to negotiate any contract specifics, including payment terms and timeline, and ensure you have an open line of communication. Good environmental consultants will keep you updated regularly throughout the project.
Consultants can offer a wide array of different services, so ensure that you are specific about your needs when creating a plan of action for your property.
Other experts related to environmental due diligence are industrial hygiene consultants,
environmental geologists and related services offered through like environmental engineering services. Each of these can be of direct benefit to your needs and help ensure that you remain in compliance with stringent government regulations concerning environmental toxicity and pollution.
