How can you identify environmental risks on a project site?
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Environmental risks are potential hazards or impacts that can affect the natural and human environment of a project site. They can range from soil contamination and water pollution to noise and air quality issues. Identifying and assessing environmental risks is an essential part of environmental design, as it helps to avoid or minimize negative outcomes, comply with regulations, and improve sustainability. In this article, you will learn how to identify environmental risks on a project site using some common environmental consulting methods.
The first step to identify environmental risks on a project site is to conduct a site visit. A site visit is a physical inspection of the site and its surroundings, where you can observe and document the existing conditions, features, and activities. You can use various tools and techniques, such as maps, photographs, interviews, and sampling, to collect relevant information and data. A site visit can help you to identify potential sources, pathways, and receptors of environmental risks, as well as any signs of existing or historical contamination or damage.
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Rafique Ahmad- GradIOSH
HSE Specialist -Dewan Architects & Engineers
Begin with a thorough site assessment to identify potential environmental risks. Research local, state, and federal environmental regulations and requirements that pertain to your project. Visit the project site and conduct a thorough walkthrough to visually identify any potential environmental hazards or sensitive areas. Look for signs of contamination, erosion, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and other relevant features. Test soil and water samples from the project site for contamination, pollution, or other environmental concerns Develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that outlines how the project will minimize and manage environmental risks throughout its lifecycle.
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Michael Hiett
Environmental Scientist and a Data Analyst
In my experience you should do some research prior to a site visit. Find out about the history of your project site. There are not many places on the planet where you can't find out some information about, prior to setting "boots on the ground". I performed many site assessments, on four different continents, during my 20+ years in the US Army and I always tried to learn as much about a location before I ever set foot on the site. You might only learn average temperature, rainfall, etc. but those can be environmental risks as well.
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The second step to identify environmental risks on a project site is to conduct a desk study. A desk study is a review of existing information and data about the site and its context, such as reports, records, plans, and databases. You can use various sources, such as government agencies, local authorities, libraries, and online platforms, to access and analyze the information and data. A desk study can help you to identify the historical and current uses of the site and its surroundings, the environmental regulations and standards that apply, and the potential environmental risks and impacts that may arise from the project.
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Anshul Yadav
Partner Vardan Envirolab - providing testing solutions in food, pharma, cosmetics and environment domains. Partner Vardan Environet, NABET accredited EIA consulting firm.
Desk studies are pivotal in environmental risk assessment. At Vardan Envirolab, we meticulously gather data from various periods, painting a historical picture of the site, especially crucial for areas with industrial legacies. Comprehending the regulatory framework is key for compliance. Our strategic approach integrates local environmental data, preparing us for possible project challenges. I'd love to hear how others approach the synthesis of this vast array of information. How do you ensure that your desk studies are thorough and that they effectively inform the subsequent stages of environmental risk assessment?
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RICARDO EMMANUEL GUTIERREZ MORALES
Coordinador de seguridad e higiene AIR CARE
De acuerdo al recorrido ordena lo identificado y verifica los tipos de residuos clasifica como: RME RMP RU Emisiones al ambiente (gases) Aguas Residuales Aguas Residuales Sanitarias. Posibles Contaminantes al Suelo. En caso de alguna duda con algún producto, mezcla o emisiones, apartarla del listado y genera un listado para estudio.
The third step to identify environmental risks on a project site is to conduct a risk assessment. A risk assessment is a process of evaluating the likelihood and severity of the environmental risks and impacts that have been identified in the previous steps. You can use various methods, such as matrices, models, and criteria, to quantify and rank the environmental risks and impacts according to their significance and priority. A risk assessment can help you to identify the most critical and urgent environmental risks and impacts that need to be addressed, managed, or mitigated in the project design.
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Michael Hiett
Environmental Scientist and a Data Analyst
When doing risk assessments you want to have as much information as possible. If you conducted soil sampling, do not write the risk assessment before you get the results. If you turn in a risk assessment stating that there is a low risk to individuals on the site from the soil, or the air, or the water, or whatever, and it turns out that there is significant contamination on the site that you can't see, then it is you who is going to be the one that everyone points at when looking for someone to blame.
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Ossama Ismail
Greater Cairo Foundries: In-house Business Consultant & Instructor
*As per ISO 14001:2015 , EMS & ISO 14004:2016 Guidelines to implement ISO 14001, Cl.6.1.2.3 Determining Environmental Impacts : Although there is no single approach for determining environmental aspects, the approach selected can consider: 1. emissions to air 2. releases to water 3.releases to land 4. use of raw materials and natural resources; 5. use of energy 6. energy emitted (e.g. heat, radiation, vibration (noise) and light) 7. generation of waste and/or by-products 8. use of space.
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The fourth step to identify environmental risks on a project site is to conduct stakeholder engagement. Stakeholder engagement is a process of communicating and consulting with the people and groups that have an interest or influence in the project and its environmental aspects, such as clients, regulators, communities, and experts. You can use various techniques, such as surveys, workshops, and meetings, to solicit and incorporate their feedback, opinions, and expectations. Stakeholder engagement can help you to identify the social and economic dimensions of the environmental risks and impacts, as well as the opportunities and challenges for the project design.
The fifth step to identify environmental risks on a project site is to conduct monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring and evaluation is a process of measuring and reporting the performance and outcomes of the project design in relation to the environmental risks and impacts that have been identified and addressed. You can use various indicators, methods, and tools, such as sensors, audits, and dashboards, to collect and analyze the data and information. Monitoring and evaluation can help you to identify the effectiveness and efficiency of the project design in reducing or avoiding the environmental risks and impacts, as well as the areas for improvement and adaptation.
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Shadi AbouSamra
LEED Trainer - Follow to earn the certification in 2 weeks!
The process of identifying environmental concerns on a project site necessitates the implementation of a thorough monitoring and assessment procedure. This entails conducting periodic evaluations to identify possible risks such as soil contamination, habitat disturbance, or water pollution. The use of environmental impact assessments and site surveys may facilitate the comprehension of the ecological vulnerabilities of a given place. Furthermore, the continuous monitoring conducted during the construction process and after the project's completion serves to monitor and address any unanticipated environmental concerns, so promoting a proactive and conscientious approach to risk management is the way.
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Hui Ling Teo, Partner, Reed Smith
Solutions driven lawyer. Leads new frontiers in transportation and finance. Committed to compassion and excellence.
Developing relationships with people on the ground and being clear about the end goal and achieving buy in will avoid information hiding from the operator that could undermine efforts to collect accurate data
The sixth step to identify environmental risks on a project site is to conduct continuous learning. Continuous learning is a process of updating and enhancing your knowledge and skills in environmental design and risk management, as well as sharing and applying the best practices and lessons learned from the project and other sources. You can use various resources, such as publications, courses, and networks, to access and acquire the latest information and insights. Continuous learning can help you to identify the emerging and evolving environmental risks and opportunities, as well as the innovative and sustainable solutions for the project design.
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Ossama Ismail
Greater Cairo Foundries: In-house Business Consultant & Instructor
*Implement ISO 14100:2022,Guidance on environmental criteria for projects, assets and activities to support the development of green finance. *Key concepts involved in identifying and assessing relevant environmental criteria, including:- 1.significance, 2.context 3.materiality 4. “do no significant harm” are examined & examples presented. *Materiality : information essential for decisionmaking, which can be applied to identify issues that reflect an organization’s environmental & social impacts, as well as information that supports interested party & strategic decisionmaking
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