Our Turnkey Approach to Environmental SitesWith the environmental construction services we offer, AWR has the unique ability to turnkey environmental projects from the initial Phase I through to environmental cleanup and site closure with the regulatory agency. AWR has been successful on multiple projects to take sites where little information is known, and:
- Generate a comprehensive site history
- Identify and characterize environmental contamination at the site
- Coordinate with the regulatory agencies
- Evaluate environmental receptors and human health risks
- Design remedial alternatives or mitigation measures
- Implement the remedial action or site mitigation
- Negotiate and receive case closure and no further action from the regulatory agency
AWR understands that environmental issues can significantly delay projects, which may affect project funding. However, our in house and comprehensive approach is designed to rapidly characterize, cleanup and close sites on a timeline to meet the client’s schedule needs.
Site Closure is the Goal
The ultimate goal for our clients is Site closure, which can take many forms depending on the Site. Some examples of site closure AWR has pursued for our clients include:
Low Threat or Low Risk ClosureAWR has always advocated a risk based approach to site closure. We have worked with multiple agencies to close sites using this approach and under the State Water Board’s Low Threat Closure Policy (LTCP) for petroleum contaminated sites and the Assessment Tool for Low Threat Chlorinated Solvent (dry cleaner) Sites.
Regulatory “Comfort Letter”For new sites that are not actively managed by an oversight agency, we have worked with the regulatory agencies to generate a concurrence letter to indicate that environmental issues at a site are minimal. A comfort letter significantly limits environmental liabilities for our client without opening a case and incurring oversight costs.
No Further Action Letter (NFA)We pursue a NFA letter as soon as the site that meet all the regulatory requirements and pose a minimal risk to any receptors. The NFA will put an end to environmental monitoring and cleanup efforts.
Conditional ClosureIn some cases, AWR will negotiate with the client and the regulatory agency to issue a closure or NFA letter with conditions attached. These conditions may include:
- Land Use Controls (LUCs or CCRs) restricting certain types of development on the property
- Case Reopener Clauses, which can be triggered by redevelopment or subsurface work
- Engineering Controls such as active ventilation systems
Relationships & InnovationOur relationships with the regulatory agencies and environmental firms allow us to think outside the box when it comes to remediation and site closure. AWR has successfully permitted innovative and cost effective site remedies, which requires trust experience, and communication with the lead oversight agencies. AWR has also secured financing for our clients to assist in environmental cleanup from a variety of sources including: applicable public grants and programs, historical insurance policies, co-contributors, and private finance companies.
Our Clients Come FirstAWR has come across other consultants that simply implement the regulatory requested tasks or continue to perform the same routine monitoring tasks without questioning the approach or developing alternatives. Unfortunately, this approach can result in unnecessary and excessive spending, which often benefits the consultant at the expense of the client. AWR puts our clients first, and our approach is always in the best interests of the client. Our philosophy is to put our client relationships ahead of any short term gains for a project.
