EIA at a Former Gasworks
We performed an EIA at a former Gasworks prior to proposed remediation in preparation for redevelopment of the site. Previous investigations had indicated widespread PAH, heavy metals and cyanide contamination in soil and groundwater. The purpose of the EIA was to provide additional site data on which to base a site remediation plan. The investigation involved review of the results of several previous investigation and monitoring reports; identification of data gaps; preparation of a sampling and analysis plan targeting data gaps, potential sources of impact and potential COCs; and a soil boring program. Based on the results of the EIA, we prepared a report detailing and comparing remediation options such as thermal desorption and a lined landfill for disposal considering logistical, environmental, risk and costs.
Australian University - EIA
The client is one of Australia’s most successful tertiary institutions. We were engaged in 2009 to conduct an EIA of specified sites, which involved: the identification of sources of environmental risk, including those risks that have the potential to have a significant impact on the environment; determination of the exposure of environmental risk (level of inherent and residual environmental risk) and the adequacy of control measures; noting the existing rationale, management practices, procedures and activities that contribute to Environmental Management at the university; conduct of an environmental legal compliance assessment to evaluate the client’s compliance with environmental legal obligations and other pertinent requirements to which the client subscribes; ascertaining the client’s current environmental performance and compliance with the International ISO 14001 Standard to facilitate the development of an EMS; identification and recommendation of measures for improvement; and a written report and verbal presentations of findings.
Community Consultation
Our staff recently travelled to Port Hedland and conducted a number of site inspections and public interviews with interested parties (including Aboriginal representatives and Council Planners) to ascertain the most appropriate location for the construction of large communication platforms. We were able to assist our client identify an alternative site for the platforms and then realise a significant cost saving in annual lease fees for the alternative site.
EIA for Development of Exploratory Oil and Gas Wells
We prepared an EIA that evaluates the development of three exploratory oil and gas wells on National Forest System (NFS) lands. The proposed wells would evaluate production potential and if these wells proved productive, a Master Development Plan would be implemented with the addition of 16 well pads. In support of this EIA, we performed a baseline survey for sensitive and management indicator species (MIS) of amphibians in June of 2010. The objective of the amphibian survey was to confirm whether breeding populations of sensitive or MIS amphibians occur within the project area. This amphibian survey confirmed that breeding populations of two USFS MIS amphibians are present within the project area, and that project activities affecting riparian areas or ephemeral ponds have the potential to affect these amphibians.
EIA of a Lake Recreation Area
We managed a long-range planning effort and associated EIA for a lake recreation area, which is an extremely popular recreation resource. We conducted a Roads Analysis that involved a detailed field survey and characterisation of social and designated roads and trails. More than 150 road and trail segments were surveyed, inventoried for environmental features, and analysed for potential future uses. Because of the intense public scrutiny, facilitating a proactive and interactive dialogue with the interested public was a key component of successful project implementation. We delicately handled the public’s concern and created a realm for effective stakeholder engagement. This project required intensive field data collection in very remote areas. Extensive logistical staffing plans and schedules were developed. We developed a process where field data could be easily captured and uploaded into GIS to perform the roads analysis and complete the EIA.
Facility Expansion - EIA and Permitting
The client planned to expand its core business of storage and shipment of class 3 and 4 liquids for 3 sites. In support of the planned development, we implemented the EIA process, permit applications under the Environmental Management Act and Pollution of Surface Waters Act, performed a QRA analyses, and developed other relevant permit applications for the proposed expansion. The EIA and permit application prepared by us offered the client flexibility in their future operations, with assessments for a range of storage materials. Project challenges included collecting a sufficient quantity and level of survey information for safety, ecology, noise and air, despite an early stage of (pre-) engineering. We liaised successfully with relevant authorities and engineers to deliver a suitably flexible end result.
EIA and Permitting For Two Gas-fired Power Plants
A new Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) of approximately 500 MW will replace an existing gas-fired plant. In addition, our client intends to build a similar CCGT in another area which will provide heating and electricity. We were retained to prepare the EIAs and various permit applications for both projects. The challenge of these types of projects resided in presenting technical information to the public in a simple, non patronising manner, thereby helping to speed up the decision-making process. The information presented by us included the objectives of both projects and the choices that formed their basis. We also clarified the environmental impact by means of air, noise and ecological studies, and organised the application process for three permits: an environmental permit, a permit under the Pollution of Surface Waters Act, and a Nature Conservation permit.
EIA for a Gas Transport Service
Our client is installing a 48” natural gas pipeline. This expansion of the gas transport network is necessary to meet the need for gas in the region. The pipeline is more than 400 kilometers long, crosses 9 provinces, more than 50 municipalities and 10 water boards. For that reason the trace was divided into 9 sections, each requiring its own EIA. We formulated an initial memorandum and an EIA for each trace section. We also provided communications regarding the EIA reporting. Each EIA was approved by the regulatory authority and construction of the pipeline started in 2008. Complete construction is expected to be completed in 2012.
Permitting for new Biocenter
Our client was challenged with obtaining a permit, then creating and operating a “biocenter” site, where hydrocarbon-contaminated soil would be treated. The treatment capacity was 20,000 tonnes per year, and the facility would handle waste from 11 locations. In support of this project, we performed a regulatory study, comprising 5 documents: a letter, a project presentation, an EIA, an Industrial Risk study and a Health and Safety study. Upon submission of all documents, the local administration accepted the studies and provided a permit for a site of 2 hectares located in an unused quarry, in accordance with federal regulation and the air/waste/water control regulations.
Project Highlight: EIA for Biomass Plant
The client intends to develop, install, commission and operate a green power plant using renewable fuel (biomass) capable of supplying electricity to 50,000 homes. The plant will generate 50MW and will employ the best available technology to comply with the requirements of its IPPC (Integrated Pollution, Prevention and Control) authorisation and will be extremely efficient. In support of this groundbreaking project, we provided a combined engineering and EIAs from inception to completion. The Planning Application received full consent in January 2009. Pre-construction site works including erection of an acoustic barrier fence and the relocation of plants and insects to a nature reserve area began in 2010.
Production site EIA
Regulatory changes required the existing EIA associated with all installations at this location, a chemical and pharmaceutical production site, to be reviewed, updated and documented by a neutral expert. We deployed a systematic and complete evaluation of environmental impacts from the facility. This documentation formed the basis for the simplification of future approval procedures and was facilitated by active dialogue between the client, its neighbors and the public.
EIA, permitting and safety studies for underground gas storage project
The oil and gas client is extending a large underground gas storage (UGS) near the municipality of a large major city. Therefore the gas field and the UGS must be connected by a new 48” gas pipeline. An EIA is required because of the size of the project and the impact of the pipeline on the very sensitive environment. We were responsible for the EIA, the permitting, communication with stakeholders and the safety studies for the tie-in at the gas field. The project started in 2009 and was completed in 2010.
EIA for Natural Gas Pipeline
We prepared an EIA that evaluated the effects of a 50-mile long pipeline project designed to supply natural gas to a major city. The proposed route follows an existing highway through a steep, narrow canyon just outside a wilderness area. Key issues include: effects on the city river and existing highway, river crossings, slope stability, soils and hydrology, wildlife habitats, scenic byway, scenic integrity and visual impacts, and conflicts with recreation use and traffic.
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