Introduction
EAC was formed by a group of very experienced scientists and environmental consultants, all of whom wished to be part of a company dedicated to providing high quality advice and assistance. They were also compelled to return to 'real' environmental consultancy where proper scientific evaluation was at the heart of all their work, and they could also bring to bear their extensive industrial and commercial knowledge to ensure that realistic, cost-effective and robust answers would result.
Principal Activities:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Contact Paul Chester)
Many EIA studies have undertaken for a range of industrial, commercial and infrastructure developments, including some highly complex operations. The company has acted as both manager and direct consultant. Liaison between all interested parties is extremely important and our staff is experienced in being able to argue and broker the right answers and solutions.
Environmental Audit (Contact Julian Flack)
Due diligence or pre-acquisition audits, system and operational audits, waste audits and waste minimisation assessments, as well as other general auditing activities, are undertaken. The value and effectiveness of an audit is principally dependent on the auditors experience and knowledge of the activities being evaluated. Our staff have an in-depth knowledge of many kinds of industrial and commercial operations and their environmental knowledge, across most subject areas, is very comprehensive.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) (Contact Julian Flack)
Advice and assistance with both informal and formal EMS implementation and training is provided. Individual staff are qualified to provide formal guidance and training for the various issues involved in EMS (ISO 14001 & EMAS). Gap analysis or audit is offered to allow evaluation of initial environmental issues, their aspect/effect and impact. Guidance on how to implement an EMS and identify and meet the training needs of persons involved is given. Training courses designed to the specific client need are provided, and commonly address, lead audit, internal audit, evaluation of aspects and impacts, policy generation, environmental awareness and environmental legislation.
Environmental Risk Assessment (Contact Bob Bell)
The company has provided assistance to clients who need to identify environmental risks associated with their operations and place these in an understandable and appropriate context. Various methodologies have been employed which evaluate risks both subjectively and semi- or fully quantitatively, using probability frequencies and other historic data to predict occurrence and consequence.
Brownfield or Contaminated Site Assessment (Contact Bob Bell)
Our staff have been involved in the preparation of much of the Government guidance that is in use today. We have investigated former gaswork sites, former sewage works, old petrol stations, former steelworks and a range of other industrial uses of land. Phase 1, Phase 2 and invasive assessments of land and groundwater have been undertaken. Data interpretation has followed UK or other Government guidance or a bespoke risk assessment methodology. We have supervised site cleanup and the reuse of land for residential, commercial and leisure purposes.
Ecological Survey & Assessment (Contact Paul Chester)
All floral and faunal surveys and assessments can be undertaken and standard methodologies are employed. Interpretative assessment is usually provided to place information and data derived from a survey into local, regional, national and international context, as appropriate. Remedial recommendations, such as habitat replacement, relocation, creation etc., can be designed and managed.
Air Quality Assessment (Contact Giles Bishop)
This is one of the company's core strengths. Air quality modelling is undertaken using the standard Gaussian plume dispersion computer model developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Such modelling enables the prediction of ground level concentrations of air pollutants arising from stack emissions. Specific areas of work include the following:
Water Quality Appraisal (Contact Ken O'Hara)
We undertake projects concerned with all aspects of the aquatic environment, including freshwater fisheries, habitat protection, lake management and aeration/mixing systems. Particular expertise is in the monitoring and management of stillwaters for both aesthetic and amenity purposes. This has involved the development of long-term restoration management plans and techniques for shallow eutrophic lake systems. Components of these restoration techniques have included the design and installation of aeration and mixing systems at numerous sites throughout the UK. Such work is becoming more important as water features are increasingly being recognised as a fundamental aspect of modern business park and other facilities. Core work areas include the following:
In addition to this work, the water systems specialists provide input into other aspects of the company's work. In particular, Environmental Impact Assessment projects for freshwater systems and the development of innovative mitigatory measures, including habitat protection and enhancement techniques directed towards the conservation and improvement of the aquatic environment
Environmental Training (Contact Julian Flack)
We are able to provide a variety of environmental training, including Waste Minimisation, The risks from Contaminated Land, The New IPPC Legislation. All these can be tailored to an individual client's needs. As detailed in EMS above, various EMS related topics are also offered.