Due Diligence

Are you leaving yourself open to liability?  Risk associated with the acquisition or use of real property can’t be eliminated, but ESA offers a range of services designed to reduce it.  ESA also provides services designed to satisfy EPA requirements for “All Appropriate Inquiry.”  Although our basic services follow ASTM standards, ESA will tailor the assessment process to meet client-specific requirements or to meet other published standards. 

Site Characterization

Lose something?  Finding the extent of a contaminant plume can be a complex and expensive process.   ESA has the experience necessary to design and implement workplans that minimize cost and fulfill the requirements of various regulatory programs without compromising the integrity of the project. 

Corrective Action

How clean is clean?  The Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) process uses risk to focus money and technology on efforts that result in reduced risk to human health and the environment.

Compliance

Not sure what regulations apply to you?  The maze of state and federal regulations can be difficult to navigate.  Our Compliance Analysts have been through it before and are ready to guide you through. Federal air and water protection legislation includes a wide variety of compliance requirements.  ESA helps clients comply with these regulations through the development of best management practices and the preparation of mandatory plans and compliance documentation.  ESA specializes in retainer-based compliance services for all or part of a client’s property portfolio.

Permitting

Why do I need a permit?  The state and federal government have created an intricate web of environmental rules and regulations, some of which attempt to limit the volume, amount or use of something (a contaminant, runoff, wetlands), in most cases to restore quality or prevent damage to a natural resource.  ESA helps to speed up the permitting process or, in some cases, to prevent the need for a permit.

Wetland Permitting

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act prohibits unpermitted filling of “jurisdictional waters of the United States,” but a permit can take more than a year to process.  ESA helps clients avoid the need for wetland permits by pre-inspecting proposed drill pad locations, pipeline corridors, or construction projects to identify areas that are not jurisdictional and will not require a permit. If a permit is required, ESA will prepare and submit the delineation report and mitigation plan, along with a permit application, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  ESA will act as a liaison between the client and regulatory officials to obtain permits in an expeditious manner.

Underground Storage Tanks

ESA assists in the removal activities of petroleum storage tanks and investigation of hydrocarbon impacts to soil and groundwater. We communicate with tank owners, installers, and regulatory agencies to provide notification and reporting in accordance with the Texas Risk Reduction Program (TRRP).  ESA works closely with licensed tank installers as the Registered Corrective Action Specialist and Corrective Action Project Manager with the State of Texas.  We have professional geologists (PG) qualified to handle these PST activities as required by the TCEQ. As long as state reimbursement programs are active, ESA can also file reimbursement applications to assist clients in recovery of all qualifying costs.

Expert Witness and Litigation Support

ESA has personnel with extensive industry, regulatory and consulting experience in a wide variety of disciplines to provide expert witness and litigation support.  ESA can assist with disputes arising from regulatory compliance, agency policy, and environmental contamination, or with preparation for oil and gas or other regulatory proceedings.

Air Emission Compliance & Permitting

ESA provides service to ensure your industry is fully compliant with all local, state and federal air quality regulations and permitting requirements.  A full air emission inventory of regulated pollutants can be assessed at your facility to determine your site specific requirements.  Our staff will assist with or handle all interface with local, state and federal agencies, including:  reporting, inspection liaison, and filing requirements.