The Sapphire Group assists clients by identifying the ecological risks that may or may not have been caused by their chemical products. An ecological risk assessment is a valuable tool that clients can use for protective and cost-effective environmental management.
Our innovative approaches with regulators save clients money, enhance community relations, and reduce levels of risk-related liability. We emphasize flexibility and focus in determining ecological risks, conducting such assessments to address specific issues that arise during site investigations. Our experience ranges from synthetic, holistic ecosystem studies to projection of tissue concentrations in particular receptor species.
Our scientists provide comprehensive services in:
- Scientific and technical studies
- Negotiation and strategic planning
- Tactical guidance
- Monitoring and corrective action
- Bioaccessibility
- Bioavailability
- Toxicological activity
- Levels of receptor sensitivity
The Sapphire Group provides tools that quantify these parameters to develop risk estimates that are realistic and scientifically sound, not ultra conservative or highly uncertain and tailored to the technical and regulatory requirements of the specific project. Clients can then get a clear picture of any issues that have the potential to cause harm to their companies.
Risk Management and Environmental Restoration
Our risk management services interface risk assessment, environmental management and environmental restoration to ensure that our clients have solutions that are cost-effective (to reduce expenses) and protective (to reduce future liabilities). By crafting assessments that specifically address the unique nature of each site, discharge, or suspected problem, we avoid the all-too-common dilemma of overprotective regulatory guidance.
Natural Resources Damage Assessment
This assessment process sets the framework for determining injury and assessing damages resulting from a variety of development and environmental impacts. The Sapphire Group, with a high degree of credibility in the scientific and regulatory communities, offers clients involved in the uncertain area of environmental liability under the Natural Resources Damages and Assessment (NRDA), a multidisciplinary, highly skilled team of scientists and engineers to undertake all aspects of technical work related to the NRDA process.
NRDA claims can be made under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and the Federal Clean Water Act (33 USC 1321).
Habitat Surveys and Assessments
For clients needing documentation on the impact of their products in freshwater and estuarine wetlands, we provide ecological surveys and habitat evaluations of all types of ecosystems, and in impact evaluation at the organism level, including tissue contaminant concentrations, gross pathology, and histopathology.
Our surveys and assessments cover client needs in:
- upland ecology
- range management
- forestry
- soil biology and chemistry
- agri-ecosystems
- all aspects of wetlands ecology
