
Looking for collaboration on your next project? Don't hesitate to contact us by email:
novosnegocios@servmarambiental.com
Looking for collaboration on your next project? Don't hesitate to contact us by email:
novosnegocios@servmarambiental.com
Servmar is available to answer your questions.
Would you like to join our team?
jobs@servmarambiental.com.br
The Preliminary Assessment is a rigorous and fundamental investigative process in Contaminated Area Management (CAM). This initial step serves as the foundation for the entire subsequent process, providing a comprehensive understanding of the history and current conditions of a potentially contaminated area. Through meticulous analysis of historical information, detailed inspections and careful interviews, the Preliminary Assessment lays the foundation for informed decisions about the need for further investigation. Its importance lies not only in the identification of possible contamination, but also in the optimization of resources and the strategic direction it provides for the following stages of the CAG. Cost reduction, assertiveness and agility are what Servmar offers companies that need this solution.
Definition and Objective:
The Preliminary Assessment is defined as a systematic process of gathering and analyzing information to identify potential areas of contamination at a specific site. Its main objective is to establish an initial understanding of the environmental risks associated with a property or area of interest, without the need for invasive sampling at this stage.
The specific objectives include:
This stage is crucial for efficiently directing resources and efforts in the later phases of the CAG, avoiding unnecessary investigations in low-risk areas and focusing attention where it is most needed.
The Preliminary Assessment methodology is a structured process that combines documentary research, field inspections and expert analysis. This multifaceted approach aims to build up a complete picture of the history and current state of the area in question, identifying potential environmental risks without the need for invasive sampling at this early stage.
The strategy involves:
This methodology faces challenges such as limited access to historical information, interpretation of incomplete or conflicting data, identification of non-apparent contamination, assessment of multiple historical land uses and management of stakeholder expectations. The strategy for overcoming these challenges includes using multiple sources of information, applying advanced data analysis techniques, consulting databases and communicating clearly and transparently with all the parties involved.
The Preliminary Assessment is the cornerstone of the Contaminated Area Management process, playing a critical role in the effectiveness and efficiency of the entire procedure. Its importance is manifested in several aspects:
Provides a solid basis for further investigation, optimizing resources and time
Identifies potential environmental risks at an early stage, enabling preventive action to be taken
Meets initial regulatory requirements in environmental assessment processes
The Preliminary Assessment not only establishes the scope for future investigations, but also serves as a crucial tool in making informed decisions about the management of potentially contaminated properties and areas. It provides a vital initial understanding that influences all subsequent stages of CCM, from confirmatory investigation to remediation planning.
In addition, this initial phase is fundamental for building a preliminary conceptual model of the site, which will be refined and expanded in the later stages of the CCM process. This model serves as an essential tool for visualizing and understanding the complex interactions between contaminants, the environment and potential receptors.
The Management of Contaminated Areas is a multifaceted process that requires a systematic and meticulous approach. Each stage of this process is crucial, building on the information and results of the previous phases, as established at the federal level by CONAMA Resolution No. 420/2009, in the state of São Paulo by CETESB Board Decision No. 38/2017/C and other applicable legislation, thus ensuring a comprehensive understanding and an effective solution to the challenges of contamination.
Servmar offers a comprehensive portfolio of services in Contaminated Area Management, combining technical expertise, advanced technologies and a deep understanding of the Brazilian regulatory context.
Find out more about our solutions:
The effective execution of the Preliminary Assessment depends on a combination of advanced analytical tools and proven investigation techniques. These tools and techniques are employed to collect, analyze and interpret a wide range of data, resulting in a comprehensive understanding of the area in question.
Key tools and techniques include:
The expected results of a Preliminary Assessment are multifaceted and provide a solid basis for future decisions in the CCM process. The main product is a detailed report that synthesizes all the information collected and analyzed. This report typically includes a complete history of land use, an assessment of current conditions, the identification of potentially contaminated areas and a preliminary conceptual model of the area. It should be emphasized that all preparation follows a minimum methodology stipulated by the Regulatory Body for the region being assessed.
In addition, the report contains specific recommendations for further investigations, if necessary, based on the preliminary risk assessment. These findings not only inform the next steps in the CAG process, but also serve as a crucial reference document for all stakeholders, including owners, regulators and potential buyers in real estate transactions.
Once the Preliminary Assessment has been completed, the next stage is determined on the basis of the results obtained. This decision is based on a careful analysis of the data collected and an assessment of the potential for contamination identified.
If the Preliminary Assessment indicates the presence of potentially contaminated areas or if there are significant gaps in information that prevent a definitive conclusion, the next step is the Confirmatory Investigation. This stage involves specific sampling and analysis to confirm or refute the presence of contamination.
In cases where the Preliminary Assessment does not identify significant evidence of potential contamination, closure of the CAG process or periodic monitoring may be recommended, depending on the specific characteristics of the site and the applicable regulatory requirements.
The decision on the next steps must be based on a careful assessment of the potential risks, taking into account both environmental, regulatory and economic aspects.
? ?
At Servmar, we are committed to providing clear and accurate information to help our customers better understand our services and the importance of environmental sustainability.
This FAQ section has been created to answer the most common questions, providing quick access to answers that can help you make informed decisions. We value transparency and open communication, and we are always happy to answer any other questions you may have.
A Preliminary Assessment usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the site and the availability of information. For industrial areas with a complex history, it can extend up to 2 months. The process includes desk research (1-2 weeks), site inspection (1-2 days), interviews (3-5 days) and drafting the final report (1-2 weeks).
Generally, no. The Preliminary Assessment is primarily a non-invasive study. However, in exceptional cases, where there are clear visual indications of contamination and immediate access is critical, limited surface sampling can be carried out. These are rare and do not replace the subsequent Confirmatory Investigation.
Key indicators include: history of industrial use (especially chemical or metal treatment industries), presence of underground storage tanks, evidence of improper waste disposal, soil stains or stressed vegetation, unusual odors, presence of asbestos-containing materials or PCBs in old structures, and records of spills or leaks. Local topography and geology are also taken into account to assess the potential for contaminant migration.
The main difference between the Preliminary Assessment and the Environmental Due Diligence is the focus and objective of each:
Both are important, and your choice will depend on your desired goal.
The Preliminary Assessment should be conducted by professionals with a background in areas such as environmental engineering, geology, environmental chemistry or environmental sciences. In addition to academic training, it is crucial to have practical experience in assessing contaminated areas, detailed knowledge of relevant environmental regulations and skills in interpreting historical and geological data. The ideal team is multidisciplinary, including specialists in different areas for a comprehensive assessment.
Adding {{itemName}} to cart
Added {{itemName}} to cart