Tech Focus: Understanding and Managing Environmental Liabilities with Risk Assessment
Risk management is an integral part of any successful organization. Companies routinely assess and manage risks associated with finances, legal obligations, and cyber security. Yet the ability to understand and manage environmental risk should be seen as an equally important part of a company’s success.
Langan’s experienced risk assessors work with clients to evaluate the environmental risk of contaminated sites throughout the United States and internationally. Our team of human health and ecological risk assessors applies their expertise in toxicology, fate and transport modeling, and statistical evaluation to develop site-specific solutions to manage the environmental liabilities of our clients. Collaborating with Langan’s industry-leading engineers, geologists, and scientists, Langan’s risk assessment team works diligently to provide cost-effective solutions while maintaining a high degree of protectiveness for human health and the environment.
One of the most challenging recent developments in the field of environmental risk management is identifying and assessing the potential health hazards posed by emerging contaminants of concern, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The collective understanding of the fate and transport of this class of chemicals is rapidly evolving for both regulators and the industry. In response, Langan’s risk assessors are working with our broader team of environmental professionals to provide value to our clients by taking an active role in the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council’s “PFAS Technical and Regulatory Guidance Document.”
Another way Langan’s risk assessment group brings value to our clients is by evaluating background levels of PFAS when assessing risk at a site. These levels are used to differentiate between site-related PFAS concentrations and outside sources of this compound group. This is a key service Langan’s risk assessors provide because of the prevalence of PFAS and its detection in locations where obvious sources are not present.
The success of any business requires proper risk management. When looking to manage the risk associated with your environmental liabilities, turn to Langan’s team of environmental professionals and risk assessors to bring cost-effective risk management strategies to your projects.
Sean Weatherwax is an Environmental Scientist with 12 years of experience, focusing on the evaluation of risk to human and ecological receptors exposed to environmental stressors.