Hiring An Environmental Consultant For A Brownfields Redevelopment ProjectFeedback

Brownfields projects often demand expertise that staff from local governments may not have. Environmental consultants can fill this need for expertise, but consultants vary a great deal in the quality of service they provide. Although choosing environmental consultants is not a precise process, the following steps put together by Kansas State University, Midwest Hazardous Research Center as part of their Technical Outreach Services for Communities program series of Environmental Science and Technology Briefs for Citizens, may be of help.

Skills, experience, and track records of consultants vary widely. Hiring an appropriate and qualified environmental consultant is crucial in developing solutions that are protective of human health and the environment, in compliance with environmental regulations, and cost-effective. Benefits include the following:

The following steps are intended to help you choose the right consultant for your project.

STEP 1: Determine scope of work. Providing as much information as possible will enable prospective firms to give you more accurate estimates (cost and time) for completing the project. Especially, when you own the property and/or are familiar with it, the process will be facilitated if you compile all the information you have about the property including current and historical operations at and around the site, potential sources of contamination, existing maps, and company records on where and how hazardous substances have been used and/or stored. The environmental consultant can research these items too, however, it may take more time and effort. Often, you will be much more familiar with the property in question and its history than the consultant will ever be – because you have information that may not be recorded in any of the documents available to the consultant. Communicate this information, it may save you money.

What is the work that needs to be done by an environmental professional and what should the result of the work be? Outline a scope of work as best as you can. Having a good understanding of the situation and what needs to be done will assist in determining the best consultant for the project. If you are unsure about what needs to be done at your site and how you should proceed, get help. Environmental state agencies will provide guidance* as will the Technical Assistance to Brownfields communities (TAB) program at Kansas State University. Keep in mind that environmental investigations often encounter unexpected situations and new information that may change the scope of work.

STEP 2: Compile a list of possible firms. Make a list of potential consulting firms that have conducted similar investigations, cleanups, or have performed other services you require. Check with state regulatory agencies (often states maintain a consultants list but will not endorse any firm), professional societies or directories, and trade organizations; and interview environmental attorneys. Contact other companies in your industry, or other municipalities, who have used environmental consultants before.

Once you have names of companies, check the Internet or contact the firms directly to obtain general information on the respective companies – their staff, experience, and services provided. If your list is long, use the obtained general information and recommendations you may have received to narrow your search.

STEP 3: Request proposals. Send a request for proposals (RFP) to consultants that appear qualified. You probably want to send RFPs to more than five companies but to no more than 10, although there is no general rule. Your goal is to get at least three proposals back for the work you need done. If you are writing an RFP for a local government, or have an EPA grant to do the project work, there may be requirements for the way bids are handled. Review and follow the required bid process for your organization. The RFP should include the following information:

The TAB program at Kansas State University can furnish examples of RFPs upon request.

STEP 4: Review proposals. When reviewing proposals, keep in mind the following:

STEP 5: Contact references. If you are not familiar with the reputation of the consulting firm, checking references can be one of the most important parts of the selection process. The following are some questions you may want to ask references:

STEP 6: Prepare a short list and conduct interviews. Once you have identified the most qualified consulting firms, arrange for interviews. The interviews may be used to clarify any unclear items in the consultant’s proposal and evaluate the consultant’s qualifications in more depth. Some example questions to ask during the interview may include the following:

STEP 7: Make the selection. The knowledge you have collected through the consulting firm’s submitted proposal, reference checks, and the interview should provide enough information to select a consultant. By researching a firm, you will get a sense for its honesty, technical competence, and ability to save you time, money, and stress.

*A listing with associated contact information for environmental state agencies can be obtained at http://www.smarte.org (go to “Links” on the top toolbar).

Steps in Choosing an Environmental Consultant was developed by Sabine E. Martin, Ph.D., P.G., TAB Coordinator for the Center for Hazardous Substance Research (CHSR) at Kansas State University and was funded wholly or in part by Kansas State University. It has been subjected to the Agency’s review, and it has been approved for public use. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.