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Abstract

Environmental due diligence (EDD) has become more time sensitive due to the pressures to close deals quickly. In addition, the scope of EDD has increased due to the new EPA All Appropriate Inquiry (AAI) standard. The skills of the environmental consultant to meet the expanded scope involve a broad range of integrated environmental and business skills. Further, because of the expanded scope of EDD and the increased complexity of transactional provisions, it is more critical today than ever to have complete, technically excellent reports delivered in a timely manner which provide meaningful, plain language assessments and conclusions.

The technical skills of environmental consultants most commonly include the disciplines of geology, hydrogeology, engineering and environmental science. The lack of a state or national licensing program for environmental consultants is one of the bigger issues in selecting a qualified environmental consultant. However, identifying firms with staff that are registered as a professional engineer (PE) or registered geologist (RG) should be a first step in selecting an environmental consultant. Additionally, certifications or licenses for asbestos abatement, lead paint removal, and underground storage tank work are also good measures to supplement the PE or RG. In Michigan, certification as a “Qualified Consultant (QC)” for conducting corrective actions at leaking underground storage tank (LUST) sites is another minimum recommended benchmark.