Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The environmental impact of a construction or mining project can be either positive or negative, but is usually a combination of both, considering that human beings are part of the planet's ecology. While we have for many years taken steps to protect buildings and other manmade infrastructure from the effects of nearby construction and mining, we are today acutely aware of our responsibility to protect the natural environment as well. This usually requires extra investment, which has to be targeted very carefully. With decades of experience in EIA, Nitro Consult can ensure that any such investment you make is cost-effective, so that every dollar spent has the greatest possible effect. At the same time, we can steer you clear of misconceptions and help you to avoid the many pitfalls associated with investment in the environment.

Latest methods, current expertise, long experience
Thanks to our strong environmental profile, we are receiving an increasing number of commissions to measure and assess the environmental impact of construction and industrial activities. By measuring and monitoring emissions into the air and water, as well as the generation of noise, vibration and contaminants, we have accumulated great experience in the ecological issues associated with man’s activities.

EIA and planning permission
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today places far-reaching demands on anyone carrying out works that can affect the environment. Nitro Consult offers to prepare EPA-compliant documentation for planning applications, including environmental impact assessments, control programs and drawings.

Environmental surveys and controls
To be able to determine the environmental impact of an activity, the state of the environment needs to be investigated prior to the commencement of the activity. Nitro Consult carries out reference measuring to record and document the condition of the ground, groundwater and surface water. During subsequent progression of the activity, the discharge of different substances is monitored. Upon completion of the works, the environment is surveyed again in the same way as before the works began.

Air and water quality controls
Blasting generates nitrogen oxide. Nitro Consult measures the nitrogen oxide content of the air for the dual purpose of checking the safety of the working environment and obtaining meaningful knowledge about discharge quantities for the sake of ecology.

In industrial, construction and civil engineering projects, the quality of the groundwater and surface water must be guaranteed. Moreover, groundwater levels must be maintained in order to avoid settlement, subsidence and the depletion of water reservoirs. In tunnel construction, there are restrictions on water ingress. During blasting operations, there is a risk of nitrogen discharge in the form of spillage and detonation residue from the explosives, which can pollute the ground- and surface waters. Other pollutants include mineral oil and metals from construction vehicles.

Nitro Consult tests the waters, measures levels and pore pressures and interprets the results, which form the basis for assessments of ground settlement and stability in water reservoirs. When blasting close to real estate, moreover, the quality of individual wells is checked with regard to chemical, physical and bacteriological composition. Parametric analyses of nitrogen, mud and numerous other inorganic substances are carried out in our own laboratory. The results can be obtained within a few hours of sampling. Conductivity and pH values we analyse directly in the field, while certain other key samples are sent to accredited laboratories for analysis.

Contaminated ground
During earthmoving in densely built-up areas, there is often a big risk of the excavated material containing environmentally hazardous substances. To mitigate the risks of such materials causing further harm when disturbed, handled and redistributed, Nitro Consult offers to carry out skilful geo-environmental investigations of any ground suspected of being contaminated.