Responsible Party Pain Points

As a follow-up to our previous blog topics, including “Environmental Consulting and the Consumer Perspective” and “How Much and How Long Will it Take,” it’s invaluable to understand the pain points of your client, especially if they happen to be a responsible party.  For this week, we’ll look at a few key issues that need to be understood early in the remedial process…aside from a technical strategy or pathway to remediation. Every situation and every client is different, but let’s expose a few common pain points and some simple remedies.

Pain Point # 1:  Cost

Every environmental consultant should understand early in their career that on most occasions, environmental liabilities usually hit your clients’ bottom line, and the lack of an in-depth understanding of the Conceptual Site Model (CSM) for your specific project can lead to delays, and you guessed it…cost overruns.  Clients don’t like to hear that a project is over-budget, but this pain point can be alleviated if project costs and potential outcomes are discussed beforehand.  It’s difficult for a client to hear that project costs could increase 3x; however, they’ll appreciate your candor if this discussion takes place sooner (i.e. at the beginning of a project) rather than later.   One last item:  never surprise your client with last minute costs on an invoice.  Nobody likes surprises!

Pain Point # 2:  Time

While project cost may always be the top item, time or project duration is not too far behind. While certain tasks may only take a few days to complete, others can take significant amounts of time.  The only solution to this pain point is to spend a little extra time during the initial phases of the project, or even while generating a proposal, to prepare a schedule.  It may only be preliminary, but it will serve as a starting point from which you can provide your client with a “realistic” timeframe for when you will complete a task or project.  Similar to pain point # 1, your client will appreciate your professional opinion, even though it may sting for a moment (if not longer).  Word to the wise: If you believe that you can complete something in two (2) weeks…add on an extra week, and then complete the project ahead of schedule.

Pain Point # 3:  Disruption of Operations / “Inconvenience”

Don’t be fooled.  If there are access issues at your project site which require numerous things to be moved around, or re-located, and your client has to devote resources to accommodate your efforts, it’s an inconvenience.  If your client has to inform staff that they can’t use a portion of a parking lot, so you can conduct a subsurface investigation, it’s an inconvenience.  Sometimes this is unavoidable; however, similar to the prior pain points, the easiest solution is to discuss the options with your client in advance.  Are there alternative locations? Is there a specific time that your client would be more amenable to?  Weekends? Sure this may increase costs, but your client may be willing to accept the additional fees. As a consultant it is imperative that the client’s concerns be addressed, and that we work to make their job a little easier by demonstrating flexibility, and a willingness to minimize disruption to their operations.

Stay tuned for future updates and musings from Cardinal Environmental, and we hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful.  For furher information, please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com .

Environmental Consulting and “The Consumer Perspective” Vol. I

There are many, many variables in the environmental consulting world, some of which can be highly complex and some simply incomprehensible.  Conversely, there are too many things that consultants inadvertently make complex through poor communication skills or utter confusion, which are then conveyed to a customer or potential customer…which leads to more confusion, or a stalled project, or a poor remedial decision, or even worse…the loss of a client (potential or existing).  

To avoid this mistake adapt the “consumer’s perspective” throughout every aspect of your practice. Experience will oftentimes help an environmental practitioner (or any professional for that matter) learn to develop this mindset, and once fully integrated, you’ll easily understand the value, and your client will appreciate it.  There will be occasions when discussions on technical or regulatory items need to take place, but that doesn’t mean you need to inundate your customers with so much information and data that they feel overwhelmed.  It will take practice and patience, but be mindful of this easily, overlooked skillset.

Stay tuned for future updates and musings, as well as others, from Cardinal Environmental. We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinallsrp.com.  

GIS: Top Reasons to Use a File Geodatabase

As a user of ArcGIS for over 10 years, it’s easy to list the great design tools that are at your disposal and the practical mapping applications; however, another (sometimes not so obvious) tool is a “File Geodatabase.” Setting up a file geodatabase is extremely beneficial so you can control and manage your files…not the other way around.  Unfortunately, it took a few years before I realized this!   

Colin Childs (ESRI) highlighted the importance of this in his article "The Top Nine Reasons to Use a File Geodatabase." A Scalable and Speedy Choice for Single Users or Small Groups, ArcUser, Spring (2009) and pointed out that “File geodatabases offer structural, performance, and data management advantages over personal geodatabases and shapefile.”  All too true, and listed below are Colin’s reasons to do so: 

1.     Improved Versatility and Usability

2.     Optimized Performance

3.     Few Size Limitations

4.     Easy Data Migration

5.     Improved Editing Model

6.     Storing Rasters in the Geodatabase

7.     Customizable Storage Configuration

8.     Allows Updates to Spatial Index Settings

9.     Allows the Use of Data Compression

I encourage everyone to take a look at your mapping systems to see where you can make improvements, and read Colin’s article (along with the numerous others provided by ESRI) to stay sharp, and meet the ever increasing visual demands of our clients.    

Stay tuned for future posts on various “GIS” topics in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons and unique observations to be shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and our maps (more) incredible.  

We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information, or for assistance on your next mapping project, please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com, or www.cardinalLSRP.com.

Field Investigation Tips Volume III: Extreme Cold

As the temperature dips into the frigid range on the east coast, and as a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, we’ll take a quick look at another salient concern when working in the elements: extreme cold.  Much like our previous topics (Field Investigation Tips Vol. 1: Working in the Rain, and Vol. II: Subsurface Utilities), there are inherent difficulties when required to work in frigid temperatures. My personal cut-off is about 20°F, just based on experience. At that point things start to get interesting and/or more challenging.  So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are some key tips (in no particular order) that could be used by environmental practitioners working outside this time of year.  As always, safety is paramount!  

Cold Weather Tips:

·  Tip #1: Plan ahead! Can the work be postponed? Plan to have this conversation early on.

·  Tip #2: Is your Health & Safety Plan (HASP) up to date?  Heed “basic” safety issues including slips / trips / falls; make sure you have that tailgate safety meeting before commencing work; don’t rush.

·   Tip #3: Layer up! Also invest in some good coveralls, wool socks, good gloves, under-armor, etc.

·  Tip #4: Purchase hand and foot warmers.  This is an inexpensive option, and effective.  Stuff ‘em in your boots and pockets. (note: make sure they’re not outdated or 3 yrs old!).

·   Tip #5: Take safety breaks to warm up in a car, shed, etc.  BUT…keep the heat relatively low as going back and forth from hot to cold is a bad idea!

·   Tip #6: Know the signs of hypothermia and cold stress… and look out for your fellow colleagues and subcontractors working alongside you.

· Tip #7: PIDs & other meters (e.g. DataRams) may not be rated for frigid temperatures, so be sure to check with your supplier in advance.  

· Tip #8: When conducting monitoring well sampling, expect your tubing to freeze, along with an array of other things malfunctioning or freezing…including pumps.   

· Tip #9: Expect your backhoe, excavator, Geoprobe®, or drill rig to have some difficulty in the upper three (3) feet as they need to get through the frost layer.

·  Tip #10: Drink plenty of water!! Cold weather increases your risk of dehydration.

Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us. tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com , www.cardinalLSRP.com 

Field Investigation Tips Volume II: Subsurface Utilities

As a continuation of our discussion on Field Investigation Tips, we’ll take a quick look at another (incredibly important) concern when conducting a (subsurface) field investigation: buried utilities.  Much like our previous topic (Field Investigation Tips Vol. 1: Working in the Rain), there are inherent difficulties when required to work in “congested” areas where you see mark-out paint all over your investigation area.  But don’t be fooled…buried utilities have a sneaky way of turning up in less obvious areas too. So, in the spirit of keeping things relatively simple, listed below are some key tips (some obvious / some less obvious) that could be used by most practitioners (environmental, geologic, engineering, etc.) to hopefully help avoid common pitfalls when installing borings, wells, test pits, etc.  As always, Safety is paramount for any subsurface investigation.

 Obvious Tips:

·   Tip #1: Get a utility mark-out.  It’s the law in most states.  Don’t rush in.  

·  Tip #2: Hire a private utility mark-out service.  This is an “easy” solution for private properties and highly recommended where you anticipate having subsurface obstructions and/or utilities. GPR services are often worth the extra expense.

·   Tip #3: Schedule to have your locations pre-cleared to a specified depth using a “soft-dig” approach.  Some clients and facilities (e.g. refineries) may require this already, so use this option if warranted.

·   Tip #4: Be prepared to ask your client, site operators, or any other individual if they have specific knowledge of buried utilities, and/or if they have as-builts or other site figures they could supply.  Also have them physically point out where the utility conflicts may be, prior to commencing work.  

·  Tip #5: Make sure your firm is under contract before conducting any intrusive work, and the contract language addresses subsurface utilities.  Also…make sure you’re insured. Really. Get insurance.

·   Tip #6: Maintain a safe distance from all utility mark-outs…generally this means >3ft.  

Less-Obvious Tips:

·  Tip #1: Utility mark-outs may fade or get washed away.  If warranted, be prepared to postpone a project until a new mark-out can be completed.  Also get a new mark-out if your ticket has expired!

·  Tip #2: Be wary of pipe bedding or other common backfill materials when advancing a test pit, borehole, etc.  If encountered, chances are you may on top of, or near, a subsurface utility.  Be prepared to off-set if your location if needed. 

·  Tip #3: After obtaining utility clearance (and not opting to soft dig), pay attention to your drill or geoprobe rig (or excavator) as it approaches the infamous 4ft depth.  This is a common depth where utilities may be located, as it’s generally below the frost line in the Eastern U.S. If the equipment is having difficulty advancing, shaking, or lifting, and boulders, concrete, deleterious material (for example) were not expected, take time to re-evaluate your location…don’t force it. You may be on a utility.  

·   Tip #4: Don’t solely rely on old plans.  They have a tendency of being wrong.   

·  Tip #5: Trust your gut!  If you think something is off, whether it’s a mark-out or plan specifications, don’t hesitate to stop work and get the answers you need and “re-assurances” before commencing work.  People’s lives could be at risk, so avoid making hasty decisions, and don’t let a project schedule or budget dictate your level of safety.  

Stay tuned for future Field Investigation Tips in the upcoming weeks…as there are plenty of lessons to be learned and shared, which could ultimately make our jobs easier and safer! We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information please don't hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com  or www.cardinalLSRP.com

Should Small Businesses Pursue Requests For Proposals (RFP)?

Requests for Proposals (RFPs) come in many forms, from a broad range of organizations with the ultimate goal being to procure the best-valued contractor.  The evaluation criteria is also quite variable, and responses to RFPs mimic this variability. What about Lowest-Price-Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria?  What about incumbent bidders and potential advantages?  Small business of all shapes, sizes, and forms sometimes (generally) view RFPs as onerous with low conversion or win rates…but they still pursue them.  Some folks, including Seth Godin mention that “The RFP is an organization punt, it’s way of saying, it’s all a commodity, we can’t decide, the cheap guy wins.  The cheap guy, of course, never wins.”    

So what does that mean for small environmental businesses? 

·       Small businesses can be the “Cheap Guy” and they sometimes can win; however,

·       Understand and know who and where the RFP is coming from,

·       Be wary and selective of all RFPs, Request for Qualifications (RFQs), etc...as you’re being judged on your credentials and cost,

·       The time investment responding to an RFP could be significant to the business, and negatively impact the projects for your other good “paying” clients,

·       Be wary of the organization that severely and consistently underbids RFPs (these organizations undermine the intent of selecting “best-value”),

·       Do a relatively painless “go / no-go” analysis beforehand, and,

·       Know your firm’s competitive advantages over others (including costs) beforehand.

Low-bid contracts can sometimes be disastrous to small businesses, but the biggest success stories (for both the business and organization that puts out the RFP) are from those where there is a mutual understanding of the “goals” of the project, and an understanding that there are many environmental variables that oftentimes aren’t presented until a project is initiated.  That being said, don’t fear the RFP, but know when to pass on an opportunity…and if you do pass, send it along to someone with more interest; you never know when the favor will be returned. Happy hunting!

We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome. For further information regarding environmental investigations, due diligence, and/or environmental business practices, please don’t hesitate to contact us at tfrancis@cardinalLSRP.com or www.cardinalLSRP.com. 

Is Your Consultant Finding a Solution?

The length of an environmental investigation, review, or remediation will vary.  Nothing surprising there, as each site has its own specific details that will ultimately impact decision making and outcomes; however, how do you assess whether your environmental consultant is actually finding a solution, or merely complicating an otherwise simple situation…or trying to increase their sales numbers?   The easiest answer is determine how long your project is taking.  One (1) month? One (1) year? Ten (10) years?  Like anything, the longer cases or projects drag on (and they sometimes do), the greater the impact on your bottom-line. Again, nothing surprising there, but here are some basic items/questions for consideration:

• Has your consultant outlined the path forward for your project?
• Does your consultant show inconsistencies in their decision-making?
• Are there discrepancies in invoicing?
• Is your consultant readily available to answer questions or….are they generally slow to respond?

Answer these questions early on in the process, and you should be able to gauge the direction of your project…and potentially be able to correct course before disaster strikes.  However, when confronted with a potentially costly remedial effort, the unfortunate truth is that many responsible parties generally feel that they are at the mercy of their consultant and are hesitant to correct deficiencies, or simply ask the difficult questions.  Spin this another way, and ask yourself how you’d like a medical professional to handle your personal situation. The similarities are striking.

Much like we’ve discussed in our earlier posts, getting from Point A to Point B in a remedial project should be discussed early on so that the process is clearly mapped out along with the anticipated costs and contingencies, as nobody likes surprises (unless it’s your birthday…but even that’s debatable). The simplest way to avoid a potential significant (“negative”) impact on your project is to have Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Related objectives.  That’s right folks…SMART goals. Pretty common in the business world, and very relevant in the environmental industry.  By utilizing this basic approach, you should be able to assess whether your consultant is working on your behalf, and finding solutions, or if they are simply making your project their cash cow. 

We hope that you find these posts informative, and relatively useful, and your feedback is always welcome.  For further information regarding environmental remediation and/or environmental business practices, please don't hesitate to contact us.  tfrancis@cardinallsrp.com