Environmental Risk Assessments
SOCOTEC delivers expert environmental risk assessment services to evaluate soil and groundwater contaminants, ensuring compliance, protecting health, and guiding site cleanup with proven HHRA and ERA services.
Comprehensive Risk Assessments to Support Environmental Compliance and Remedial Strategy
At SOCOTEC, we understand that accurate and defensible environmental risk assessments are critical to protecting public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding site cleanup and redevelopment efforts. Our environmental professionals offer comprehensive Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) and Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) services tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients across public and private sectors.
With decades of experience conducting risk assessments under the framework of federal, state, and local regulatory programs, SOCOTEC has established itself as a trusted partner in environmental consulting throughout the Southwest and beyond. We develop scientifically sound and regulator-accepted risk evaluations that play a pivotal role in site investigation, risk communication, and corrective action planning. Our team is well-versed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) as well as other agency-specific guidance documents and screening criteria.
Technical Expertise That Supports Decision-Making
Our seasoned environmental scientists work collaboratively to define and quantify potential risks to human health and the environment from contaminants in soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and other impacted media. The results of these assessments inform key project decisions—from determining whether cleanup is required to defining the scope of remedial action and evaluating the effectiveness of remediation efforts.
Risk assessments conducted by SOCOTEC provide a robust technical foundation that supports remediation closure strategies and liability risk management. Whether you are managing a brownfield redevelopment, a RCRA corrective action site, or another type of project, our detailed and methodical approach ensures that the findings are transparent, defensible, and aligned with current regulatory expectations.
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Our Services
Integrated Risk Services for Complex Environmental Challenges
Our risk assessment services are fully integrated into our environmental investigation and remediation programs. This comprehensive approach ensures consistency across all phases of project development, from initial site characterization to final regulatory closure. Our risk assessment process typically includes:
- Development of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) considering contaminant exposure pathways, sensitive receptors and media of concern
- Contaminant concentrations at potential exposure points
- Relevant and significant human toxicological information of each chemical of concern
- Risk characterization for each chemical and exposure pathway considering potential human health hazards
Our services include:
- Screening-Level Risk Analyses for preliminary site evaluations and feasibility studies
- Site-Specific Human Health Risk Assessments evaluating both residential and industrial exposure scenarios
- Ecological Risk Assessments to evaluate potential impacts to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
- Detailed Exposure Pathway Evaluation including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact pathways
- Toxicity Assessment using the most up-to-date toxicity values and regulatory screening levels
- Uncertainty Analysis and identification of data gaps and limitations
- Risk Communication Support for public outreach and stakeholder engagement
SOCOTEC’s assessments are always designed to be clear and concise while still addressing complex regulatory criteria. Each report includes a discussion of strengths, uncertainties, and assumptions to ensure decision-makers are fully informed.
Our risk assessment services are fully integrated into our environmental investigation and remediation programs. This comprehensive approach ensures consistency across all phases of project development, from initial site characterization to final regulatory closure. Our risk assessment process typically includes:
- Development of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) considering contaminant exposure pathways, sensitive receptors and media of concern
- Contaminant concentrations at potential exposure points
- Relevant and significant human toxicological information of each chemical of concern
- Risk characterization for each chemical and exposure pathway considering potential human health hazards
Our services include:
- Screening-Level Risk Analyses for preliminary site evaluations and feasibility studies
- Site-Specific Human Health Risk Assessments evaluating both residential and industrial exposure scenarios
- Ecological Risk Assessments to evaluate potential impacts to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
- Detailed Exposure Pathway Evaluation including inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact pathways
- Toxicity Assessment using the most up-to-date toxicity values and regulatory screening levels
- Uncertainty Analysis and identification of data gaps and limitations
- Risk Communication Support for public outreach and stakeholder engagement
SOCOTEC’s assessments are always designed to be clear and concise while still addressing complex regulatory criteria. Each report includes a discussion of strengths, uncertainties, and assumptions to ensure decision-makers are fully informed.
Trusted by Regulators, Valued by Clients
Our close working relationships with local environmental agencies, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), the Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and the EPA allow us to anticipate regulatory expectations and streamline the approval process. We coordinate early and frequently with oversight agencies to reduce review times and move projects toward closure efficiently.
Clients turn to SOCOTEC not only for our technical capability, but also for our responsiveness, regulatory insight, and commitment to providing solutions that are practical, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible. Our risk assessments are not just compliance tools—they are strategic instruments for planning, redevelopment, and environmental stewardship.
Partner with SOCOTEC
SOCOTEC is committed to helping clients address environmental risks with clarity, confidence, and scientific integrity. Whether you are seeking to reduce liability, advance a redevelopment project, or meet agency requirements for cleanup closure, our risk assessment experts deliver actionable insights that support your environmental and business goals.
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