Answering Your Questions About an Environmental Assessment
Posted on: 27 September 2017
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Environmental assessments can be a good choice for any builder or developer who is looking to develop a plot of land, or for any business looking to expand or to purchase land for future development. If you've never had an environmental assessment performed before, note a few questions you might have about this type of study and what it involves, and why it can be so beneficial for your company.
What is an impact assessment?
An impact assessment notes the overall impact a development may have on the environment around it. This can include a study of potential air pollution that would be created by delivery vehicles and equipment like furnaces, as well as how the soil would respond to the weight of large buildings and increased traffic. This impact assessment may affect your ability to get a building permit, and it may also include recommendations for how to contain any negative impact your proposed development would have on the environment.
Why have an environmental assessment for public advertising?
You may be required to have an environmental assessment done before any type of public advertising is put into place by your company. This assessment is for similar reasons to why an impact assessment is done before development; a large outdoor sign may impact the soil and work as a retaining wall, interfering with proper drainage in the area. Poor-quality neon signs that leak neon gas may also affect the environment in many areas. These are all reasons why you may want to have an environmental assessment or impact study done before considering any public advertising, especially if you want to erect billboards or any type of large outdoor signage.
Why have an environmental assessment done before buying land?
After purchasing land, you may be liable for any pollution or contamination found on that lot, even if you are not the cause of that damage. Also, pollution or contamination may affect your plans for building; for example, if there is asbestos found in the soil, you may not be able to dig up that soil enough to pour the foundation needed for a new structure.
At the same time, finding pollution or contamination doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't purchase the land, as some contamination may be contained. However, you would need to know your options for containment, the cost of various containment options, the cost of regular inspections needed and the like. This assessment can then help you to determine if that land purchase is the right one for your development or business.