What is analysed

documents, records, photographs, video, claims and case materials;

the location of the object, possible sources of impact and the sequence of events;

laboratory test reports and the correctness of sampling;

consistency of the conclusions with the source data and methods;

possible restoration and land reclamation measures.

Result

The work results in an expert opinion, review or written specialist position with conclusions that may be used in negotiations, a claim or court proceedings.

Important: if laboratory tests are required, their cost and timeframe are usually calculated separately according to the parameters, number of samples and object.

A forensic environmental examination centres on the questions set by the court and a particular affected object. One situation may require different specialist knowledge concerning soil, a water body, a biological community or restoration measures.

Subject of examination

Case materials and the court's questions
Environmental objects specified in the assignment
Laboratory test reports, inspections and calculations

Sample questions for the expert

Which changes in environmental condition are confirmed by the materials?
Is there a substantiated link between the changes and the impact examined?
What are the confirmed extent and consequences of the changes?
Which restoration measures are needed and what data is required to calculate them?

The final questions are formulated according to the objects and circumstances of the particular task.

What to prepare

The court order and materials provided for examination
Plans of the objects and documents on use of the area
Inspection records, sampling records and laboratory test reports
The sequence of events, original condition and previous opinions

How the examination is conducted

The questions and the specialist knowledge required are assessed before the examination begins. Soil and geological objects, biological communities, the urban environment, water bodies and restoration costs concern different subjects. Where a multidisciplinary team is needed, its composition is determined by the tasks rather than the general name of the examination.

Scope and limitations

Mentioning all types of environmental tasks does not mean that one specialist can perform them all. Environmental conclusions do not replace legal assessment of actions, property boundaries or medical consequences.

What the deliverable records

The opinion shows how each answer relates to the objects examined, source data and methods. Any insufficiency of materials is reflected in the conclusions.

Forensic environmental examination

When it is used