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 pretrial examination helps record the condition of an object and clarify an environmental dispute before going to court. The first step is to determine which circumstances can be established from the available materials and which require a survey or laboratory testing.

Subject of examination

An area and particular environmental objects
Documents concerning a suspected impact
Results of inspections, sampling and measurements

Sample questions for the expert

Which changes in the condition of the object are confirmed by the data?
Which possible causes can be checked against the materials supplied?
Are additional samples, measurements or specialists needed?
Which conclusions are permissible given the existing limitations?

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

What to prepare

A description of the dispute, location and period of the impact
Documents relating to the object and its history of use
Photographs, records and complete laboratory test reports
Correspondence and opinions that need to be checked

How the examination is conducted

The subject of the examination and list of materials are agreed. Document analysis, inspection and laboratory stages are planned according to the particular task. The text distinguishes the examiner's own observations, information from the Customer and results from external service providers.

Scope and limitations

A pretrial specialist opinion is not a state environmental expert review of design documentation. The availability of a forensic examination and its procedural requirements are determined separately.

What the deliverable records

The Customer receives a description of the examination performed, reasoned answers to the agreed questions and a list of limitations relevant to the use of the conclusions.

Independent environmental opinion

When it is used