Cutting Edge Consulting Tailored for You

PERMITTING, REGULATORY SUPPORT & ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING

On average, our staff has 26 years experience completing a variety of environmental and civil engineering types of work from land acquisition/site selection to site grading, water and wastewater studies, hydrology and drainage design, and all phases and types of site investigations and remediation.

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APPROACH

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Concern for the environment is growing in individuals, private companies and in government as the population increases throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

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As environmental awareness and regulations become more stringent, potential liabilities have expanded and environmental compliance has become more complex.  Sustainable development is one of the new catch words which describes Edgardo Robles & Associates approach and leadership in successfully completing work.

Edgardo Robles & Associates, offers  a full range of environmental services to respond to concerns at every stage of a project, whether it be a grass‑roots facility or providing environmental and/or engineering consulting services involving an operating facility.  All our staff is OSHA‑certified and trained in Hazardous Waste Operation and Emergency Response.

Our Technical Services include the following:

• Site Acquisition 

• Due Diligence & Environmental Audits& Assessments

• Underground Storage Tank Management

• Environmental Impact Analysis

• CWA/CAAA/RCRA/CERCLA/SARA Permitting & Compliance

• Expedited Site Characterization

• Health and Environmental Risk Assessment

• Remedial Investigations/ Feasibility Studies

• Innovative Technology Assessment/ Implementation

• Treatment Process Design/ Implementation

• Wastewater & Pretreatment Design

• Waste Minimization/ Pollution Prevention

• GIS Database Management

• Marine, Coastal and Ecosystems Investigations

• Natural Resource Management Plans

• Groundwater Supply & Aquifer Characterization

• Solid Waste & Landfill Management

• Storm Water Management

• Surface Water Monitoring and Sampling

• Wetlands Management

• Air Quality Monitoring & Emissions Management

• Planning/ A&E Design

• Construction Management & Inspection

Site Acquisition

Edgardo Robles & Associates, investigates site options that fit the criteria established by the customer and maintains databases that allow us to search a range of development variables to find those areas in the Caribbean that best meet your specific needs.  We evaluate all sites under consideration in terms of zoning, geotechnical parameters, utilities, services, transportation, labor availability and environmental conditions.

Edgardo Robles & Associates' good working relationship with municipalities and government agencies ensures that our clients have the best resources available to make the best informed decisions.  In addition, this capability directly supports our telecommunications site programs, which include: A/E design, environmental support, and construction management.

Due Diligence Evaluation

The investigation of potential environmental risks and liabilities are now standard for all government, commercial and industrial property transactions.  Usually, a Phase I Environmental Liability assessment is completed to determine a customer’s potential liabilities.  In certain circumstances a Phase II Investigation, which can include sampling and analysis of various media, may be required based on evidence of potential contamination.

Following standard guidance of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), assessments may include record and title searches, review of applicable agency regulations and feasibility studies.  Our extensive experience and qualifications provide our clients with the best protection through site evaluation and risk analysis to avoid or minimize costly remediation and/or litigation.  Underground storage tank (UST) management is one of the most common areas found that may exhibit potential contamination.  We are well qualified to assist our customers with all aspects of UST management.

Environmental Impact Analysis

Environmental Impact Analysis consists of either an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).  An EA is the process by which the lead agency determines if a proposed action will have a significant impact on the environment.  This requires the preparation of a detailed description of the proposed project and site.  Project profile includes water and power demands and current and new air emission, wastes, noise, and traffic produced during both construction and operational phases.  Also included are site maps, conceptual project plan and a description of the site's: flora and fauna, cultural resources, soil, geology, topography, water bodies, flood elevations, roads, and adjacent area uses.

The document produced for this process is the most critical phase in the regulatory approval phase. If this EA process is done properly, it will determine if the more extensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required or not. In addition, the receipt of subsequent permit approvals is contingent upon agency acceptance of the EA.

Edgardo Robles & Associates is in a ideal position to assist customers with the EA process.  We have experience in providing ecological, biological and geological site assessments for impact analyses, preparing and translating, where necessary, interfacing with participating agencies and providing engineering solutions for protective or mitigating measures, as required.  We have proven experience in steering clients through this complex process in a successful manner.

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Environmental Permitting and Compliance

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Edgardo Robles & Associates identifies the applicable federal and local regulations and necessary permits.  We then develop a permitting and/or compliance schedule aimed at avoiding agency related problems.  Acting in close coordination and in direct communication with the client, ERA can prepare all documents and certifications, and submit them to the appropriate agencies with the appropriate and necessary follow‑up actions. We have an excellent relationship with the regulatory and permitting agencies, including: Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), The Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board (EQB), The Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources & Environment (DNRE), The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PR Permit Management Office (OGPe), Autonomous Municipality's Permits Offices and the Puerto Rico Planning Board (PB).

ERA has a commitment to provide top‑quality environmental audits to our customers.  As part of an audit, we review data on activities at a site, identify applicable regulations and codes, review the facility documents to determine the degree of compliance and prepare a compliance, check list and summary report. This report includes any noncompliance items with engineering recommendations for corrective measures.  An audit can identify hidden liabilities for an existing facility at an early stage allowing changes to be managed pro-actively and cost effectively.  All audits are performed on a confidential basis to protect proprietary operations, where required.

Risk Management

We are one of the few companies in Puerto Rico offering environmental health risk assessment, management, and modeling services from evaluating large industrial facilities to local environmental conditions.  We identify areas with risk potential, then calculate risk probabilities and develop a workable risk management program that provides sound scientific and engineering solutions to reduce potential liabilities and provide compliance with applicable laws.  This has been applied to multimedia permitted facilities.  With the new requirement for Risk Management Plans (RMP), which may be applicable to your facility, our experience and resources can help you comply with this regulation.

Remedial Investigation/ Feasibility Studies/ Treatment Design

We provide the most cost effective and innovative solutions and technologies for our customers by delivering technical solutions based on the principal that effective on-site remediation lies not only in using proven technology, but also in adapting these technologies in creative ways.

The key to a successful remedial program is an efficient site investigation and characterization. Investigations of potential subsurface contaminant concentrations and migration pathways are important tools of successful site evaluations.  Our experienced staff provides comprehensive expertise including:

• Complete evaluation of potential contaminant source areas

• Multi-media (soil, soil gas, surface water, groundwater, and air) chemical sampling

• Comprehensive hydrologic testing services

• Geophysical testing

• Well design, construction, and development

• Groundwater modeling of contaminant migration

• Hydrodynamic control design

• Contaminant hydrogeology

Our hydrogeological expertise is a key ingredient in any site assessment and remediation program. Our capabilities in the environmental sciences, coupled with our result‑oriented engineering approach, produces an efficient and accurate evaluation of your site.  Results of our modeling projects include faster, more efficient site remediation and closure.

Edgardo Robles & Associates includes scientists, engineers, and regulatory specialists, as required, to undertake all stages from initial assessment to final detoxification and clean closure.  Our expertise has taught us that remedial design must be based upon achievable goals and incorporating these factors throughout the design process.  With innovative approaches and an expert knowledge base of the variety of mitigation techniques critical to controlling liability and costs, we offer unparalleled expertise. Our group also provides construction management, operations and maintenance, where necessary. 

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Waste Minimization

The proper management, handling, and disposal of hazardous waste have increased compliance costs and potential liabilities and risks. Edgardo Robles & Associates has implemented cost innovative and effective waste management solutions including waste minimization and treatment solutions to facilities in practically every industry. The preferred approaches of regulatory agencies for overall minimization of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes is reuse and source reduction. Our approach is to eliminate or minimize waste through the design of operations to allow use or reuse of generated streams.  Plant operating systems are identified and quantified to provide a baseline for source reduction. This information, along with a permit and regulatory review, is used to develop a long‑term strategy for the plant.

We have the experience to minimize facility and operations costs by improved waste management. Our team of waste minimization specialists and environmental engineers work closely with our customers to implement a successful pollution prevention and waste minimization program.

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Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way