Environmental site assessments

RGM performs site evaluations to identify the status of a site from Phase 1 through to site closure. Part of our work involves a site walkover and a desktop study to gather information on the current and previous site conditions. A hydrocensus is also conducted to determine the potential receptors near the site that might be affected by possible contaminants. Once the necessary information has been gathered, a conceptual site model is developed to illustrate the site conditions from source, pathway and receptor linkages. All the gathered data are tested against the appropriate screening criteria to assess what further work is required.

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Risk assessments

South Africa has stringent and comprehensive environmental impact assessment criteria, as governed by NEMA and its regulations. Before authorities grant an environmental licence, specific processes involving impact reports and risk estimates are required. Our teams have wide experience of undertaking qualitative and quantitative risk assessments following NEMA.

  • In undertaking an environmental impact assessment, we aim to identify, predict and evaluate the economic, environmental, and social effects of development activities. Our reports detail the environmental consequences for decision-making and promote sustainable development by identifying appropriate alternatives and mitigation measures. The assessments performed by our team involve
    screening and site-specific risk assessments
  • environmental screening and feasibility assessments.
Groundwater and soil assessments

According to the World Resources Institute’s research, South Africa is classed as a high-water-stress location. It has less water per person than countries considered to be much drier, for example, Namibia and Botswana. Water shortages and problems with infrastructure are common, and increasing urbanisation, industrialisation and climate change have added to the strain regarding water management and allocation. Government laws and regulations emphasise a sustainable water balance involving interconnected strategies such as water conservation, demand management and increased use of previously underused resources such as groundwater. Consequently, South Africa has passed laws to enable the correct use and treatment of groundwater for proposed developments.

RGM has decades of project experience in Southern Africa, involving

  • Monitoring well drilling and installing infrastructure
  • On-site service clearance (CAT and genny)
  • Monitoring soil and groundwater, including profiling soil
  • Applying hand auguring techniques
  • Sampling and analysing soil and groundwater by a SANS-accredited laboratory
  • Quality assurance and quality control measures.
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RGM is part of the RSK group of companies

The RSK group is a leading integrated environmental, engineering and technical services business offering bespoke end-to-end solutions to a variety of sectors. Headquartered in the UK but with an established presence throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, RSK helps organisations around the world achieve their business aspirations in a sustainable and efficient manner.

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