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- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Environmental Data Collection
- Coastal Sensitivity and Shoreline Change Management
- Modelling
- Seabed Mapping and Characterization Surveys
- Water and Soil Testing
- Risk/Hazard Assessments
- Marine Spatial Planning
- Geographic Information Systems
- Meteorological Testing
- Benthic Fauna Analysis
- Chemical and Solid Waste Disposal
- Social Assessment and Consultation
- Underwater Noise & Observations
- Stack Emission Testing
- Liquid/Solid & Liquid/Liquid Separation
- Toxicity Testing
- Cooling Towers
- Pipeline Integrity Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment
“Environmental Impact Assessment" can be defined as: The process of identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the biophysical, social, and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made.” (IAIA 1999). The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision-makers consider environmental impacts before deciding whether to proceed with new projects. Environmental Sciences Limited provides a comprehensive service in all aspects of assessments including the development of pollution control methods and technologies for both terrestrial and marine projects. The company can prepare and implement Environmental Impact and Risk Assessments/ Environmental Health and Safety Assessments to address both terrestrial and marine concerns at every level from local health safety & environmental issues to global matters such as marine biodiversity, spatial planning, effluent pollution and disposal of hazardous waste for activities not limited to the oil and gas sector.
Environmental Data Collection
ESL Oceanographic Measurement Services has an experienced field team who are knowledgeable in the collection of oceanographic data and analysis. This is conducted using specialized equipment including; Niskin Grabs, Ponar and Box Corer Grabs etc. Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCP) for current and wave measurement are also part of ESL’s services. Some of the new advantages and use of the mobile ADCP systems include the measurement of turbidity from the backscatter during dredging and or HDD drilling operations. ESL also provides oceanographic marine data collection utilizing our seabird or SBE multi probe for measuring depth, DO, conductivity, temperature, turbidity and pH. ESL also receives support from our senior Coastal Engineering and Oceanographic teams, ESL has also introduced new technology for the identification of sea floor scour erosion and free span analysis.
Coastal Sensitivity and Shoreline Change Management
ESL also has experience in executing shoreline change measurement projects (port/jetties) as well as coastal sensitivity studies. We utilize specialized equipment such as the Trimble RTK Unit, which allows us to do beach profiling, whereby a cross-sectional trace of the beach perpendicular to the shoreline is mapped. This can be done multiple times over a period of time to identify changes in the shoreline as illustrated in the 3D map below which shows coastal changes over a 6 month period. ESL has a wealth of experience in this type of mapping survey across Trinidad, Tobago, Suriname and Guyana. We can also provide the associated GIS support, to overlay various other datasets with the beach profiling information for research/academic/regulatory purposes.
Modelling
ESL together with Tetra Tech and Woods Hole Group also provide sediment transport and oil spill dispersion modeling. Tetra Tech and Woods Hole Group develop and use computer models and simulations to answer interdisciplinary questions related to marine and freshwater environments. Both have decades of experience addressing environmental and engineering challenges by simulating physical, chemical, and biological processes.
Seabed Mapping and Characterization Surveys
ESL carries out acoustic seabed mapping and seabed characterization surveys with the use of a single beam acoustic device called QTC. QTC is a seafloor mapping instrument designed to map the seabed and its associated habitats using a single and intermittently spaced acoustic footprint that can vary in both size and spacing according to depth. Our system is complemented by additional specialized software including; IMPACT and CLAMS which is a software utility package that provides for data enhancement, visualization and presentation, SURFER 8 then converts data into outstanding contour, surface, wireframe, vector, image, shaded relief, and post maps. HYPACK software is also a new generation navigational tool, and provides the QA required for our marine sampling and sea floor surveying.This hydrographic survey level of accuracy is also complemented by the use of our DGPS System supported by Omnistar satellite positioning and HYPACK. For coastal profiles and shoreline change assessments ESL utilizes RTK GPS Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) that interfaces with the software navigational system to maximize accuracy during surveying. The multiple surveying applications of the RTK GPS GNSS system include topographic, cadastral, seismic, stakeout and control. In addition the data can be easily downloaded into mapping software which saves time, money, manpower and resources. ESL provides various acoustic surveys; ranging from single-beam, side scan sonar multi-beam, for sea floor mapping and characterisation and data processing. Our technical partner CR Environmental supports ESL with a number of marine Hydrographic, Sea floor and Pipeline assessments.
Water and Soil Testing
ESL lab capabilities allow for the analysis of Heavy Metals, Nutrients, Organics and Inorganics. Heavy metals can be analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, which tests for the concentrations of metals via flame atomic absorption and/or electrothermal atomic absorption. Nutrients (Nitrates, Nitrites Ammoniacal Nitrogen and Total Phosphorous), Phenols, Sulphides and C.O.D. can be tested by means of the Hach UV/VIS spectrophotometer. Chloride analysis is done using a tirtrimetric method while Oil and Grease and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) are done using a gravimetric method and Soxhlet Extraction for soils. The methods used for the above mentioned parameters are all taken from the Standard Method of Examination for Water and Wastewater 23rd Edition (SMEWW) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We also use Certified Standard Reference Solution for calibration as well as guidelines for obtaining or working towards accurate results.
Risk/Hazard Assessments
A risk assessment is a study of vulnerabilities, threats, likelihood, loss or impact, and theoretical effectiveness of security measures. The process of evaluating threats and vulnerabilities; known and postulated, to determine expected loss and establish the degree of acceptability to system operations. ESL produces risk assessments utilizing the services of affiliates that specialize in generating risk assessments documents for both commercial and oil and gas applications. The company has also partnered with a specialist in the area of detection and quantification of fugitive emissions from various emission sources as part of the requirement for green house gas inventories assessments.
Marine Spatial Planning
Marine Spatial planning is “strategic forward-looking” planning for regulation, managing and protecting the marine environment including allocation of space that addresses the multiple, cumulative, and potentially conflicting uses of the sea. ESL through its affiliation with our UK and US based specialist offer clients MSP by identifying areas of biodiversity and cumulative impacts whilst working together with the client to manage these areas.
Geographic Information Systems
ESL has its own GIS database which has hundreds of datasets with information on marine, terrestrial and coastal regions of Trinidad and Tobago. Information ranging from historical natural disaster data, (e.g. hurricane and earthquake data) to previous land and marine environmental studies that have been carried out (e.g. data from environmental studies on the east coast of Trinidad). ESL’s database is continuously updated and improved.
Meteorological Testing
ESL also provides Meteorological Testing. The Vantage Pro2 by Davis Instruments is a wireless weather station with a versatile sensor suite that combines a rain collector, temperature and humidity sensors and anemometer into one package.
Benthic Fauna Analysis
ESL provides specific biological analytical lab services for categorization and identification of benthic fauna down to species level. Statistical tools are applied to the biological analytical data collected and used for specific land, marine studies and reports. ESL has compiled a number of biological assemblages which is also being used for the identification of biodiversity within the East Coast of Trinidad and other coastal areas of Trinidad and Tobago. Our Biologists utilise the Primer software, which consists of a wide range of univariate, graphical and multivariate routines for analysing species/sample abundance (or biomass). Our facility is also supported by Senior Marine Biologists and other Marine and Fisheries Professors. ESL also has a network of Caribbean and international specialists to support our QA/QC program. ESL is now introducing a new instrument which can be used for the identification of sea floor sediment erosion and free span from various marine structures.
Chemical and Solid Waste Disposal
ESL also provides proper chemical and solid waste disposal practices through the processes of filtration, bio-remediation, incineration and encapsulation.
Social Assessment and Consultation
ESL conducts the required public awareness and social surveys where members meet with the public to compile data of the historical and existing surroundings as well as the cultural aspect that may exist within the population. ESL also assists in organizing consultations to discuss EIRAs, impacts and concerns that may exist for a particular projects identified from the public consultations.
Underwater Noise and Observations
ESL has acquired an underwater unmanned research observation vehicle which has a variety of rapid assessment applications, ranging from the inspection of the Sea floor and Near Coastal areas in addition to structures and pipelines, vessel hull surveys. The Observer unit has also been used for quantitatively analyzing biodiversity (for example, fish counts). This system avoids potential health and safety concerns by removing the need for a diver to go into the water for extended periods. This unmanned observer can also fit in places where a human cannot. It can therefore be useful in a variety of applications and depths.
ESL also offers services in underwater acoustical noise assessment and works closely with internationally recognised noise engineering experts who specialise in noise and vibration measurement and control for marine, industrial and commercial applications. ESL has conducted underwater noise assessments to assess the background underwater noise levels prior to the execution of seismic, exploration/development drilling and piling projects, as well as to determine, through sound propagation modelling, the potential impacts of underwater noise generated from these activities on marine mammals, sea turtles and pelagic and demersal fish species along the east and west coasts of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as regionally in Suriname.
Stack Emission Testing
ESL also provides Stack Emission testing or SET testing. We have forged relations with international firms in this field and we are able to provide a series of US EPA methods including the more common one used by most industries in Trinidad and Tobago, Method 5 testing (Particulate Matter, PM10 or TSP). ESL also uses a newer method of stack analysis which reduces human error and the time taken to carry out stack emission testing. With this new and improved method, the time taken to carry out the actual testing can be reduced by up to 40 %. ESL can also carry out Flue gas testing on stacks using the Testo 350 XL.
Liquid/Solid & Liquid Separation
ESL uses specialized filtration and patented processes to achieve separation of liquid-liquid and liquid-solid mixtures. Our procedures are used to process and deliver oilfield produced water to acceptable standards, separate tri-ethylene glycol from propylene carbonate to recycle PC. ESL has processed a number of wastewater effluent utilizing various technology such as Activated carbon, RO, Wall nut, Cartridge and Micro bubble separation technology.
Toxicity Testing
ESL can conduct toxicity testing using the mysid shrimp. Samples include effluent, sediments and oilfield chemicals. The method used is based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency Method EPA-821-R-02-012. ESL has been approved by the Ministry of Energy as one of the few labs in Trinidad to conduct this analysis.
Cooling Towers
ESL has partnered with a US based cooling tower manufacturing company to offer repair and reconstruction services which include labour, inspection, testing and evaluation services and a parts warehouse for all replacement components for cooling towers of any make and model, to industrial plants in Trinidad. Some of the parts that ESL can supply are: Anchors and straps, basin coatings, bolting hardware, casing and louvers, valves, vibration systems, FRP walkways, drift eliminators, fire protection, fan deck, motors, fill, ladders, lumber, just to name a few.
Pipeline Integrity Assessment
ESL provides the necessary sea floor marine pipeline assessment services which may be required for Pipeline Integrity Management. This is achieved by the identification of line movement via Side Scan Sonar, ROV and sediment analysis necessary for grain size analysis and conductivity. Habitat assessment using our QTC system is also used to support sediment transport and Scouring analysis modelling around and beneath the pipelines.