Potential environmental liabilities can arise from a number of sources and due to a large number of activities. Some of the common activities include land acquisition and development, authorised & unauthorised activities, spills, leaks and other accidental and unexpected events.

Through our Environmental Liability Service, ELS can assist with the development and delivery of suitable risk identification, evaluation, mitigation and transfer solutions.

We offer a transparent, logical and coherent framework for environmental liability assessment and management.

We engage all stakeholders and communicate priority environmental issues and solutions effectively.

Our service can be tailored to focus on particular legal instruments such as the Environmental Liability Directive (2004/35/EC), or activity-specific licence conditions.

• Baseline Condition Assessment
• Conceptual Site Model (CSM) Development
• Environmental Liability Risk Assessment (ELRA)
• Environmental Damage Assessment
• Annex III Assessment (ELD 2004/35/EC)
• Multiple Part Causation Evaluation
• Environmental Damage Quantification
• Pollution Claims Analysis
• Cost Benefit Analysis
• Stakeholder Engagement

For example, we can undertake a detailed desktop investigation in accordance with International and National Standards as applicable. The aim of the assessment may be to:

• evaluate details of any pre-existing site conditions and associated environmental damage and liabilities,
• review current site mitigation/prevention measures and practices, e.g. fuel storage and spill containment features,
• develop a conceptual site model: evaluate the potential for and/or imminent threat of adverse environmental impact from current activities to water, land, protected species or natural habitats,
• assess risks to assist with the determination of the probability of a loss,
• develop a client-specific methodology to quantify a potential environmental loss.,

ELS also provide liaison expertise and skills including verbal and written communications such as production of information leaflets, reports, & presentations to stakeholders such as:

• Insurers & Underwriters
• Brokers, Underwriters, Economists
• Management and Operation personnel
• Government Agency and Regulatory Authorities
• Non-governmental organisations (NGO's)
• Members of the public
• Legal representatives
• Shareholders
• Third parties

Our reports are presented in a format to meet our clients needs including for example:

• Comprehensive Environmental Liability Risk Assessment (ELRA) report
• Company Environmental Reports
• Pro forma reports

• Surface Water Pollution Incident
• Environmental Liability
• Iarnrod Eireann UB-30 Dublin to Belfast Line, Malahide/Broadmeadow Estuary Bridge Pier No. 04 Collapse
• Environmental Liability Underwriting Guidelines
• Accidental Discharge - Intrusive Site Investigation and Environmental Liability Assessment