Phase II: Confirmation Sampling Environmental Due Diligence Audit
Phase 11 (Confirmation Sampling Environmental Due Diligence Audit) is bolstered through physical sampling at the points deemed to be contaminated based on Phase 1 findings. Phase II intends to ascertain the presence or absence of contamination. The main activities include intrusive samplings, such as sophisticated groundwater monitoring wells and simple surface soil samples taken by hand augers. Sampling encompasses setting radon canisters or taking asbestos sampling (Bonnitcha & McCorquodale, 2017). The extent of the required sampling determines the depth of Phase II processes and the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish the assessment.
Phase I Findings
Founded in Switzerland in 1912, Holcim is one of the leading producers of aggregates and cement globally, operating in more than 70 countries and employing more than 80, 000 individuals. The concepts of environmental and social responsibility have fueled the company to greater heights in the market sphere. Holcim is the most globalized building company with about 2500 stores globally (Imboden et al., 2010).
Reviewing Phase I findings paves the way for the understanding of existing information concerning the site and the projected contamination. Besides, the Phase I constitutes of relevant background information that will be instrumental in the formulation and execution of Phase 11 and thus should be submitted to the contractor (Federal Aviation Administration, 2007). Necessary background information may encompass; suggested areas of investigation and critical predictors of contamination and sources, possible sources of pollution in relation to the previous site use, last hydrologic testing report as identified in Phase 1, physical properties of the site (soil type, hydrogeologic characteristics, and depth of underground water), and previous site practices and operations.
The confirmation of sampling processes and activities ought to address all aspects derived from Phase I. The information extracted from Phase I is vital since it inspires the formulation of site Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) objectives (Federal Aviation Administration, 2007).
Sampling and analysis results
Evaluating documents and information gathered from various corporate stakeholders is crucial to the Due Diligence Process since it inspires efficient risk assessment (Federal Aviation Administration, 2007). The formulation and implementation of the Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) seek to provide a standard sampling strategy to address every possible liability area through confirmation sampling and analysis. The SAP constitutes of two components, namely, the Field Sampling Plan (FSP) and the Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) (McCorquodale et al., 2019). The role of the FSP is to discuss sampling processes, scope, health and safety measures and the importance of each. On the other hand, QAPP establishes the Quality Assurance mechanisms applied in the field sample collections and analysis to guarantee the precision and accuracy of the sampling results.
Field Sampling Plan ought to comprise of field sampling and analysis mechanisms, safety and health plan and a project management plan. Besides, the FSP ought to address the following processes; site background, sampling objectives, possible contaminants, site characteristics, media typology being sampled, FQA and quality control procedures, and the type, number, location and frequency of taken samples.
Discussion of risks to human health
A safety and health framework is conceived to inform adequate precautions and planning for onsite activities. The review of risks to human health ought to conform to the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules in 29 CFR Part 1926 (Construction Safety) and Part 1910 (General Industry Standards). The safety and health plan aim to excite the safety and health of workers conducting confirmation-sampling tasks. The Holcim Company requires contractors to possess OSHA compliant safety program to adhere to the OSHA multi-employer work-site.
Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) provides the quality management system for environmental activities conducted for or by the company. Program specifications and requirements engaging Quality Assurance programs rely on internal corporate procedures. A plan should be formulated to address how Quality Assurance activities shall be executed in a given project.
Quality Assurance Project Plan and Field Sampling Plan aim at helping the management to assess the field and analytical laboratory performance of the Phase ii activities. The Phase 11 contractor plays a crucial role in ensuring effective implementation of the field-sampling program as stipulated in the SAP and QAPP objectives.
Recommendations for concluding the Due Diligence Assessment
The Phase 11 results, findings and proposals ought to be officially documented in a report comprising of the summary of the phase 1 findings, results if the confirmation sampling and analysis, the analysis of possible risks to human health and the environment, analysis of potential remedial alternatives and the recommendations for concluding the Due Diligence Assessment.
This work recommends the following strategies for the betterment of Due Diligence Assessment (Harrison & Mason, 2017);
- To initiate and implement a Due Diligence Assessment based on best industry practices and global standards.
- To carry out excellent public consultations on the project
- Ensure Due Diligence Assessment processes take cognizance of the cross-border reach of modern corporate relationships and the increasing complexity of organizational structures.
- Ensure the legislative framework for approving permits and licenses encompasses binding guidelines for human rights due diligence, and the requirement to do human rights impact assessments.