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Environmental Assessments
ICF International has gained considerable experience in conducting various environmental assessments, including:
ICF has accomplished several projects for companies in different industrial sectors (petroleum, natural gas, chemical, metallurgy, food processing, pulp and paper, and others) located in regions throughout the Russian Federation—from Kaliningrad to Sakhalin and from the Republic of Komi to the Krasnodar.
Strategic Environmental Assessments
On May 21, 2003 at the Fifth Ministerial Conference “Environment for Europe” held in Kiev, Ukraine, 35 countries and the European Community signed the new Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the UNECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context. The Protocol is focused on how to conduct environmental assessments of strategic documents (e.g. plans, projects, and programs).
The primary objective of the strategic environmental assessment is to develop and adopt strategic environmental solutions with the active participation of all parties. The resulting strategic solution or initiative must exclude undesirable environmental and related (social, economic, and other) consequences during the realization of proposed operations.
ICF has gained substantial experience in strategic environmental assessments in Russia in accordance with both Russian and international legislation.
Environmental Strategic Planning for Economic Development, Altai Republic
ICF was contracted to evaluate the current environmental, economic and legal situation in the Altai Republic. Subsequently, ICF explored policy alternatives for alleviating environmental degradation and developed a strategy for environmental monitoring and rehabilitation of the territory.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Management Advice Development, Azerbaijan Republic
As part of a partnership with Salans and Taylor DeJongh, ICF provided management consulting services for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and U.S. Trade Development Authority (USTDA) to support the commercialization and restructuring of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). SOCAR is faced with overcoming years of environmental neglect, as well as aging facilities and equipment. ICF analyzed the current health, safety, and environmental (HSE) situation, through the review of available documents, field visits to facilities and fields, and staff interviews, and identified broad areas where SOCAR does not meet international or Azeri HSE standards. ICF developed a list of HSE objectives that conform to international oil and gas industry best practices. ICF’s approach included creating an implementation plan and developing proposals to address key issues that will arise as a result of implementation, including options to minimize the impact on the workforce.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
An environmental impact assessment is a special mechanism to develop environmentally sound solutions.
The efficiency of the environmental impact assessment research procedures is based on clear target identification and development of Terms of Reference (ToR) adjusted to a specific sector of the particular business activity and local environmental conditions.
ICF conducts environmental impact assessments for all types of construction and modernization projects, including development of the ToR for the EIA and public consultations.
ICF prepares materials for environmental impact assessments for all stages of project design (Declaration of Intent, Prefeasibility Study, Feasibility Studу, Working Project, and Working Documentation).
For the pre-investment and project design phases, ICF develops the environmental sections, as well as environmental sections in the Working Projects for the business operations.
ICF will help to organize and conduct public discussions and consultations, including consultations devoted to the environmental substantiation of projects, environmental impact assessment materials, and other information documents for the public hearings.
Environmental Impact Assessment of a Project on Preservation and Promotion of Cultural Heritage in Russia (2009-2010)
ICF/EKO has provided Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultancy services for a Project on Preservation and Promotion of Cultural Heritage in Russia. The project was conducted for the Russian Federation Ministry of Culture under a World Bank (WB) loan. ICF/EKO developed the EIA on the basis of the WB Operational Policy and Russian Federation (RF) environmental legislation. The project is planned to be implemented in four Russian regions: Leningrad, Pskov, Novgorod, and Tver Oblasts. Considering a wide variety of cultural/historical resources, ICF/EKO prepared a Framework type of EIA and also developed a Frame Environmental Management Plan that describes the types of potential impacts of possible interventions and activities, and mitigation measures that would be needed to avoid, reduce, mitigate, and manage the project impacts. A summary of environmental requirements was provided, including description of all environmental, health, and safety regulations and standards relevant for design, construction, restoration, and renovation of cultural and historic heritage sites under the Project.
Assessment of Averted Environmental Damage (2009-2010)
ICF/EKO assessed potential damage and risks to the environment and human health associated with possible termination of the Moscow company Ekotekhprom, including collection, sorting, transportation, processing, and disposal of municipal wastes. ICF/EKO assessed overall environmental hazards and specified averted potential environmental risks and negative impacts, evaluated administrative opportunities for reallocation of the accumulated wastes, studied potential sanitary-epidemiological hazard, and detailed averted risks and negative impacts to human health and comfort. In addition, we estimated averted environmental damage during the Ekotekhprom operation, including prevention of soil littering, water contamination in landfills, and additional air pollution.
Environmental Guidance and Consulting Services for Oil Company (2009-2010)
Exxon Neftegas Ltd. contracted ICF/EKO to provide environmental guidance consulting support. The company is a member of the Project Sakhalin-1 Consortium, which develops several large offshore oil fields, including the Arkutun-Dagi field with capacity of 64.4 million tons of crude oil and 6.8 million tons of natural gas. The assignment encompassed three major tasks: 1) preliminary expert review of the documentation of the Onshore and Offshore Facilities. Sakhalin-1 Project for compliance with the State Environmental Review and the State Expert Review requirements related to environmental protection, 2) development of recommendations for update of the project based on the preliminary expert review results, 3) organizational and procedural support of Exxon in the process of the State Expert Reviews of the project documentation.
Recommendations for Environmental Impact Assessment of Olympic Facilities (2009)
For the Russian Federation Ministry of Natural Resources, ICF/EKO and Institute of Geography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Irkutsk) developed methodological recommendations and guidelines for EIA of Olympic facilities in Sochi. Guidelines include descriptions of the composition and content of the EIA studies, provide methodology for forecasting potential environmental impacts and of integral impact assessment of alternative project options, and describe procedures of public consultations.
Public Consultations for the EIA Project, Olympic Sport-Tourist Complex, Sochi (2009)
ICF/EKO provided a suite of consulting services related to public consultations at different stages of the EIA studies of a projected Olympic sport-tourist complex in Sochi. ICF/EKO evaluated relevant legislation that regulates EIA, including the conduct of public hearings for the proposed project; identified the project stakeholders; analyzed the comments and suggestions made by the public; and developed recommendations for preparing responses to the public.
Environmental Impact Assessment for a Forest Products Complex in the Lower Angara Region, Krasnoyarsky Krai, Russia
ICF/EKO was contracted by KSH Solutions Inc. (Canada) to carry out the EIA for a Forest Products Complex (FPC) that would be the largest and the most advanced in Russia, and would make the best use of the 16 million m3 annual allowable cut the region can provide. The FPC in a first phase would be sawmill consuming around 700,000 m3 /a of softwood saw logs and an 800,000 air dried tones/year bleached softwood kraft pulp mill. ICF/EKO conducted ecological and engineering survey and developed EIA report consistent with Russian environmental and permitting requirements, as well as with international guidelines of leading financial institutions. The EIA report was based on such key aspects as alternative analysis, risk assessment, environmental and socio-economic impact assessment, mitigation measures, monitoring plan, and public consultations. Also, ICF/EKO prepared the project section “List of the Environmental Protection Measures.” In addition, we provided assistance with environmental aspects of the project design.
Public Consultations for the EIA Project, Eastern Siberia-Pacific Ocean Oil Pipeline Section (2008-2009)
For Giprotruboprovod, ICF/EKO provided a suite of consulting services related to public consultations. This was done in support of the EIA for the ESPO oil pipeline segment between the booster station Skovorodino and the specialized oil-loading seaport Kozmino ESPO-II. We evaluated all relevant legislation that regulates the conduct of public hearings for the proposed project and also analyzed the project documentation submitted by the client. We developed a series of recommendations for conducting public hearings and assisted the Client in holding them. Subsequently, we analyzed all of the comments and suggestions which were made by the public and prepared suggested responses. ICF/EKO specialists also provided consulting services related to the conduct of the state environmental appraisal, including the analysis of individual expert reports. We reviewed the Summary Report from the State Environmental Committee. ICF/EKO also developed recommendations for considering public opinion during the implementation of the project.
Environmental Impact Assessment of a Petro-Chemical Plant, Nizhnekamsk, Russia
For OAO Nizhnekamskneftekhim (NKNK), ICF conducted an EIA of the second stage of polystyrene operations with a design capacity of 50,000 tons per year, in compliance with both the Russian and international standards set by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). ICF provided the environmental baseline for the project area and assessed the potential environmental impacts of the proposed plant, specifically air emissions, water discharges, and waste disposal. In addition, ICF evaluated potential cumulative human health and ecological risks associated with the proposed operations and developed a detailed health and safety assessment of the cumulative impacts. ICF recommended a number of key measures to prevent or mitigate impacts and developed an Environmental Monitoring Plan, which was incorporated into the NKNK Environmental Action Program.
Environmental Impact Assessment of a Hydroelectric Power Station, Vilyuy, Russia
ICF was contracted by the OAO Vilyui Hydroelectric Power Station-3 to perform an EIA, Phase III, in compliance with the Russian and international European Bank for Redevelopment (EBRD) regulations and standards. The EIA procedure included field studies, collection, and evaluation of publicly available data on environmental performance, the sanitary epidemiological situation, the hydrological regime of the existing Vilyui Power Stations 1 and 2 located upstream from Station 3, and the permit status of the construction project. Special attention was paid to the assessment of environmental and human health risks related to power station operations and potential water pollution. ICF also prepared detailed information for public hearings. ICF conducted the EIA with input from all stakeholders and incorporated their comments and proposals into the EIA report.
Environmental Impact Assessment of the Proposed Tereshkovo and Kozhukhovo Gas-Turbine Power Plants, Moscow Oblast, Russia
The EIA study was conducted in accordance with environmental requirements and standards of the Russian Federation and an international lending institution. The project included studying the baseline environment of the project area and assessing the potential environmental impacts of the proposed plant resulting from air emissions, water discharge, and waste disposal.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Volgogradsky Aluminum Plant, Volgograd, Russia
For the Environmental Academy, ICF performed an EIA of a proposed modernization project of the Volgograd Aluminum Plant, including installation of new gas-cleaning equipment. ICF studied the current environmental performance and collected and evaluated data on: air emissions, wastewater discharges, solid waste management, environmental impacts, and fees paid by the plant for environmental pollution. Potential air pollution quantities were estimated through atmospheric emissions and dispersion modeling. ICF concluded that plant modernization and installation of modern gas-cleaning equipment would improve the performance of the plant and the environmental conditions of the surrounding area. ICF also recommended an action plan to reduce the nitrogen dioxide and fluoride air emissions.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Russkoye Oil Field, Yamal Nenets Region, Russia
For the Russkoye Oil Field located in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District of the Russian Federation, ICF implemented an EIA to meet the standards of the World Bank and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), as well as Russian federal, regional, and local standards. The procedure included on-site visits, sampling and laboratory analyses, modeling, public hearings, and development of the Russian and English versions of the EIA report. The report was approved by both OPIC and the Yamolo-Nenets Autonomous District Environmental Committee.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Ammonia Transportation, Storage Facilities and Off-Shore Terminal, Taman Peninsula, Krasnodar Territory, Russia
ICF conducted an EIA of projected ammonia transportation, storage facilities and an off-shore terminal on the Taman Peninsula for the State Institute of City Design in Moscow. The assessment included collection and evaluation of publicly available data on environmental performance, as well as field and off-shore investigations, including sediment sampling. Environmental and health risks were also evaluated. In addition, ICF assessed potential environmental impacts associated with construction and operation of alternative options for the projected facilities and developed recommendations on measures to mitigate potential environmental and health risks.
Environmental Impact Assessment for Tar Terminal, Kaliningrad, Russia
In 1995 for the Tarconord Company of Denmark, ICF undertook preliminary surveying at a site in Kaliningrad, Russia, projected to be used for construction of a tar terminal. ICF evaluated environmental conditions on the site and in the adjacent industrial and municipal areas, and identified options to mitigate potential negative environmental impacts.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Furniture Factory IKEA, Moscow Oblast, Russia
In 2006 for "Ekoline" Company, ICF prepared a general overview of Russian environmental legislation, made on-site visits to collect background data, analyzed IKEA’s factory permits and licenses, and evaluated the factory’s potential impacts on the environment. The EIA included surface water, groundwater, and atmospheric air assessments, as well as the potential hazard to human health caused by noise. In addition, ICF analyzed whether the factory’s impacts met Russian environmental and sanitary regulations and standards.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Off-Shore Geophysical and Geological Surveys, North Caspian Sea, Russia
In 2007, ICF was contracted by Megatron NVK to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of off-shore geophysical and geological surveys in the "Tyuleny" area located in the North Caspian Sea. ICF collected baseline data on the current environmental performance of the site, assessed potential environmental impacts from the Differential-Normalized Electrical Prospecting, provided public consulting services, and developed recommendations for environmental monitoring. In addition, ICF provided regulatory guidance and consulting services during the vetting of the documentation by the state control board.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Hot Zinc Galvanizing Facility, Elektrostal City, Moscow Oblast, Russia
In 2007, ICF performed an EIA of a hot zinc galvanizing facility, in accordance with the Russian Federation, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), and International Finance Corporation (IFC) requirements. ICF collected baseline environmental and social economic data, studied current environmental and social economic performance of the site and surrounding area, evaluated potential impacts on different environmental media and populations, and developed recommendations for environmental monitoring and steps to mitigate the negative impacts. Particular emphasis was placed on waste management issues. ICF analyzed the composition of the generated industrial waste and proposed alternative approaches for waste handling. In addition, ICF held public consultations on the project.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Digital Cellular Network Expansion, Northwestern Russia
In 2006 for OAO MegaFon, ICF developed an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of antenna-feeder devices and base stations for a project to expand the digital cellular network in northwestern Russia. ICF collected baseline data on the current environmental performance of the region and particular sites. ICF then evaluated the potential environmental impacts of the project. Per the contract, ICF provided regulatory guidance and consulting services during the vetting of the documentation by the state control board.
Environmental Audits
Environmental Audits, as a governmental environmental regulating measure, were introduced for the first time in Russia in the late 1990s. The procedures were first based on regulatory and procedural documents from the National Environmental Protection Committee (Goskomekologii) and international ISO 14000 standards adapted to the GOST-R certification system.
Today environmental audits are generally a voluntary act commonly used by audit initiators (industrial organizations and companies, international financial institutions, and private investors) to objectively evaluate environmental compliance in planning, selecting an optimal development strategy, and making decision on future investments. Environmental audit results will affect the following decisions:
- whether the business activity complies with existing regulations
- whether the existing management system is efficient
- how to manage potential environmental risks and their consequences
- whether the environmental and economic policies of the company are efficient
In addition, Russian legislation also allows for environmental audits to be conducted under state control authorities’ decisions.
ICF was one of the first companies to obtain a license to conduct environmental audits and over the last few years has conducted more than 50 of these projects in the NIS.
ICF conducts environmental audits in compliance with the requirements and formats set by:
- European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
- International Bank for Reconstruction and Redevelopment (IBRD)
- US ASTM and OPIC
- Regional Venture Capital Funds
- Internal requirements of the client
Environmental Audit of Medical Instruments Plant, Kirov Oblast, Russia
Under the framework contract with OAO Vostok, one of the largest Russian syringe producers, ICF conducted an audit of the plant's manufacturing process for medical syringes and injection solutions. Major environmental problems related to air emissions and discharges from the main and auxiliary production lines were studied, and compliance with federal and local environmental regulations was evaluated. ICF recommended preventive and remedial environmental actions to bring the plant's operations into compliance with applicable regulations and standards.
Environmental Audit of the SIDANCO Oil Company
IT Russia Services contracted ICF in 2001 to conduct an environmental audit of SIDANCO, as part of the first stage of an introduction to environmental management systems for the company. The ICF audit team studied current environmental management and monitoring systems to determine the type and scale of existing environmental impacts and problems. ICF made recommendations regarding water use and wastewater management, waste handling, and atmospheric emissions reduction. ICF also outlined possible approaches for rationalizing the environmental management systems of SIDANCO and other Russian oil companies.
Environmental Audit of On-Shore and Off-Shore Oil Facilities, Sakhalin Island, Russia
As members of a larger environmental consulting consortium, ICF specialists were engaged in an environmental audit of the on-shore and off-shore facilities of the Sakhalin Energy Investment Company (SEIC). This investigation included an oil production complex, a floating storage and off-loading tanker, and a base camp located in North Sakhalin. The audit was conducted following European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) guidelines and standards to support the SEIC monitoring program.
Environmental Audit of Ore Mining and Processing Enterprise, Sakha-Yakutia Republic, Russia
In 2000, ICF conducted an environmental compliance audit of the Mirny ore mining and processing enterprise, which belongs to the largest Russian diamond-mining company, ALROSA. The audit team investigated: major facility extracting operations; the transportation, storage, and processing of diamond-bearing ore; and supportive services, including water supply and waste water treatment systems, and solid waste disposal. In addition, health and safety issues were studied. Based on the results acquired on-site, ICF made recommendations to improve the environmental management system and mitigate negative environmental impacts.
Environmental Audit of Pulp and Paper Mills, Baikalsk, Russia
ICF conducted an environmental audit of the Baikalsk Pulp and Paper Mills (BPPM), Russia’s largest mill complex, for the Russian State Committee on Environmental Protection. The mills are a major source of contamination of Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest and deepest lake, which contains 20 percent of the world’s fresh water and includes three Biosphere Reserves and two National Parks. The ICF team conducted the environmental compliance audit through a comprehensive on-site investigation, which included: interviewing management and specialists; reviewing all technological operations and the main sources of environmental impact, including wastewater treatment facilities and landfills; and evaluation of the mill’s environmental management system. ICF identified several significant environmental issues, mainly related to waste management, such as inadequate solid waste disposal and the leakage of sewage pipes.
Environmental Audit of Oil-Producing Enterprises, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan
In 2002, ICF conducted environmental audits of several oil producing enterprises operating in Kazakhstan (Kumkol’ oil field) and Azerbaijan (Zyh-Govsany oil field) for Lukoil Overseas Services. Following the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) procedures, the environmental, health, and safety issues were studied and evaluated.
Assessment of Environmental Damage Caused by Geophysical Surveys
In 2006, ICF was contracted by an oil company, TNK-BP Management, to assess the level of environmental damage caused by high-precision geophysical surveys. The seismic surveys were performed by OOO BGR Geofizika to determine oil/gas-bearing capacity of two sites in the Uvatsky District of the Tyumen’ Region. ICF evaluated compliance with Russian legislative requirements and permits and made on-site visits. In addition, information was collected on management and operation practices, environmental performance and forest ecosystem damage. ICF developed an action plan aimed at management improvement and the mitigation of negative environmental impacts.
Preliminary Environmental Assessment of a Warehouse, Samara, Russia
In 2007, ERM’s Moscow office contracted ICF to conduct an environmental audit of a warehouse belonging to OAO Nidan Soki located in the city of Samara. ICF assessed the existing and potential environmental risks associated with the warehouse operation. ICF also developed recommendations on how to improve the environmental management and minimize environmental and human risk.
Environmental Audit of Two Oil Field Services (OFS) Bases, Yamal-Nenetz Autonomus Region, Russia
In 2007, ICF conducted an environmental compliance audit of two OFS bases operated by Schlumberger Logelco, Inc. The bases are located in the cities of Noyabrsk and Muralenko in northern Siberia. The audit complied with both Russian and international regulations and standards and included on-site visits, personal interviews, analysis of permit status, and the evaluation of the environmental, health, and safety management system. In addition, ICF identified discrepancies with Russian environmental legislation, evaluated existing and potential environmental risks and estimated the approximate costs of repair and prevention measures.
Environmental Due Diligence Studies
Environmental due diligence studies are used to manage businesses’ liabilities in property transactions, including real estate transactions, corporate mergers, and acquisitions. These studies provide a complete picture of the environmental issues resulting from ownership of the property, determine the nature and extent of actual and potential exposure to environmental liability, and assess potential environmental risks associated with transactions.
Due Diligence Assessment of Iron Mining Company, Belgorod, Russian Federation (2008-2009)
For ZAO United Metallurgical Company (OMK) from December 2008-October 2009, ICF/EKO conducted a due diligence assessment of OOO Belgorod Mining Company (BGDK). The company mines iron ores in the Kursk Magnetic Anomaly region using an experimental hydraulic borehole mining method. During the field visit, we inspected the company’s office, industrial base, and trial pit Bolshetroitsky. We also interviewed the company staff and developed a report based on the data collected. The report included a list of identified deficiencies and non-compliances with federal subsurface and environmental legislation of the Russian Federation, an assessment of related liabilities, and recommendations for mitigation and/or elimination of such liabilities.
Environmental Due Diligence Study of Oil Production Facilities in Armavir, Russia (2008)
For Sovena España S.A. (Spain), ICF/EKO conducted a due diligence study of two vegetable oil facilities located in the Armavir City. The study was performed in accordance with the international standard ISO 14015:2001 (Environmental Management-Environmental Assessment of Sites and Organisations). The objective of the audit was to evaluate the compliance of the operations with existing Russian regulations and identify potential environmental liabilities. The audit report also included preliminary cost estimates of the recommended environmental mitigation measures.
Environmental Due Diligence Study of Vegetable Oil Production Plants, Krasnodarsky Krai, Russian Federation (2008)
For a private company, ICF/EKO performed an environmental due diligence study of two vegetable oil production plants in Armavir, Krasnodarsky Krai. The study was conducted in compliance with the international standard ISO 14015:2001 (Environmental Management. Environmental Assessment of Sites and Facilities). ICF/EKO specialists conducted a site visit and also interviewed the client's staff using a questionnaire tailored to the site, the facilities, and the operations. Representatives of Rostechnadzor and Rospotrebnadzor then verified all data. Based on the data obtained during the study, ICF/EKO assessed the compliance of the company with existing environmental legislation and developed a list of recommended corrective measures with their estimated cost. ICF/EKO provided consulting services regarding Russian environmental legislation for the client during the entire period of the agreement.
Due Diligence Study of Electric Engineering Plant, Ulyanovsk Oblast, Russia
ICF/EKO assisted EKO Consulting company (France) in preparing and performing a due diligence assessment (Phase 1) for an electric engineering plant located in the Ulyanovsk Oblast. ICF/EKO developed a summary of the RF Environmental, Health and Safety regulations. Specialists from both companies made an on-site visit, evaluated the compliance status of the plant operations, and developed a list of the recommended mitigation measures.
Environmental Due Diligence Study of Oil Production Facilities in Armavir, Russia
For Sovena España S.A. (Spain) ICF/EKO conducted a due diligence study of two vegetable oil facilities located in the Armavir City. The study was performed in accordance with the international standard ISO 14015:2001 (Environmental Management—Environmental Assessment of Sites and Organizations). The objective of the audit was to evaluate the compliance of the operations with existing Russian regulations and identify potential environmental liabilities. The audit report also included preliminary cost estimates of the recommended environmental mitigation measures.
Due Diligence Environmental Assessment of Beer Breweries and Pharmacological Facility
For a private client, ICF and Tauw Milieu (Netherlands) carried out a due diligence assessment of two beer breweries near Moscow, one brewery near St. Petersburg, and a pharmacological facility in the Moscow Oblast. The assessments consisted of collecting background information, evaluating the compliance situation, interviewing management, and making on-site visits (with limited sampling of well water). The final report included general data on the sites, an overview of noncompliance, a detailed description for each environmental item, and a general overview of Russian environmental legislation.
Environmental, Health, and Safety Audit, Georgia
In 2005, ICF conducted an environmental, health, and safety audit of 24 gas stations and an assessment of 10 undeveloped licensed sites for Canargo Standard Oil Products LTD. In addition to the audit, environmental policies for operating the purchased gas stations were also prepared.
Environmental Due Diligence of Middle Timan Bauxite Mine, Komi Republic, Russia
In 2001, ICF was contracted by CSIR Environmentek to conduct due diligence services for the Middle Timan Bauxite Mine. ICF conducted an environmental, social, health, and safety compliance audit, in accordance with the guidelines of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation. ICF also assessed the potential cumulative human health and environmental risks, which may be posed when the mine operates at full production capacity (2.5 million tons/year). Preliminary public hearings on the current mine operations were conducted in the Cnen’yavorik settlement and Ukhta city, after which ICF developed a Draft Plan of Public Consultation, taking into consideration the possible impacts associated with the expansion of production capacity up to 6.5 million tons/year.
Environmental, Health, and Safety Strategy and Management System Development, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia
From 2000-2003, ICF developed the main principles of an environmental, health, and safety (EHS) strategy and recommended the optimal structure of the EHS Corporate Directorate on the basis of benchmarking against 17 international oil companies. The project included an extensive gap analysis of the EHS practices of Lukoil’s operations in Kazakhstan (in conjunction with the Terra Group), Russia, and Azerbaijan. Lukoil accepted ICF’s recommended EHS structure, which allowed for a very efficient implementation. The recommended strategy, policies, and results of the gap analysis were cost-effective, and provided an opportunity to structure the future EHS management system of the company in line with ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18000.
Due Diligence Study of Сoal Mining Enterprises, Sakhalin Island, Russia
ICF conducted an environmental due diligence study in 2007 of a group of coal mining enterprises under the guidance of the Sakhalinugol Operator Company. The group was comprised of 11 enterprises, including bituminous coal and brown coal mines (with both open and underground methods of extraction), concentrating factories and distributors. The objective of the audit was to evaluate the compliance of operations with Russian environmental regulations and standards, analyze the status of permits, and identify existing and potential environmental liabilities.
Site Assessments
A site assessment examines the original conditions at a location and usually determines whether those conditions meet EBRR requirements, as well as local and international regulations.
An Environmental Site Assessment typically includes:
- Site retrospective analysis
- Assessment of existing environmental conditions focused on health and epidemiological conditions
- Recommendations on remediation and restoration measures
Taking into account the natural site characteristics and the projected challenges of various operations, ICF conducts a detailed environmental analysis, including: atmosphere, water, soil and land resources; flora and fauna research; developing documentation and environmental assessments of the actual and projected activities to be undertaken; conducting an environmental capacity assessment; evaluating the consequences of the land category conversion; and assessing the sustainability of natural ecosystems.
The site assessment results are used for the selection of a location for the proposed business activity, as well as for the development of environmental management systems and the assessment of its future effectiveness.
Environmental Site Assessment to Support Pet Food Factory Construction, Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia
ICF conducted a Phase I environmental assessment at four "greenfield" sites in the Novosibirsk Oblast to evaluate their suitability for the construction of a proposed MARS (U.S.) pet food factory. ICF staff collected and studied publicly available data on environmental conditions; performed on-site soil, water, sediment, and vegetation sampling and analyses; and took noise measurements. Based in the study’s results, interviews, observations, expert appraisals, and evaluation of the potential impacts to adjacent areas to the sites, ICF made recommendations as to the preferred property for the factory construction.
Environmental Site Assessment for Alumina Refinery, Komi Republic, Russia
Under the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and International Finance Corporation project, ICF was contracted by a SAR company, CSIR Environmentek, to conduct an environmental assessment of two sites for an alumina refinery to be constructed in the Komi Republic. Both the environmental and economic aspects of the projected construction were evaluated, including environmental restrictions imposed by existing protected natural territories and water protective zones. Based on the findings acquired in the study, the site located near the city of Sosnogorsk was recommended as preferable for the alumina refinery construction.
Environmental Risk Assessment at Kizil-Dere Copper Deposit, Dagestan, Russia
For IMC Economic and Energy Consulting Ltd. (Great Britain), ICF assessed the potential environmental risks associated with the projected copper deposit development in Kizil-Dere, located in the Dagestan mountain region. Studies conducted by ICF in 2006 determined the major potential risks were posed mainly by waste disposal, transportation, and the water supply system. ICF evaluated the data and developed an action plan to prevent and/or mitigate environmental impacts.
Environmental, Social and Economic Assessment for Underground Gas Repository, Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia
In 2007 for OOO Podzemgarprom, ICF conducted an assessment of a site for a projected underground storage gas repository within rock salt strata. ICF collected available data on the environment and landscape, as well as on the social, economic, and demographic performance of the territory being studied. Environmental studies included the field sampling of soil, vegetation, animals, and surface and underground water; as well as conducting laboratory research of the collected samples. Based on the acquired data, ICF evaluated the environmental performance of the proposed site and assessed its compliance with existing Russian environmental regulations and standards. Finally, a social, economic, and demographic characterization of the proposed site and adjacent territory was developed.
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