Archipel - Environmental Consulting and Engineering
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PRACTICE AREAS

Contaminated Site Remediation

From diagnosis to the Rehabilitation Certificate. We recover the value of real estate assets with a history of contamination and restore predictability to your business.

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ABOUT THE AREA

Consolidated experience in high-complexity projects.

Over 30 years leading sensitive projects for national and multinational companies, with technical rigor and a strategic understanding of the client's context.

Managing a contaminated site is, above all, an exercise in method and strategy. Each step generates the information that guides the next, and every decision must balance technical rigor, regulatory deadlines, and economic viability.

ARCHIPEL acts strategically to find customized solutions, from the preliminary environmental assessment to the execution of a risk-based intervention plan, all the way to obtaining the Rehabilitation Certificate for the declared use.

We also act as an independent Second Opinion, providing a critical analysis of the entire process and supporting decision-making with the various stakeholders involved.

Stages we manage:
  • Preliminary Environmental Assessment
  • Confirmatory Environmental Investigation
  • Detailed Environmental Investigation
  • Human Health / Ecological Risk Assessment
  • Intervention Plan and execution
  • Monitoring and supervision
  • Site rehabilitation for declared use
  • Deactivation and Decommissioning Plans
SELECTED CASES

Deliveries that enabled businesses, unlocked permits, and protected assets.

A selection of projects where technical depth and business insight combined to help companies make more strategic and intelligent decisions.

Aerial view of a fuel terminal in São Paulo
Case 01
State of São Paulo, Brazil2022

Environmental investigation for an ethanol pipeline right-of-way

Oil & Gas / Biofuels

Baseline environmental investigation in areas of interest located at three terminals and one refinery.

Results delivered
  • Assessment of the areas' operational history
  • Survey of external sources (previous studies, CETESB files)
  • Investigation plans and identification of residual contamination
  • Establishment of the environmental baseline scenario
  • Support in defining management responsibilities between the parties
Aerial view of the area affected by the dam failure in Brumadinho/MG
Case 02
Brumadinho/MG, Brazil2021-2022

Environmental diagnosis of a tailings dam failure

Third Sector / Independent Technical Advisory

Collection of primary data from environmental matrices and assessment of risks associated with the mining dam failure.

Results delivered
  • Assessment of groundwater, surface water, air, dust, soil, and sediments
  • Ecotoxicological and metal bioaccumulation tests
  • Physicochemical characterization of the mining tailings
  • Human Health Risk Assessment · Preliminary Study (Tier 1)
  • Systematized database and informational bulletins for the affected population
  • Recommendations for preventive and protective measures for the community
Aerial view of an industrial area with pipeline works in São Paulo
Case 03
São Paulo/SP, Brazil2020-2022

Soil characterization and supervision of pipeline construction

Oil & Gas / Biofuels

Area contaminated with hydrocarbons and pesticides · compliance with the requirements of a Conduct Adjustment Agreement (TAC).

Results delivered
  • Preliminary assessment of soil quality in the areas of interest
  • Environmental supervision of excavation and soil segregation works
  • Collection of representative samples for chemical characterization
  • Guidance for proper disposal according to the TAC
Case 04

Investigation, Deactivation Plan, and support during site closure

São Bernardo do Campo/SP, Brazil
2019
Auto parts manufacturer

Closure of a leased property with liability mitigation.

Results delivered
  • Limiting the study to sources operated by the client
  • Protection against liabilities generated by third parties
  • Detailed planning of decommissioning procedures
  • Support in negotiations with the environmental agency, property owner, and neighbors
Case 05

Phase I+II Investigation, ARSH, Intervention Plan, and Remediation

São Paulo/SP, Brazil
2015-2019
Former textile industry

Revitalization project for a contaminated site in an urban area.

Results delivered
  • Identification and investigation of former sources of contamination
  • Human health risk analysis
  • Design of an Intervention Plan with risk-based actions
  • Remediation of an area with free-phase fuel oil and lubricating oil
  • Strategic support in negotiations with the property owner and environmental agency
  • Obtaining the Rehabilitation Certificate for the site
Case 06

Second Opinion, Detailed Investigation, and Remediation

São José dos Campos/SP, Brazil
2010-2014
Electromechanical industry

Critical review of over 20 years of services and a new remediation project.

Results delivered
  • Critical analysis of a remediation system with unsatisfactory results
  • Detailed investigation of the site and its surroundings
  • Mathematical modeling of flow and transport
  • Toxicological risk assessment for human health
  • Implementation and operation of a reactive hydraulic barrier
METHODOLOGY

Each case requires a specific approach. We handle them all.

01

Preliminary Assessment

Characterizes current and past activities to identify source areas, potential contamination sources, and chemicals of concern.

02

Environmental Investigation

Qualifies and quantifies contamination, delineates plumes, characterizes transport mechanisms, and defines exposure scenarios for receptors.

03

Risk Assessment

Defines scientifically-based maximum allowable concentrations and allows for the design of optimized, real risk-based remediation solutions.

04

Site Rehabilitation

Manages the Intervention Plan with institutional controls, engineering controls, and/or remediation until the Rehabilitation Certificate for the declared use is obtained.

05

Site Decommissioning

Prepares Deactivation and Decommissioning Plans prior to total or partial site closures subject to environmental licensing.

06

Independent Second Opinion

Critical analysis of ongoing processes and technical support for decisions in sensitive scenarios involving agencies, neighbors, and investors.

Ready to turn environmental challenges into a competitive advantage?

Talk to our team. Initial diagnosis is free and confidential.

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