Environmental consulting has been around since the early 1970s, but it's still an expanding field with unique risks and exposures. Governmental regulations, public interest in conservation and sustainability have driven the growth of this $16 billion industry.

Pollution liability can occur when faulty work is the direct cause of environmental contamination, and professional liability arises when technical errors contribute to an incident. Even individuals who never set foot on a job site must consider their potential exposure: lab technicians analyzing soil samples for pollutants or engineers advising on regulatory compliance plans, for example. If your operations can contribute to an environmental incident, you are exposed.

Fortunately, there are steps that risk managers and environmental consultants can take to identify exposures, mitigate risks and improve operations. Complete, consistent documentation is the basis for an effective strategy and begins with detailed proposals, clearly defining the work to be completed, terms of successful performance and a realistic estimate of associated costs.

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