01.15.09
When a Consultant IS NOT representing the Client
During these times of economic uncertainty, consultants have to go above and beyond what is normally accepted to keep clients happy and therefore, retained. I have two examples of recently inherited projects that I that I would like to share. Both projects came to me as a direct result of poor consultant-client communication and a consultant’s lack of vision or seeing “big picture”.
Property 1is a Shopping Center that has had a groundwater issue for over nine years as the result of an on-site dry cleaner. For the past nine years, the previous consultants were content to simply suggest continued monitoring even though Georgia Rules regarding groundwater were becoming more stringent. The consultant also was historically submitting their reports late and overall, poorly written. As the new consultant I already knew I would write and communicate better. However, I was faced with two possibilities: 1) continue to recommend a semi annual sampling program that would give me a substantial income twice a year, but would do nothing to clean up the site or, (2) start proposing remedial alternatives that would would get me a one time income, but get the site removed from the State’s Hazardous site program. I proposed the later and because I looked out for my client’s best interest was awarded a second property.
Property 2 is a shopping center that has had a groundwater issue relating to gas stations being located on the property before it was redeveloped into a shopping center. Previous consultant spent well over $100 thousand dollars building an elaborate remediation system. After year one, a higher intensity blower was needed; after year two, a thermal oxidation unit was added; after year three, the system was shut down. Year four and year five, numerous mobile multiphase extraction events (MME) were conducted with more proposed. Funny thing is THERE IS STILL 0.5 Feet of gasoline floating on the water table. Spending clients money with little to no effect is NOT good business sense for a consultant. I am currently working on several proven clean up alternatives for this site and will update you guys as to the success.
Until next time, stay warm.
