Our environment is subject to many changes. Environmental Consulting is slowly growing into a consistent and complex niche of business. In this post we outline some of the popular environmental consultants typically covered by a specialty insurance policy and what their job entails.
Environmental consultants typically play a role in the compliance area of manufacturing, government and real estate. Their responsibility is to help these entities maintain and uphold certain local and federal environmental regulations. Environmental consultants are also the go-to experts on possible pollutants and hazardous materials. These consultants often hold degrees in environmental engineering, environmental studies, environmental science and even geology.
Most environmental consultants offer testing or advice for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is made up of several sectors including agriculture, automotive, electric utilities, construction, transportation and oil and gas industries. Lesser known sectors such as dry cleaning and educational services also require EPA involvement. With so many sectors, there is a substantial market for environmental consultants and their firms.
The most common coverages typically sought by environmental consultants include General Liability, Contractor's Pollution Liability and Professional Liability. Additional coverages can be made available on select classes, including Primary Commercial Auto, Follow Form Excess, Premises Pollution Liability and Products Pollution Liability. These coverages are fairly simple and provide protection for site-based incidents, driving accidents, property and/or equipment damage and claims made by frustrated or unsatisfied clients.
Services covered by a specialty insurance policy may include:
- Testing, monitoring, or conducting remedial feasibility studies of pollutants
- Design of systems, protocols, or remedial action programs for the remediation or abatement of pollutants
- Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III assessments, or remedial investigations
- Storage tank and pipe integrity testing
- Laboratory analysis of pollutants
- Project management of remediation activities
- Environmental compliance, permitting, training, or safety consulting services
Environmental consultants are here to stay. Be sure to open your door to the opportunities available in this industry. Need some assistance marketing to environmental consultants? Download this flyer and social media post to start advertising today!
