Jakab és Társai Ltd. services

 We are convinced that with accurate and physically sound groundwater flow and contaminant transport models the efficiency and cost effectiveness of remediation systems can be radically improved. In Hungary, as compared to countries that have longer environmental background, the financial resources and energy spent during the site assessment phases are much lower, therefore, the predictable results of operating remediation systems incorporate a high degree of uncertainty. Under these circumstances, the development and application of analytical and/or numerical models is probably more of a must, making it possible to more precisely identify data gaps, both from quality and quantity points of view. Also, it will become much easier to analyze different possible scenarios, and to select a best case scenario. Also, decision communication is much more effective using graphical modeling outputs than tabulated sets of data.

Site assessment (including site investigation, data collection, data evaluation, data communication, decision-making, etc.) is probably the most important phase of any remediation process. We have performed several environmental site assessments at major sites, so ve have a waste experience. Our specialty is mainly related to geologic and hydrogeologic aspects, and we are among the few local companies with experience in the assessment and remediation of soil and groundwater sites contaminated with chlorinated solvents. Unfortunately, the degree of such contamination in aquifers is often very high, and free phase contamination in the aquifer is generally occurring.

Methods and guidelines to perform Risk Assessment - both human health and ecological - are not well defined in Hungary, although these terms are currently in use, and these activities are required as part of the environmental remediation projects. Some publications exist, but due to the lack of detailed guidelines in most cases the pertinent U.S. EPA guidelines are considered. We have performed the first complete RA, when - to our best knowledge - there was only one similar project completed in Hungary. The assessment was performed for a waste disposal site in Jászberény, and completed for the `baseline` case, in accordance with EPA guidelines. Our report was reviewed by Hungarian (OKI - National Public Health Institute) and American (CH2MHill) experts. Following this first project several RA projects were performed by our experienced staff.