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Effects Monitoring and Field Services

Defining when, where, what and how to sample, implementing a suitable data collection program, and using the right equipment for the job are all vitally important to the quality of any environmental monitoring program. Our technicians, technologists and scientists have been providing international field services from the Arctic to the Tropics since 1974. Our large inventory of field equipment and instrumentation provides the tools needed to collect accurate environmental data.

Monitoring Program Design

Growing public awareness and concern about the quality of our environment has resulted in more regulations being imposed on industry. Failure to comply with the regulations can be costly and reporting inaccurate or inadequate results is money wasted.

Data collection programs for compliance with discharge regulations must be carefully designed to fulfill all monitoring requirements. Since they are often carried out for a long time (if not indefinitely) the most cost-effective strategy for compliance should be used. AXYS understands the regulatory requirements of environmental effects monitoring. We know what has to be done to collect useful data and we help our clients to design effective and compliant data collection programs.

By designing and conducting Environmental Site Suitability surveys, AXYS helps clients to determine the optimal placement and design of outfalls, stacks and vents, aquaculture operations, buildings and other structures, and to minimize environmental impacts, construction costs and production losses due to unsuitability of the site.

These surveys are also an essential component of Environmental Audits which establish the environmental health of a site prior to its purchase.

Complete Field Operations Service

AXYS specializes in turnkey field services. We supply:

• experienced field program managers
• technologists, scientists and engineers
• certified SCUBA divers
• all logistics support
  • vessels
  • aircraft
  • vehicles
  • trailers
  • accommodations
  • food
  • fuel
  • communications
  • generators
  • compressors
  • mobile laboratories
  • positioning equipment
  • safety equipment
• appropriate equipment and instrumentation for the job, either from the AXYS lease inventory or from other suppliers.

If needed, AXYS carries out the complete field program on its own, although in some situations the most cost-effective solution to long-term compliance monitoring is for the client, themselves, to collect data on a pre-determined schedule. AXYS will set up the program, carry out the initial field work, and train client personnel in the collection methods required to ensure that quality data and samples are obtained at all times.

For example, animal tissues, vegetation, water, soil and air samples must be collected in pre-cleaned containers and stored and shipped at the right temperature. Magnetic data and video tapes must be carefully handled to avoid permanent data loss.

Data Processing, Analysis and Reporting

AXYS has extensive computer and laboratory facilities for data processing and analysis. As with the methodologies used in field programs, strict adherence to quality control and assurance procedures is enforced. Our clients can rely on the numbers we produce.

Project reports are often the only tangible product of a field program. AXYS produces field reports which contain a precise account of the operations, with data presented in a clear and concise form including illustrations and photographs that assist the reader in understanding the methods used. Reports can be supplemented by video tape records of field operations. Where the data are being collected for compliance monitoring, AXYS will ensure that the report is in a form meeting the requirements of the regulatory agency.