RISK ASSESSMENT

Desk Top Studies / Risk Assessments are key elements of any ERW Programme, and ideally should be implemented at the appropriate stages throughout any project where there is a UXO / ERW concern. Typically, RPS advise that the following assessments are undertaken in advance of any groundworks, and planning activities, which may be impacted by any potential ERW / UXO risk:

• Initial ERW Assessment - undertaken prior to any other works. Defines whether there is a potential impact from ERW in the general area of works, with a general broad brush risk level provided. Recommends whether further assessment would be prudent, or if only ERW Safety & Awareness support would be sufficient. 

• Full Desk Based ERW Assessment - more detailed research into the specific areas of works. Typically provided with Initial Risk Zone mapping (subject to Field Verifciation), and initial outline of recommended way forward.

• In country ERW Field Verification - verifies the risk determined as part of previous des kbased assessments, via low resoultion ground truthing of both suspect hazard areas, and assessed low risk areas. This also includes, where possible and relevant, additional in country archival research, interviews, and liason with Local / National Authorities.

Dependant on  project requirements, logisitics, and if there is prior knowledge of UXO / ERW risk in the proposed works area, certain phases of assessment can be skipped, or combined to be run cuncurrnetly, if considered to be acceptable by RPS. 

CONSULTANCY

In addtion to the aforementioned assessment services, RPS EES is priamarily comprised of a team of consultants with knowledge related to the ERW / UXO industry. Should new, or exisitng, clients require advice either before, during, or after a works programme, with ERW / UXO related issues then RPS can be contacted to determine the most appropriate way to tackle them. 

GIS

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can be an incredible benefit, if established and implemented appropriately as part of an ERW works programme. 

RPS is able to advise the client of various ways that GIS could either be used / created specifically for independent ERW related data interrogation and management or equally for integration into any already existing client GIS.

Due to the nature, and typical timing, of any ERW assessment, there is the potential for ancillary non-ERW related data / information to be obtained and collated which may also be of great benefit to clients further down the line. As such, RPS would be able to advise of other information that could be collected as part of, or alongside, any ERW works and subsequently utilised by the client for additional purposes.

Typical applications of GIS during an ERW project lifecycle may include:

• Plotting of data/research information gathered as part of an ERW Desk Based Study.

• Analysis and interpretation of datasets relating to ERW contamination.

• Preparation of initial Hazard / Risk Areas based on availalble ERW related data.

• Geospatial analysis for the preparation of Heat Mapping based on confirmed ERW related data.

• Data preparation, management and QA/QC of ERW programme related data (Released Areas, ERW finds, Stockpiles, Proposed Clearance Tasks etc.).

• Route planning / geo-fencing based on verified field collected data.

• Preparation of bespoke project related mapping, tailored to the individual project and client's needs.

• Project specific software development, to allow bespoke solutions.

• Web-based GIS solutions for data distribution / visibility.