When a client has selected a geographic area for project development it is often advantageous to conduct a site selection/"fatal flaw" analysis of the property prior to the preparation of permit applications. The purpose of the "fatal flaw" analysis is to identify significant environmental or permitting constraints which may be encountered during project development. Sometimes these constraints can be avoided by simple adjustments in the site locations of facilities, ponds, etc. without extensive alterations of preliminary engineering. Westech personnel have considerable experience in site selection and have worked in this capacity on several coal and hard rock mines as well as for a major pipeline.

The primary objectives of a "fatal flaw" analysis are:

• to review literature to determine existing environmental conditions
• determine the amount of existing data pertinent to the project site
• determine regulatory agency requirements for the proposed development
• compare the existing data base with those agency requirements to identify any additional data needs
• conduct reconnaissance inventories
• evaluate the project to identify potentially significant problems that may affect its development

"Fatal flaw" analyses are usually conducted during pre-development planning. Analysis needs vary between projects but may include hydrology, soils, wetlands, climate and air quality, vegetation, wildlife, aquatic biology, archaeology, cultural resources, socioeconomics and permitting feasibility. These may include searches for threatened or endangered species, examination of existing range site conditions and the reclamation potential of the site, known constraints to fugitive dust or other particulate emissions, the demographic and economic background of the region, surface and ground water quality and quantity, and water rights.

The permitting feasibility investigation is particularly relevant to mining and other industrial projects. This investigation identifies the necessary local, state and federal permits which must be obtained by the client, and an approximate time frame required to obtain those permits. These scheduling constraints are important; for example, an archaeology field crew could lose valuable time waiting for agency approval of a survey permit. These delays are costly when unplanned and could affect the permit application submittal date.

After the "fatal flaw" analysis is complete and has been reviewed by the client, baseline environmental studies (if needed) can be designed. Regulatory agency concerns can be specifically anticipated and addressed in the study plans. Detailed schedules and cost estimates and an assessment of the significance of environmental problems can then be developed.

Westech has found that site selection/"fatal flaw" analysis is an increasingly popular approach to the development of new projects. Westech personnel have been involved in several "fatal flaw" analyses for mining companies, pipelines, etc. Clients have found that this method saves time and money and that it eases communication problems with regulatory agencies. Westech highly recommends this approach to potential clients considering major new projects and personnel are available to discuss this technique in greater detail.