Companies in this industry provide remediation services for contaminated buildings, mine sites, soil, or groundwater, as well as mine reclamation and asbestos and other toxic material abatement. Major companies in this industry include Azuria and Clean Harbors (both based in the US), and Environmental Resources Management (UK). Other companies include the remediation divisions of large environmental consulting firms, such as Tetra Tech and Veolia Environmental Services North America, and divisions of engineering and construction firms, such as Bechtel and Parsons.
COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Demand is driven by the needs of businesses and government agencies to comply with environmental cleanup laws. The profitability of an individual company depends on its ability to accurately predict cleanup costs and to secure contracts with large organizations such as the US government. Large firms have the advantage of providing a wide range of environmental expertise and can thus offer "one-stop shopping" for clients. Small firms can compete by specializing in regional markets or particular areas of expertise. The US industry is fragmented: the 50 largest firms account for about 40% of industry revenue.
PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY
Major remediation includes site remediation cleanup (about 50%) of revenue, followed by building remediation and asbestos contamination services (about 45%). Remediation also involves demolition, land contouring, revegetation, wastewater treatment, oil spill cleanup, and lead paint and other toxic material removal. Other services include nonhazardous waste collection, recyclable material recovery, septic tank maintenance, and environmental emergency response.