ChemRisk merges with Cardno---adds international platform for cutting-edge risk assessment consulting services

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ChemRisk LLC, an internationally recognized risk assessment consulting firm, has merged with Cardno, a professional infrastructure and environmental services company with expertise in the development and improvement of physical and social infrastructure for communities around the world.

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Dennis Paustenbach, President of ChemRisk, remarked, "ChemRisk's principal focus is the impact of chemicals on human health and the environment. With a team of almost 100, we specialize in understanding the hazards posed by chemicals in foods, soil, sediment, air, water, and medical devices. A partnership with Cardno, with over 7,500 multi-disciplinary employees working from over 270 offices worldwide, provides significant opportunities to expand our services to existing Cardno clients, as well as significant opportunities for our staff to grow in their careers."

With the addition of ChemRisk, Cardno expands its portfolio of consulting services in occupational health and safety, product sustainability, consumer product safety, and contaminated site evaluations. ChemRisk staff members have diverse backgrounds in areas such as toxicology, industrial hygiene, epidemiology, ecotoxicology, environmental sciences, medicine, statistical analysis, and risk assessment.

In the U.S., Cardno has a strong environmental platform including operations through Cardno ENTRIX, which specializes in environmental and natural resource management consulting. "ChemRisk complements our existing product safety practice and aligns well with our focus on the natural environment," stated Todd Williams, President of Cardno ENTRIX. "We operate in a very unique space where our scientists and other multi-disciplinary specialists often bring opposing views to a topic and work together to help clients determine the best approach to meet their infrastructure needs while considering human health and environment impacts. We see the expertise that ChemRisk provides as critical to our success in a number of emerging markets."

When asked about the newest addition to the American operations of Cardno, President of Cardno USA, Paul Gardiner, remarked, "ChemRisk is a strategic addition to enable Cardno to focus on what we see as a trend that is here to stay – managing the human health and environmental risks of product development and/or projects to deliver truly sustainable solutions."

A strong example of what ChemRisk provides in this arena is represented in their paper Natural Gas Extraction Using Hydraulic Fracturing – Creating a Sustainable Path Forward. This type of focus on evaluating new technologies while considering the environment is complementary to Cardno's infrastructure practice. Gardiner continued, "Their services enable us to help clients assess projects holistically and across multiple viewpoints, as well as to deliver integrated solutions. We are very pleased to welcome ChemRisk to Cardno and anticipate our shared philosophies of focusing on growth, providing responsive client service, developing innovative solutions in new markets and employing great people will help us thrive together."

Following Cardno's normal strategy, ChemRisk's key management will become Cardno shareholders and remain active leaders in the company.

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About ChemRisk: ChemRisk® LLC is a scientific consulting firm committed to helping clients around the globe improve the health and safety of their products, operations, workers, the public and the environment. ChemRisk is focused on providing clients with innovative, sustainable solutions to current and emerging issues that not only drive progress, but also protect human health and the environment. More information about ChemRisk is available at www.chemrisk.com.

About Cardno: Cardno is a professional infrastructure and environmental services company, with expertise in the development and improvement of physical and social infrastructure for communities around the world. Cardno's team includes leading professionals who plan, design, manage and deliver sustainable projects and community programs. Ranked at #30 on Engineering News Record's 2012 Top 500 Design Firms List, Cardno provides clients with access to more than 7,500 professionals in over 270 locations focusing on delivering tailored solutions to address social, physical and economic business needs.

Founded in 1945 in Brisbane, Australia, Cardno is an international company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange [ASX: CDD]. To learn more, visit www.cardno.com.

SOURCE Cardno