Who has ever made an assumption as a consultant?  I’ve always gone by the rule “Assume and you make an A## out of U and Me.”  I have had the auspicious benefit of being present while a senior consultant reviewed a 1928 diagram and made an assumption what the depicted USTs use was based on the piping layout and general notes on the diagram.  The project scope was proposed under these assumptions, and the client was prepped for a quick and smooth closure based on the immobility of the assumed contents.  Low and behold, when the UST was excavated and soil samples collected… wow did they stink and scream on the PID (bad assumption).  If the UST only contained PNAs the soil would not have had PID readings in the hundreds or thousands…  I was in the position to observe and report.  After the samples were collected, notes compiled, and analytical selected, the consultant still stated the UST appeared to be used for the same assumed use from the 1928 diagram, and submitted samples for PNA analysis accordingly.  Only after some questioning by me (in front of their client… I hate to see innocent people stare incomprehensively at actives conducted on their own property) to “clarify” their field procedures, did they submit a couple of the samples for VOC analysis since there were PID readings.  The client was not happy since this was supposed to be quick and easy, with only a hand full of analysis (bad client maintenance).  The classic “You said it was just a #### UST and shouldn’t be an issue,” was stated by their client (bad client relationship).

Situations like these make me feel bad for the consultant’s client, and makes me appreciate my training at a competent company.  This outlines the point that making assumptions as a consultant is just bad practice.  As consultants, we are here to provide the facts and assist the client in meeting regulatory requirements (and if we’re lucky to have a great client that is proactive, protect the environment).  Creating assumptions to make the situation fit what you or your client wants does not protect the client or you as the consultant. 

Though I doubt anyone will post an answer here for themselves, I ask you to ask yourself these questions for self-reflection:

How often do I go through the day making assumptions simply due to “That’s how I’ve always done it?”  Assumed your thought process does not need to be re-assessed, you have not looked for updated regulations, or evaluated yourself to determine if you need additional training.  Can I improve myself in that area I’ve practiced for #?# years and/or done a hundred/thousand times?

Those questions are hard for some, but I find the best consultants ask themselves these questions on a regular basis, if not everyday. 

To assume you know it all, or every possible solution, is to become complacent.  Complacency leads to no growth, assumptions, and errors.

Scott