Environmental Site Assessments Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the outcome of Phase I assessments?

Detailed analysis of contamination pathways

Determination of whether a problem exists at the site (correct)

Identification of contaminants and remediation strategies

Establishment of a remedial action plan

What does Phase II primarily focus on during site assessments?

Field sampling and identifying contaminants in site media (correct)

Characterization of proposed remediation strategies

Implementing immediate remediation action

Reporting outcomes to regulatory agencies

What is a key feature of Phase III Environmental Site Assessments?

Initial surveys and interviews to gather site information

Immediate remediation based on preliminary findings

Outlining pathways and receptors related to all contaminants (correct)

Sampling of site media for physical assessments

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) in Phase IV?

To provide a process for remediation to acceptable levels Signup and view all the answers

Which considerations are critical during the remedial design phase of Phase IV assessments?

Implementability, climate, cost, and time frame Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the OSHA 40 hour training?

General workplace safety regulations Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment is considered more robust for environmental remediation projects than standard construction projects?

Chemical resistant gloves Signup and view all the answers

What types of procedures must be included in decontamination efforts?

Vehicle and equipment decontamination Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial aspect of the Medical Surveillance Program?

Regular medical exams and blood tests Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key component of the Environmental Protection Plan?

Program for air, soil, and water monitoring Signup and view all the answers

What should the Contingency Plan address in the Environmental Protection Plan?

Potential adverse effects on the environment Signup and view all the answers

How does the Health & Safety Plan inform the contractor's responsibilities?

It specifies health and safety expectations for the project Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically included in a Health & Safety Plan?

Health & Safety budget allocation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key factors to consider when evaluating the feasibility of remedial technologies?

Public perception and acceptance Signup and view all the answers

Which option represents a remedial technology that involves physically removing contaminants?

Excavation Signup and view all the answers

What major aspect is emphasized for the site assessor in terms of advising the client?

To provide various options for their consideration Signup and view all the answers

Which type of remediation technology is defined as a process that removes contaminants from the host medium?

Separation Signup and view all the answers

What should a site assessor do if planning to implement a technology with uncertain public acceptance?

Have a backup option ready Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following categories does NOT represent a type of remediation technology?

Conversion Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating the cost effectiveness of remediation technologies, what should the assessor compute?

Projected cash flow and technology costs Signup and view all the answers

Which remediation strategy is banned in many regions due to public opposition?

Incineration Signup and view all the answers

What is one essential component that must be included in a Remedial Action Plan (RAP)?

Defined remedial objectives Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required element of the Health & Safety Plan (HASP) in a RAP?

Emergency evacuation procedures Signup and view all the answers

What should a monitoring program in a RAP include?

Analytical program and frequency of sampling Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key objective of the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)?

To provide backup in case of environmental protection failure Signup and view all the answers

Which hazard is NOT identified in the health and safety requirements for the HASP?

Falling objects Signup and view all the answers

Why is record keeping important in a Health & Safety Plan?

To provide a historical account of project activities Signup and view all the answers

What contingency plan should be identified in case of unsuccessful remediation results?

Procedures to follow for treatment performance Signup and view all the answers

What factor is essential to include in the monitoring program of a RAP?

Frequency of sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is one primary purpose of Bench Scale tests in treatability studies?

To establish the optimum physical environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a role of Pilot Scale tests?

Identifying projected time frame for completion in the field Signup and view all the answers

What aspect must be assured in the remediation plan regarding local residents?

The plan must avoid affecting their quality of life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of conducting a Pilot Scale test?

Provide data for detailed design specifications Signup and view all the answers

What must the remediation plan ensure regarding discharge guidelines?

It must meet acceptable air and water discharge guidelines Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant function of Bench Scale tests?

To derive cost estimates for various treatment methods Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for the remediation plan to be compatible with a redevelopment schedule?

To minimize construction delays Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT describe a benefit of conducting Pilot Scale tests?

Determination of optimal physical conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of destruction in remediation processes?

To chemically or biologically neutralize contaminants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of soil remediation technology?

Active Filtration Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'containment' refer to in remediation?

Preventing the migration of contaminants in soil and water Signup and view all the answers

Which technique uses oxygen and nutrients to accelerate the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in groundwater?

Oxygen/Nutrient Enhanced Biodegradation Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of a remedial option is NOT considered when ranking options?

Aesthetic appeal Signup and view all the answers

Which type of remediation involves solidifying contaminants to prevent their migration?

Solidification/Stabilization Signup and view all the answers

What does Vitrification achieve in soil remediation?

Transforms soil into a glass-like material Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following techniques is effective in treating groundwater by removing contaminants using air?

Air Stripping Signup and view all the answers

Which evaluation study focuses on optimizing site-specific remediation performance?

Treatability Studies Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a passive treatment wall in groundwater remediation?

To allow natural processes to neutralize contaminants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Phase I Site Assessment

A review of existing information, including records review (multiple sources), aerial photography, site visits, and interviews
The goal of Phase I is to determine if a problem exists at the site.

Phase II Site Assessment

Characterization of the physical aspects and potentially contaminated site media, including sampling of site media.
Identification of contamination pathways and receptors.
The goal of Phase II is to identify possible contaminants and their location, concentration, and types at the site.

Phase III Environmental Site Assessments

A detailed assessment to characterize the site, outlining all known contaminants and their relationships.
Pathways and receptors are completely outlined.
Inputs for remediation and risk assessment are provided
The goal of Phase III is to provide all inputs needed for the determination of a remedial plan.

Phase IV Environmental Site Assessments

Remedial Action Plan (RAP) is defined, and the process of bringing site media to acceptable regulatory levels is outlined.
Remedial design options are identified, evaluated, and a best option is selected, considering criteria like implementability, climate, cost, and timeframe.

Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Process

Process flow diagram, showing phases and decision points for the assessment (refer to page 6)

Remedial Action Plan (RAP)

The RAP is a plan set by Nova Scotia Environment to identify site-specific remedial objectives to reduce risks of contamination.
It includes a preferred conceptual remediation plan, performance monitoring plan, and long-term site management requirements

RAP Components

Defined remedial objectives
Identify course of action for remediation
Identify monitoring program for air, water, soil, and groundwater samples.
Include a Health & Safety Plan (HASP) and Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)
Include contingency plans for potential adverse effects
Record keeping; daily work logs and incident reports
Emergency Response Plan (Emergency personnel, lines/routes of authority)
Responsible party identification (appointing a Health & Safety Officer, and people to keep daily logs and prepare incident reports).
Training Requirements: labor code, OSHA 40-hour training, WHMIS training.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) for remediation projects (respirators, chemical-resistant clothing, gloves, and boots)
Medical Surveillance Program (exams, tests such as blood tests, chest x-rays, EKGs, etc.).
Decontamination procedures for vehicles, personal, equipment, and clothing (washing, brushes, water treatment).
Environmental Protection Plan (Monitoring program, contingency plan, site security).

Remedial Options - Evaluation

Six Tier Approach to assessing the feasibility of remedial technologies:
- Evaluate technology effectiveness on contaminant (including physical/chemical properties of the contaminant, and different phases - liquid, solid, water)
- Evaluate technology effectiveness on site (considering soil type, chemistry, moisture, depth to groundwater, oxygen, and nutrient availability)
- Evaluate exposure risk and environmental disruption during and after remediation (accounting for human exposure risks and examining surrounding land use and nearby receptors)
- Evaluate technology track record to meet remedial objectives (whether the technology is "developed" or "developing")
- Consider how the remediation ties to intended use or sale of the site, considering timing, immediate threats, public perception
- Establish cost effectiveness and affordability for applicable remediation technologies.

Types of Remediation Technologies

Removal
- Excavation
Separation
- Soil vapor extraction
Destruction
- Natural attenuation
Containment
- Solidification/Stabilization

Remedial Technologies for Soils and Groundwater

Includes a comprehensive list of methods (e.g., Natural Attenuation, Soil Vapor Extraction, In-situ, and Ex-situ bioremediation, Solidification/Stabilization, Slurry Phase Biological Treatment, Chemical Reduction/Oxidation, Chemical Extraction, etc.)

Treatability Studies

Bench Scale (laboratory tests) to determine optimum physical environmental conditions for treatment, time frame for completion, and cost estimates
Pilot Scale (scaled-up tests on-site) to determine effectiveness, establish completion timelines, resolve limiting factors, provide detailed design specifications, obtain cost estimates for capital and operations, obtain regulatory permits
The goal of Treatability Studies is to optimize site-specific remediation.

Ranking Remedial Options

Rank short-listed options using weighting factors across Six Tiers.

Remediation Project Summary

Comprehensive list of items to consider (e.g., timely completion, environmental compatibility, minimization of construction delays, safety for neighboring residents/businesses, adherence to guidelines)

Other Relevant Information

The RAP is a plan.
This presentation is supporting material for a specific remediation project (Sydney Tar Ponds & Coke Ovens Remediation).

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts and phases of Environmental Site Assessments, including Phase I, II, III, and IV assessments. Identify the primary focuses and purposes of different phases, including the Remedial Action Plan. Test your knowledge on critical considerations in remedial design.