Developing a Conceptual Site Model- Contaminant Pathways and Receptors featured image
Developing a Conceptual Site Model- Contaminant Pathways and Receptors
When developing a conceptual site model (CSM), the focus moves from the initial review of background information to the identification of potential contaminants of concern. Investigation into the site’s historical background should identify past site owners and operators, which would identify contaminants likely to be present at the site. For example, if past operations on…
Remedial Approach Selection – Giving a Thoughtful Evaluation of Strategies featured image
Remedial Approach Selection – Giving a Thoughtful Evaluation of Strategies
Not every remedial approach will work on every site. Certainly not every remedial approach is ideally suited for every site. AEL takes a careful approach to evaluating and selecting remedial strategies that are matched to the client’s specific goals for the site. When a Phase II ESA finds impacts above the allowable limit on a…
Understanding A CSM – Using On-Site Testing to Strategically Fill Data Gaps featured image
Understanding A CSM – Using On-Site Testing to Strategically Fill Data Gaps
The Triad approach is a set of three strategies, supported by the US EPA, which is widely recognized as the proven modern standard for characterizing and remediating impacted sites. While Canadian regulation does not specifically rely on the Triad approach (although it may introduce similar regulation at some point), Canadian best practices do favour the…
Case Study: Changing Course During a Phase 2 ESA featured image
Case Study: Changing Course During a Phase 2 ESA
New information collected on site during a client’s Phase 2 ESA, resulted in the need to adapt their sampling plan.
Real-Time Results with the XRF featured image
Real-Time Results with the XRF
When accurate real time screening results are collected during an environmental site investigation or remediation, the team gains an invaluable tool for directing field work. The use of on-site testing ensures that adequate information is collected in order to make confident decisions about site conditions and next steps. On-site soil testing tools such as ultraviolet…
Ensuring High-Quality Data to Reduce Uncertainty in Phase 2 ESA featured image
Ensuring High-Quality Data to Reduce Uncertainty in Phase 2 ESA
When gathering data for a Phase 2 ESA or other reports through on-site testing or environmental site screening, it is important to note that the results are only as good as the data. On-Site Data Quality & Why It Matters: Inaccurate data means that decisions will be based on erroneous beliefs and a poor site…
Understanding a CSM – The Basics in Ontario featured image
Understanding a CSM – The Basics in Ontario
When managing a site in Ontario, it is essential to understand Ontario Regulation 153/04 and the environmental due diligence it requires. What Is A CSM? A Conceptual Site Model (CSM) is one of the requirements that shapes the Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) process (both Phase I and II) and is required for a Record of…
Overcoming Environmental Challenges At Distribution Sites featured image
Overcoming Environmental Challenges At Distribution Sites
This article first appeared in Electricity Today Magazine. Since original source could not be located, we are unable to embed it here. Distribution Stations & What To Be Aware Of Distribution stations contain high voltage electrical environments that require a well-developed safety regime to address hazards including: While most of these hazard mitigation measures pose…
Reducing Uncertainty in a Phase 2 ESA with the Triad Approach featured image
Reducing Uncertainty in a Phase 2 ESA with the Triad Approach
The “hidden” and non-homogeneous nature of contamination at brownfield sites provides unique challenges to environmental site assessment (ESA) and clean-up work. What Are The Implications of Brownfield Contamination? Brownfield contamination ignites potential for fatal “flaws” like missing impacted soil or groundwater at a previously determined “clean” site. In order to effectively address the financial, environmental,…
Remedial Approach Selection – Evaluating Approaches with Treatability Studies featured image
Remedial Approach Selection – Evaluating Approaches with Treatability Studies
Professionals in all disciplines understand the importance of selecting the right tools for the job. In the environmental industry, this comes into play when deciding on approaches and strategies for remediating unique and complex sites. When evaluating the toolbox of remedial technologies available to manage, remediate and closure of contaminated sites, treatability studies are recommended….