1. Scope

1.1 Applicability of the ECS Process-This practice covers a process for expedited site characterization (ESC) of hazardous waste contaminated sites to identify vadose zone, ground water and other relevant contaminant migration pathways and determine the distribution, concentration, and fate of contaminants for the purpose of providing an ESC client, regulatory authority and stakeholders with the necessary information to choose a course of action. Generally, the process is applicable to larger-scale projects, such as CERCLA (Superfund) remedial investigations and RCRA facility investigations. The ESC process is also applicable to other contaminated sites where the ESC process can be reasonably expected to reduce the time and cost of site characterization compared to alternative approaches. The ESC process has been applied successfully at a variey of sites in different states and EPA regions. (See Table X1.1). It typically achieves significant cost and schedule savings compared to traditional site characterization (See X1.2 and X1.3).

1.2 Features of the ESC Process-The ESC process operates within the framework of existing regulatory programs. It focuses on collecting only the information required to meet characterization objectives and on ensuring that characterization ceases as soon as the objectives are met. Central to the ESC process is the use of judgement-based sampling and measurement to characterize vadose zone and ground water contamination in a limited number of field mobilizations by an integrated multidisciplinary team, led by a technical leader and operating within the framework of a dynamic work plan that gives him or her the flexibility of responsibility to select the type and location of measurements needed to optimize data collection activities. Table 1 identifies other essential features of the ESC process, and Fig. 1 presents a flow diagram for the entire ESC process.

1.3 Investigation Methods-The process described in this practice is based on good scientific practice but is not tied to any particular regulatory program, site investigation method or technique, chemical analysis method, statistical analysis method, risk analysis method, or computer modeling code. Appropriate investigation techniques in an ESC project are highly site specific and are selected and modified base upon the professional judgement of the core technical team (in particular the technical team leader). Whenever feasible, non-invasive and minimally invasive methods are used, as discussed in Appendix X3. Appropriate chemical analysis methods are equally site specific. Analyses may be conducted in the field or laboratory, depending on data quality requirements, required turnaround time, and costs.

1.4 Sites Generally Not Appropriate for the ESC Process-Generally, the ESC process is not applicable to: small petroleum release sites, real estate property transactions that require no more than a Phase I ESA, sites where contamination is limited to the near surface or there is no basis for suspecting that contaminant movement through the vadose zone and ground water is a matter of concern, sites where the cost of remedial action is likely to be less than the cost of site characterization, or sites where existing statutes or regulations prohibit the use of essential features of the ESC process.

1.5 Other Potentially Applicable ASTM Standards for Site Characterization-Guide E 1912 addresses accelerated site characterization (ASC) for petroleum release sites, and Guide E 1739 addresses use of the risk-based corrective action (RBCA) process at petroleum release sites. Section X1.5.1 describes the ASC process, and X1.5.2 discusses the relationship between ESC and the RBCA process. Practices E 1527 and E 1528 and Guide E 1903 address real estate property transactions, and X1.5.3 discusses the relationship between the ESC process and investigations for real estate property transactions. Classification D 5746 addresses environmental conditions of property area types for Department of Defense installations, and Practice D 6608 provides guidance on conducting environmental baseline surveys to determine certain elements of the environmental condition of federal real property.

1.6 The values stated in both inch-pound units and SI units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.7 This practice offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word 'Standard' in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

D5717 Guide for Design of Ground-Water Monitoring Systems in Karst and Fractured-Rock Aquifers

D5730 Guide for Site Characterization for Environmental Purposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zone and Ground Water

D5745 Guide for Developing and Implementing Short-Term Measures or Early Actions for Site Remediation

D5746 Classification of Environmental Condition of Property Area Types for Defense Base Closure and Realignment Facilities

D5792 Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Development of Data Quality Objectives

D5979 Guide for Conceptualization and Characterization of Groundwater Systems

D6008 Practice for Conducting Environmental Baseline Surveys

D6044 Guide for Representative Sampling for Management of Waste and Contaminated Media

E1527 Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process

E1528 Practice for Limited Environmental Due Diligence: Transaction Screen Process

E1689 Guide for Developing Conceptual Site Models for Contaminated Sites

E1739 Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action Applied at Petroleum Release Sites

E1903 Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment Process

E1912 Guide for Accelerated Site Characterization for Confirmed or Suspected Petroleum Releases

Keywords

environmental site characterization; exploration; feasibility studies; field investigations; geological investigations; geophysical investigations; groundwater; hydrologic investigations; maps; preliminary investigations; reconnaissance surveys; sampling; site characterization; site investigations; subsurface investigations: Contamination--environmental; Environmental site assessment (ESA)--soil/rock; Field investigations; Geological investigations; Hazardous waste materials; Health hazards; Human health and safety; Hydrogeologic models/investigations; Reconnaissance surveys; Vadose zone monitoring; Waste materials/processing/analysis;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.030.99 (Other standards related to wastes)

DOI: 10.1520/D6235-04

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