ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some of the major field investigation techniques that are commonly used to help achieve the ultimate site characterization goals—particularly in relation to the archetypical risk determination, risk management, and corrective action programs. In formulating site investigation programs, it should be recognized that the most important primary sources of contaminant release to the various environmental media are usually associated with constituents in soils. Two basic types of magnetometers are commonly used in the investigation of contaminated site problems—viz., fluxgate and proton devices. Intrusive tools for environmental site investigation are required to penetrate the soil so that soil and groundwater samples can be collected at specified depths below the surface. Soil vapor analyses are often used in the investigation of contaminated sites—especially to help determine the possibility for human exposures, the need for corrective measures, and the appropriate locations for monitoring wells and gas collection systems.
