ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at specific site characterizations, often called collectively a Phase II environmental assessment or a second-level assessment. Understanding the conditions at the site is essential to selection of an appropriate soil or water treatment technology. A complete site assessment need not, and should not, be done all at once. An initial site characterization contains information useful in planning and to regulatory agency personnel. It should contain general information adequate to decide on the specific steps and information required in subsequent stages. Sampling off-site, on property belonging to a third party, to determine the extent of a plume is required by regulatory agencies. The function of the planning stage is to set protocols, establish priorities, define the potential for problems, and assess the risk to humans and the environment. This stage should pose questions relevant to identifying and obtaining data required to determine the extent and physical and chemical nature of the contaminant and the physical characteristics of subsurface environment.
