ABSTRACT
The extent and type of information gathered in field investigations for a Phase II site evaluation will vary depending on: land application practice being considered, regulatory requirements and completeness and suitability of information on soils, topography, and hydrogeology obtained from other sources. This chapter discusses special considerations related to investigation of reclamation sites involving abandoned land. It focuses on basic field investigation methods applicable to agricultural and forest land application sites. A field site survey should be conducted after potential sites have been identified in the map study performed during the Phase I site evaluation. Major types of commonly available maps that contain useful information for site field investigations include US Geological Survey, published Soil Conservation Service soil survey maps, Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain maps, and US Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetland Inventory Maps. Some state regulatory programs place restrictions or limitations on land application of sewage sludge on or near floodplains and wetlands.
