Site Characterization
Florida’s geology is diverse and dynamic. Karst lithology with springs and sinkholes is flanked by panhandle clay and the Biscayne aquifer. Check out more information on Florida’s geology here.
When contaminants are discharged to the environment, the potential impact must be assessed to determine the best remedial solution. A Site Assessment Report is designed to characterize hydrogeologic conditions and to determine the horizontal and vertical extent of contamination. It is important to confirm that the source of impact has been abated, and that there are no imminent threats to human health or the environment.
Characteristics to assess include:
- Soil porosity
- Groundwater transmissivity
- Migration pathways
- Chemical concentrations
These factors can vary at different depths and seasons. Some external influences include:
- Daily tides
- Seasonal rain
- Hydraulic pressure
- Drawdown from high volume agricultural wells
These external influences can change the subsurface conditions over time. Understanding each site requires experience and diligence.
Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA)
According to the EPA, a Risk-Based Corrective Action starts with the use of risk-based decision-making as an integral part of the corrective action process. Where risk-based decision-making is incorporated into the UST corrective action process, the result is usually called risk-based corrective action (RBCA).
“Risk-based decision-making is a process agencies can use to make determinations about the extent and urgency of corrective action and about the scope and intensity of their oversight of corrective action. Risk based decision making essentially can be used as protective of human health and the environment, it offers a scientifically sound and administratively effective way to respond to the pressure for timely action at large numbers of sites and efficient use of both public and private resources. Depending on known or anticipated risks to human health and the environment, appropriate action may include:”
- Site closure
- Monitoring and data collection
- Active or passive remediation
- Contamination
- Institutional Controls
EPA, States it perfectly, “The objective is the same, to ensure that adequate protection of human health and the environment is provided.” The goal of RBCA is three fold:
- Protection of human health and environment
- Practical and cost-effective application of risk-based decision-making
- Consistent and technically-defensible administrative process
ERMI discusses RBCA and other risk management strategies with their clients to determine the most cost-effective solution.
Soil & Ground Water Sampling in Southwest Florida
ERMI services property assessment needs from Phase I Environmental Site Assessments through remediation of contaminated properties. ERMI also characterizes mixed contamination plumes; fingerprints unknown petroleum compounds, and performs forensic investigations into the source and release date of contamination.
Corporate headquarters for Environmental Risk Management is located in Fort Myers, Florida. ERMI serves all of Florida with our complete service offering. Environmental Risk Management (ERMI) has been in the environmental consulting business in Florida since 1999. We have staff positioned throughout the state of Florida and offer forensic services throughout the nation. ERMI will help minimize your risk by offering valuable services to meet your needs.