Contaminated Sites - From Discovery To Remediation Flashcards
How many contaminated sites are found Sweden?and how many have been classed into the two different classes?
80000 sites found although the EPA believes that there may be more unknown . Of this 23,200 have been risk classed and 59086 have been classed according to industrial activity
How many sites have been investigated by the state and how many have been investigated by owners or responsible parties ?
500 sites in risk class 1 have been investigated by the state and 4500 sites in risk class 1 and 2 have been investigated by owners and responsible parties
How many sites have been remediated since far ?
A total of 3500 sites have been remediated by owners, state and responsible parties.
Do the responsible parties here refer to the environmental authorities?
Yes they do
What’s is the full meaning of MIFO? And what are the two phases for MIFO
Method for inventory of contaminated sites.
MIFO PHASE 1 : inventory and visit
MIFO PHASE 2: investigate.
Describe the the steps in MIFO phase 1 (inventory and visit)
Step 1: identify sites and industry, which is usually locating sites or industry that have the potential to be contaminated.
Step 2 collection of data and visit: here is where all data about the site is retrieved. This could be done either through interviews with employees of former employees, visits to the sites, map and archive searches. Here MIFO forms A and B are filled , which is usually administrative forms and forms giving details about site and its surrounding.
Step 3 conclusions and evaluation: here collected data is analysed with regard to how dangerous the contaminant is , how it spreads and the sensitivity or value of the land or site.
Step 4: risk classification, here sites are put into one of the four risk classes according to dangerous the contaminants are.
Step 5 : here you prioritise sites that are more relevant for assessment.
Step create reports and store them in databases made available by the county.
Describe the steps involved in MIFO PHASE 2
Step 1: here the site to be studied has already been identified so you you do a survey of the study area. This survey is usually a desk survey done with existing maps. In the case where maps are not up to date a basic geological map showing main features of the land is created.
Step 2 : draw your sampling plan, here you put together a detailed plan of how sampling process should go , this normally includes how many sampling rounds are involved , which media to be sampled and the kind of analysis to be done on samples.
Step 3 : sampling is done according to the sample plan.
Step 4: samples are analysed . Swedish EPA has a number sampling techniques listed however if there is prior knowledge on what substance was handled or spilled on the land prior to investigation then specific tests can be conducted.
Step 5 : evaluate findings from phase 1 and phase 2.
Step 6: phase 2 is also completed with a risk assessment, with the site being placed in one of 4 risk classes.
Step 7 : produce a report to be stored in the database provided by the county administrative board .
EPA has two general guidelines for soil. They are used to determine risk that may be posed. Name and define them
Sensitive Land : this is land where soil should not have restrictive use and must be suitable for residential areas, schools and natural areas.
Less sensitive Land : this is that is suitable for offices , industry ,road…etc and usually has flexible standards
What Are some of the remedial studies and investigations conducted to help in decision making for remediation targets?
Leaching test : tests to see Leachability , potential uptake by flora and fauna
Ecotoxicological evaluation
Hydro geological investigations
Afte MIFO phases you need to plan for remediation. What would the plan for remediation be ?
Plan for remediation:
Site selection
The individuals involved in the remediation process .
The previous owners of the land .
Contaminants in the land.
Identify individuals in charge of environment.( Individuals in charge of environmental monitoring are government bodies, scientific professionals, environmental bodies )
Environmental monitoring involves three parts , what are they, and what do they involve .
Mass handling :
Sorting
Temporary storage
Recipient of contaminated soil
Remaining soil
Transport
Water handling
Evacuated water
Storm water
What are 3people environmental monitoring can be done for and what process is required for each ?
For the environmental authorities:
Final control: this may involve ensuring that remediation process is following the set standards.
Reviewing of the entire process which includes assessing data ,reading reports and plans developed for remediation.
For the contractor
Ensuring that remediation process is following the remediation plan and that all the right tools and steps are being used.
For the site owner:
Monitoring the remediation contractor and ensuring remediation remains effective overtime.
In figuring out occupational health plans what are some of the factors to consider?
Work environment
Protective gear
Adequate training to reduce accidents
Have systems in place for when accidents happen
Have restrictions on who can and cannot where and when.
What is sheet pilling used
This when sheets that are covered in sawdust and to powder are put around remediation sites, usually to prevent erosion or flooding.
When are wooden hydraulic screens used?
These are normally wooden planks that have plastic sheets welded to them to make them water proof. Usually installed a couple of meters into the ground to keep water out of excavate areas.
