Managing residual contaminants—reuse and isolation case studies

Abstract

AbstractContaminants remaining onsite after regulatory‐approved environmental remediation operations are complete represent continued risk to human health and the environment. Many sites require continued management efforts to: (1) protect the integrity of the engineered remedy/control, (2) limit the exposure of individuals to residual contamination by limiting reuse activities, (3) maintain ready access to accurate records/information, and (4) protect against vulnerabilities from intentional threats/actions. This article presents performance information from selected case studies to provide insight into various management approaches employed for addressing the risks associated with residual contaminants. The case studies involve sites remediated within the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act framework and illustrate two prevailing management approaches for addressing the risks. Sacrifice zones are sites that are purposefully isolated to prevent human access onto the property. Reuse sites provide limited access for specific use. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.