Remedial Design Characterization

Abbreviated as RDC. One of the most common mistakes that leads to an unsuccessful remediation program is an inaccurate and generalized conceptual site model (CSM). Generalized CSMs often rely on composite groundwater samples from the entire saturated water column and limited or aged soil analytical data. AST’s approach to successful remediation in unconsolidated media (overburden) is to conduct an RDC to obtain spatially and vertically dense soil and groundwater analytical data. This approach leads to increased resolution of contaminant mass distribution, identification of large and small-scale contaminant gradients, and a more comprehensive understanding of the variability in aquifer properties associated with geologic heterogeneity.

Similar data gaps in consolidated media (bedrock) must also be resolved to effectively mitigate contaminant risk. Accurate assessment of the aquifer matrix and discrete interrogation of transmissive features are critical components of a highly targeted remedial design process. Identification of contaminant transport and storage zones supports emplacement of amendments that achieve contact with contaminants of concern. AST combines geological interpretation of the aquifer matrix, well-established geophysical tools and techniques, and unique groundwater sampling methods developed in-house to gain a deeper understanding of site-specific contaminant fate and transport.