What Is Remedial Design Characterization (RDC)?

RDC is AST’s data-driven method for understanding contaminant distribution and hydrogeologic conditions prior to full-scale remediation. Rather than relying on outdated or oversimplified datasets, RDC integrates:

• New high-resolution soil and groundwater sampling
• Vertical profiling to capture concentration gradients
• Geologic and hydrogeologic mapping
• Site-specific analytical support via the RPI Project Support Laboratory

These inputs are used to build a quantitative, high-resolution Conceptual Site Model that drives remedial planning and amendment emplacement with surgical precision.

Why Traditional CSMs Fail

One of the most common causes of failed remediation is a generalized or inaccurate CSM, often based on:

• Composite groundwater samples from across the entire saturated zone
• Sparse or outdated soil data
• Lack of vertical resolution or geologic context

This low-resolution approach masks the actual distribution and mobility of contaminants, resulting in inefficient or misplaced treatment efforts.

High-Resolution Data in Overburden and Bedrock

AST’s RDC strategy varies by geology:

RPI Project Support Laboratory: Data Without Limits

AST leverages the RPI Project Support Laboratory in Golden, CO to analyze samples from domestic and international projects—at no cost to the client. This eliminates common limitations associated with analytical budgets, enabling larger, denser datasets for better site resolution and smarter designs.

RDC is the backbone of AST’s remediation success. It transforms data collection from a checkbox to a strategic asset—guiding remedial actions that are targeted, efficient, and proven to work in the field. Sites don’t close on guesswork—they close on data.