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Site Characterization is an important step towards
evaluating the degree of contamination and the areas of concern within
a site.
- A well-characterized site can reduce the risk of unexpected expenses
due to remediation, disposal and potential hidden liabilities.
- Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) provide site characteristics
that will determine the scope of work needed to mitigate environmental,
health and ecological risks associated with the property.
- A detailed Risk Assessment can then determine the potential risks
and pathways of contamination exposure to the human environment.
The Risk Assessment should include limits for acceptable exposure
over short and long-term periods as well as constant versus periodic
exposure.
Site characterization should include:
- The size and location of the property
- History of site
- Stored chemicals (both on the site and on neighbouring properties
in the vicinity)
- Use and history of neighbouring properties
- Presence or absence of areas designated as sensitive or of potential
natural significance (e.g., water courses, well head protection
areas, shallow soil areas, areas host of designated or protected
species, etc.)
- Contamination and areas of concern
- An evaluation of risk exposure to workers and general public during
cleanup and at final land usage.
A detailed site characterization should provide the data to determine
economic viability of the site from a cleanup perspective in order
for a developer to assess the worthiness of a property. Is this site
a positive, neutral or negative value site?
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