Contamination Assessment and Remediation

A Contamination Assessment Report (CAR) refers to a document or documents that provide information about the presence and impact of contaminants to soil, water, or air in a specific area. A CAR is typically the first step after a discharge has been reported and is important for establishing the conditions for further assessment and remediation.

Florida has specific regulations and guidelines for initial contamination assessment reporting, which are set forth by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). To prepare a comprehensive and compliant contamination assessment report, it is crucial to select an environmental firm that is familiar with Chapter 62-780 of the Florida Administrative Code (FAC) and the FDEP guidelines for site assessment is essential.

Once the CAR has been completed, remediation planning can begin. Remediation refers to the process of cleaning up and restoring a medium or location that has been impacted by contamination or pollution. The goal of remediation is to eliminate, mitigate, or manage the adverse effects of contaminants on human health, ecosystems, and the overall environment. Remediation activities can take various forms and are tailored to the specific characteristics of the contamination and the affected site. Common approaches to site remediation include:

Source Removal: where the affected medium (typically soil) is excavated and transported to a designated treatment facility.
Pump and Treat: using active systems to remove and treat affected groundwater.
In Situ Treatment: where the affected media are chemically remediated or neutralized without removal from the site.
Thermal Treatment: where steam or heat are used to volatize or thermally convert contaminants into non-hazardous byproducts.
Bioremediation: with microorganisms that naturally break down contaminants into non-hazardous byproducts.
Phytoremediation: with vegetation that naturally breaks down contaminants into non-hazardous byproducts.
Capping and Encapsulation: where the contaminated medium (typically soil) is contained in situ with concrete, clay, geotextiles, or vegetation.

The right remediation approach will depend on several important factors, such as the type and extent of contamination, the affected media, geological and hydrological characteristics of the site and surrounding area, regulatory compliance requirements, and of course, cost. Often, the remediation plan will require collaboration between the environmental professional, geotechnical engineers, hydrologists, and local stakeholders.

Following implementation of the remedial strategy, regular monitoring is required to track the effectiveness of the remediation effort. Excelsior’s staff have experience working with some of the largest retail petroleum companies and industrial manufacturers in the country. From the emergency spill response, to assessment, remediation, and closure stages of the project, we stand ready to assist you.

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