Remediation

Remediation includes a wide range of issues, varying from simple assessment of properties to determining if there were past discharges to major cleanups. Cleanups can involve the removal of waste materials and remediation of Areas of Concern (AOCs) resulting from prior spills or leaks. Some states have adopted cleanup standards, while others maintain guidelines for soil cleanups. Most states have groundwater quality standards that are used to determine the area for groundwater remediation. The complementary Federal requirements for spill cleanup and soil and groundwater remediation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Cleanup Act (CERCLA), require reporting of discharges of hazardous materials and a series of cleanup actions. Cost recovery can be sought by affected property owners against partners causing a discharge, as well as by the State and/or Federal Government.

The complexity of the regulatory system related to remediation as well as the constantly evolving state of the art of cleanup technologies makes remediation a daunting process.