Detailed Site Investigations (DSI) are used to determine the impact of former land use activities on a site. A DSI commonly involves the sampling and laboratory analysis of soil in areas of a site that have been identified as being likely to have been impacted by the storage and release of site characterisation. The design of the sampling and analysis plans is often based on a wide ranges of factors including the location and type of storage, the fate and transport of the contaminant, site topography and geology, depth to groundwater, etc. The sampling techniques employed can range from simple soil grab samples from hand augers or test pits to the use of drill rigs which can penetrate to great depths foe the collection of soil and groundwater samples. The results of a DSI are often compared to soil contaminant standards (SCS) which have been developed for the protection of human health on a number of different land uses.
Where soil near a potential source exceeds the relevant SCS further investigation may be required to define the extent of contamination in order to evaluate appropriate site remediation or contamination management options. Such assessment of remedial options consider a range of factors including the type and concentration of a contaminant, timeframes to clean up site, sustainability of the treatment/management option, and cost.
In some instances where significant soil impacts are identified it may also be necessary to undertake sampling and analysis of groundwater, sediment, soil gas, and surface water to fully characterise potential human health and environment risks.
HAIL Environmental are familiar with a wide range of investigation techniques that can be used for site characterisation. Our staff are experienced in the use of geophysics, and field monitoring equipment such as photoionisation detectors and x-ray spectrometers to provide real time data during site investigations.