Dan Murray from GHD made a presentation on “Environment Best Practices in Emergencies – Evaluating Data Needs During an Incident”
The Modelling Process begins with a scoping phase: identifying the need for the modelling; assigning a SME/team; selecting the right model; verifying inputs and outputs; gathering information for inputs; building & running the model; presentation formatting; and presenting & documenting findings and specifying the assumptions & limitations.
Sampling and monitoring environment data is needed to make operational decisions and monitor conditions. This is completed by developing sampling plans & monitoring plans for media of concern to characterize and monitor environmental impacts. Sampling environmental media involves: soil, water, waste, air, biota and background sampling.
The site map or diagram from should include general information, wind direction, north arrow, objects (i.e. roads), possible product migration paths, area of release and location of air monitoring equipment.
If you have a spill, you will have waste and should plan for it in advance. The Waste Management Plan should: identify waste streams & alternatives for management early in the planning cycle; provide input to minimize waste generation; facilitate feasibility study & alternatives analysis; ensure compliance with applicable regulations; supervise & document; and anticipate daily requests for mass balance and recovery volumes.
The Waste Management Plan should include: number & name of waste streams; accumulation areas; transportation of waste; disposal facilities; and tracking table. The Response Framework in order of priority is: to control at source & on water/land/groundwater; protect resources at risk; and treat. Remediation includes: conceptual site model; site characterization; remedial objectives; feasibility study/evaluation; and implementation/ monitoring.
A Conceptual Site Model (CSM) is: a tool for identifying threats to human health and the environment; helps guide investigation, baseline risk assessment & remedial design; helps with engagement with stakeholders; evolves with site characterization & risk assessment; and is the basis for establishing remedial objectives.
Site Characterization includes: delineating source areas & impacted media; collecting information on surface & subsurface conditions to allow modelling & risk assessment; technologies & techniques available; and a sampling & analysis plan.
The Sampling and Analysis Plan’s key components are: site background; sampling rationale; data quality objectives; investigation locations; field sampling procedures; sample containers, preservation, packaging, shipping & integrity procedures; decontamination procedures; management of waste; and laboratory analytical methods.
Remedial Objectives may be driven by: risk management; regulatory or stakeholder considerations; natural considerations; and historical contamination.