Confirmation of remediation

Environmental media

Confirmation of remediation most commonly involves collecting and analyzing samples of environmental media, such as soil, groundwater and vapour. 

For example, in remediation projects involving excavation and off-site disposal of contaminated soil, following excavation, the remaining material in the walls and floor of the excavation should be sampled and analyzed in accordance with the remediation plan to confirm the removal of all contaminated material.

The recommended practice for this confirmatory sampling can be found in Technical Guidance 1: Site Characterization and Confirmation Testing (PDF, 387KB).

Phases

Depending upon the details of the remediation plan for a site, confirmation of remediation may require several phases of confirmatory sampling over time.

Risk assessment is another way site owners and operators may choose to remediate and manage contaminated sites in B.C. A risk-based approach addresses the risks at a site from exposure to contamination and ensures the protection of human health and the environment.

Remediation by way of risk assessment is considered complete when, based on a detailed risk assessment including field validation of any applicable risk management measures, it's demonstrated that there are no unacceptable risks present on the site.

Engineered or institutional risk controls may be employed to ensure that risk-based standards are met and continue to be met at a site.

Risk mitigation measures

The effectiveness and maintenance of risk mitigation measures and specific risk controls are supported by Performance Verification Plans (PVP).

A PVP is part of a remediation plan used in the remediation process to ensure remaining contamination on a site is contained, controlled and monitored at all times.

In certain circumstances, a responsible person may be required to submit information on the quality and performance of remediation measures on completion of remediation.

When a site has been remediated using the risk-based approach, the responsible person should implement an appropriate site monitoring plan for containing, controlling and monitoring any substances that remain on-site.

Such a monitoring plan should be based on the type and concentration of contaminants left in place, vegetation, wildlife and human presence onsite, the proximity of contaminants to receptors and other factors.

Certification is commonly sought upon remediation completion. 

A responsible person will need to submit a Confirmation of Remediation Report and other relevant information described in Section 49: Contaminated Sites Regulations (CSR).

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