Rapid Assessment and Characterization Methods for Managing Environmental Liabilities in Latin America

 Conducting preliminary environmental assessments in parts of the Americas can be difficult due to site accessibility, availability of specialized environmental sampling equipment, and various logistical concerns.  A method has been developed, and successfully implemented, to rapidly assess and characterize properties with limited mechanical equipment and staff.  Although its use at hydrocarbon-affected sites is presented, the method can be modified to assess other chemicals of concern.  

 The method typically deploys a field crew of two to four people using hand-held sampling and screening equipment. The field crew is directed by an experienced environmental professional who has site knowledge and has developed a preliminary conceptual model of the site.  Hand-held power tools are used to drill shallow borings into the ground in order to perform “in situ” measurements of soil gas or to collect soil samples.  Because of the mobility and portability of the method, areas of concern can be evaluated by grid-based sampling or biased to specific areas of concern.  Collected data can be rapidly evaluated in the field and easily plotted onto isoconcentration maps, revealing the geographic distribution of the data as well as areas of greatest concern.

 Once these preliminary screenings are complete, collected data is interpreted and evaluated using a two part screening matrix that provides guidance in evaluating tactical demands like the need for additional assessment and/or strategic issues such as the potential complexity of remedial actions and order-of-magnitude remedial cost estimates.

 Although the method does have limitations, it has been proven to be an effective and efficient way to help manage potential environmental liabilities, prioritize property portfolios, develop preliminary environmental remediation cost estimates, and provide important information to validate the need for assessments of greater complexity and magnitude.