ASTM E2893-16e1

Standard Guide for Greener Cleanups

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Purpose—This guide provides a process for identifying, prioritizing, selecting, implementing, documenting, and reporting activities to reduce the environmental footprint of a cleanup as defined by the following core elements.  
4.1.1 Minimize Total Energy Use and Maximize Use of Renewable Energy—Reducing total energy use while also identifying means to increase the use of renewable energies throughout the cleanup. Possible methods may include reducing energy use, using energy efficient equipment, using on-site renewable resources (for example, wind, solar), and purchasing commercial energy from renewable resources.  
4.1.2 Minimize Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gas Emissions—Reducing total air emissions, including emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, throughout the cleanup. Possible methods may include minimizing the generation and transport of airborne contaminants and dust, using efficient emitting equipment (for example, vehicles and heavy equipment), using advanced emission controls, and using cleaner fuels or hybrid technologies.  
4.1.3 Minimize Water Use and Impacts to Water Resources—Minimizing the use of water and impacts to water resources throughout the cleanup. Possible methods may include conserving water use in cleanup processes, using water efficient products, capturing and reclaiming water for reuse, revegetating with water efficient plants, and employing traditional BMPs for storm water, erosion, and sedimentation control.  
4.1.4 Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Materials and Waste—Minimizing the use of virgin materials and generation of waste throughout the cleanup as well as maximizing the use of recycled materials. Possible methods may include using recycled and locally generated materials, reusing waste materials (for example, concrete made with coal combustion products), diverting construction and demolition debris from disposal by recycling recovered resources, and using rapidly renewable materials or certified wood products.  ...
SCOPE
1.1 Cleaning up sites improves environmental and public health conditions and as such can be viewed as “green.” However, cleanup activities use energy, water, and natural resources. The process of cleanup therefore creates its own environmental footprint. This guide describes a process for evaluating and implementing activities to reduce the environmental footprint of a cleanup project in the United States while working within the applicable regulatory framework and satisfying all applicable legal requirements.  
1.2 This guide may also be used as a process for sites that are not located in the United States; however, the specific legal references are not applicable.  
1.3 This guide describes a process for identifying, evaluating, and incorporating best management practices (BMPs) and, when deemed appropriate, for integrating a quantitative evaluation into a cleanup to reduce its environmental footprint.  
1.4 This guide is designed to be implemented in conjunction with any cleanup framework and should be used with other technical tools, guidance, policy, laws, and regulations to integrate greener cleanup practices, processes, and technologies into cleanup projects.  
1.5 This guide provides a process for evaluating and implementing activities to reduce the environmental footprint of a cleanup and is not designed to instruct users on how to clean up contaminated sites.  
1.6 ASTM also has a guide on Integrating Sustainable Objectives into Cleanup (E2876). That guide provides a broad framework for integrating elements of environmental, economic, and social aspects into cleanups. This guide may provide assistance with implementing E2876 and other sustainable remediation guidance, such as Holland, et al. (2011)(1).  
1.7 This guide specifically applies to the cleanup, not the redevelopment, of a site. However, the reasonably anticipated use of a site, if known, may influence the cleanup goals and scope.  
1.8 This g...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2016
• ICS: 13.030.99 - Other standards related to wastes
• Technical Committee: E50 - Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action
• Drafting Committee: E50.04 - Corrective Action

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2893-16 - Standard Guide for Greener Cleanups
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM E2091-17 - Standard Guide for Use of Activity and Use Limitations, Including Institutional and Engineering Controls
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM E2091-11 - Standard Guide for Use of Activity and Use Limitations, Including Institutional and Engineering Controls
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1527-05 - Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM E2091-05 - Standard Guide for Use of Activity and Use Limitations, Including Institutional and Engineering Controls
• Effective Date: 01-May-2005
• Refers: ASTM E1527-00 - Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 10-May-2000
• Refers: ASTM E1527-97 - Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Process
• Effective Date: 10-May-2000
• Refers: ASTM E2091-00 - Standard Guide for Use of Activity and Use Limitations, Including Institutional and Engineering Controls
• Effective Date: 10-May-2000
• Referred By: ASTM E3240-20 - Standard Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action for Contaminated Sediment Sites
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM E2876-13(2020) - Standard Guide for Integrating Sustainable Objectives into Cleanup
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Referred By: ASTM E3033-16 - Standard Guide for Beneficial Use of Landfills and Chemically Impacted Sites
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016

Overview

ASTM E2893-16e1: Standard Guide for Greener Cleanups provides a comprehensive process aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of site cleanup projects. Developed by ASTM International, this guide outlines best management practices (BMPs) to minimize resource use and pollution during environmental remediation, while meeting regulatory requirements and project objectives. Although focused on the United States framework, ASTM E2893-16e1 can be adapted for use globally, excluding jurisdiction-specific legal references.

Site cleanups, while improving environmental and public health, often require substantial energy, water, and material resources. This standard establishes a systematic approach to identify, prioritize, select, implement, document, and report activities that reduce these impacts across various cleanup phases. It is applicable across multiple cleanup frameworks and intended to complement existing laws, regulations, and technical guidance.

Key Topics

• Environmental Footprint Reduction: The guide centers on lowering the overall environmental footprint of cleanup activities while protecting human health and the environment.
• Five Core Elements: Activities are evaluated and prioritized according to these sustainability principles:
  • Minimize total energy use and maximize use of renewable energy
  • Minimize air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions
  • Minimize water use and impacts to water resources
  • Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials and waste
  • Protect land and ecosystems
• Best Management Practices (BMPs): Users are guided through a structured process to select and implement BMPs tailored to each phase of the cleanup, from site assessment to remedy completion.
• Quantitative Evaluation: For projects where detailed analysis is needed, the guide includes methods for performing quantitative evaluations such as environmental footprint analysis or life cycle assessment (LCA) to benchmark and track improvements.
• Integration with Regulatory and Legal Frameworks: The standard emphasizes that greener cleanup approaches must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as contractual obligations.

Applications

ASTM E2893-16e1 is useful for a range of professionals involved in environmental remediation, including project managers, environmental consultants, regulators, and site owners. Practical uses include:

• Site Remediation Planning: Assists project teams in incorporating green principles into cleanup plans, whether for Superfund, brownfield, or voluntary remediation sites.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports demonstration of compliance with sustainability requirements increasingly present in both public and private sector contracts and regulations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitates transparent reporting and communication of environmental footprint reduction efforts to regulators, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement: Enables project teams to track, document, and improve environmental performance across the life cycle of a cleanup project.
• Cross-Framework Adaptability: Can be implemented alongside other standards, technical tools, and within different territorial regulatory environments.

Related Standards

When implementing greener cleanups, the following standards and reference documents can provide complementary guidance:

• ASTM E2876: Guide for Integrating Sustainable Objectives into Cleanup (focuses on balancing environmental, economic, and social goals)
• ASTM E1527: Practice for Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I process)
• ISO 14044: Environmental Management - Life Cycle Assessment (requirements and guidelines for LCA)
• EPA Green Remediation Best Management Practices: Series of technical guides for various remediation technologies and scenarios

---

By following ASTM E2893-16e1, organizations can systematically integrate sustainability into environmental remediation projects, reduce negative impacts on natural resources, minimize emissions and waste generation, and support regulatory and societal expectations for green and sustainable cleanups.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
´1
Designation: E2893 − 16
Standard Guide for
Greener Cleanups
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2893; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—The adjunct order number for the X2. Technical Summary Form in Writable PDF format was editorially cor-
rected (see 2.4) in January 2017.
1. Scope provideassistancewithimplementingE2876andothersustain-
able remediation guidance, such as Holland, et al. (2011)(1).
1.1 Cleaning up sites improves environmental and public
health conditions and as such can be viewed as “green.”
1.7 This guide specifically applies to the cleanup, not the
However, cleanup activities use energy, water, and natural
redevelopment, of a site. However, the reasonably anticipated
resources. The process of cleanup therefore creates its own
use of a site, if known, may influence the cleanup goals and
environmental footprint. This guide describes a process for
scope.
evaluating and implementing activities to reduce the environ-
1.8 This guide should not be used as a justification to avoid,
mental footprintofa cleanupprojectintheUnitedStateswhile
minimize, or delay implementation of specific cleanup activi-
working within the applicable regulatory framework and sat-
ties. Nor should this guide be used as a justification for
isfying all applicable legal requirements.
selecting cleanup activities that compromise stakeholder inter-
1.2 This guide may also be used as a process for sites that
ests or goals for the site.
are not located in the United States; however, the specific legal
1.9 This guide does not supersede federal, state, or local
references are not applicable.
regulations relating to protection of human health and the
1.3 This guide describes a process for identifying,
environment.Noactiontakeninconnectionwithimplementing
evaluating, and incorporating best management practices
this guide should generate unacceptable risks to human health
(BMPs) and, when deemed appropriate, for integrating a
or the environment.
quantitative evaluation into a cleanup to reduce its environ-
mental footprint. 1.10 This guide may be integrated into complementary
standards, site-specific regulatory documents, guidelines, or
1.4 This guideisdesignedtobeimplementedinconjunction
contractualagreementsrelatingtosustainableorgreenerclean-
with any cleanup framework and should be used with other
ups.
technical tools, guidance, policy, laws, and regulations to
1.10.1 If the cleanup is governed by a regulatory program,
integrate greener cleanup practices, processes, and technolo-
the user should discuss with the regulator responsible for the
gies into cleanup projects.
site how this guide could be incorporated into the cleanup and
1.5 This guide provides a process for evaluating and imple-
whethertheregulatordeemsitappropriatefortheusertoreport
menting activities to reduce the environmental footprint of a
the process and results to the regulatory program.
cleanup and is not designed to instruct users on how to clean
1.10.2 The contractual relationship or legal obligations
up contaminated sites.
existing between and among the parties associated with a site
1.6 ASTM also has a guide on Integrating Sustainable
or site cleanup are beyond the scope of this guide.
Objectives into Cleanup (E2876). That guide provides a broad
1.11 This guide is composed of the following sections:
framework for integrating elements of environmental,
Referenced Documents (Section 2); Terminology (Section 3);
economic, and social aspects into cleanups. This guide may
Significance and Use (Section 4); Planning and Scoping
(Section 5); BMP Process (Section 6); Quantitative Evaluation
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE50onEnvironmental
(Section 7); Documentation and Reporting (Section 8); and
Assessment, Risk Management and CorrectiveAction and is the direct responsibil-
Keywords (Section 9).
ity of Subcommittee E50.04 on Corrective Action.
Current edition approved April 1, 2016. Published May 2016. Originally
ɛ1 1.12 This standard does not purport to address all of the
published in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E2893–13 . DOI:
10.1520/E2893-16E01 safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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E2893 − 16
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 2.3 Other Documents:
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- International Standards Organization —Environmental
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Management—Life Cycle Assessment—Requirements
and Guidelines, ISO 14044:2006 (2006)
2. Referenced Documents
2.4 ASTM Adjuncts:
X2. Technical Summary Form
2.1 ASTM Standards:
X3. Greener Cleanup BMP Table
E1527 Practice for Environmental SiteAssessments: Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment Process
NOTE 1—Appendix X1 of this guide lists relevant material available
E2091 Guide for Use of Activity and Use Limitations,
from other government agencies and non-government organizations.
Including Institutional and Engineering Controls
3. Terminology
E2876 Guide for Integrating Sustainable Objectives into
Cleanup
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 activity and use limitations—legal or physical restric-
2.2 USEPA Documents:
tions or limitations (that is, institutional or engineering con-
USEPA, Life Cycle Assessment: Principles and Practice,
trols) on the use of, or access to, a site or facility: (1) to reduce
EPA/600/R-06/060 (May 2006)
or eliminate potential exposure to contaminants in the envi-
USEPA, Green Remediation: Best Management Practices
ronmental media on the property, or (2) to prevent activities
for Excavation and Surface Restoration, EPA 542-F-08-
that could interfere with the effectiveness of a response action
012 (December 2008)
in order to ensure maintenance of a condition of no significant
USEPA, Principles for Greener Cleanups (August 2009a)
risk to public health or the environment. See Guide E2091 for
USEPA, Green Remediation Best Management Prac-
more information on activity and use limitations.
tices: Pump and Treat Technologies, EPA 542-F-09-005
3.1.2 best management practices (BMPs)—activities that, if
(December 2009b)
applicable to the situation, typically will reduce the environ-
USEPA, Green Remediation Best Management Prac-
mental footprint of a cleanup activity.
tices: Site Investigation, EPA 542-F-09-004 (December
3.1.3 BMP categories—groupings of BMPs based on how
2009c)
the user would consider each activity during the planning
USEPA, Green Remediation Best Management Prac-
stages of the cleanup. BMP categories are intended as general
tices: Bioremediation, EPA 542-F-10-006 (March 2010a)
guidance for organization and assessment purposes. Some
USEPA, Green Remediation Best Management Prac-
BMPs are associated with multiple BMP categories in Appen-
tices: Soil Vapor Extraction & Air Sparging, EPA 542-F-
dix X3, Greener Cleanup BMP Table; therefore, generally the
10-007 (March 2010b)
user should not eliminate BMPs by BMP category. The
USEPA, Green Remediation Best Management Prac-
Greener Cleanup BMP Table identifies the BMP category that
tices: Clean Fuel & Emission Technologies for Site
best applies to each BMP. These BMPs are organized into the
Cleanup, EPA 542-F-10-008 (August 2010c)
following BMP categories: (1) Project Planning and Team
USEPA, Green Remediation Best Management Prac- Management; (2) Sampling and Analysis; (3) Materials; (4)
tices: Integrating Renewable Energy into Site Cleanup,
Vehicles and Equipment; (5) Site Preparation and Land Res-
EPA 542-F-11-006 (April 2011a) toration; (6) Buildings; (7) Power and Fuel; (8) Surface and
Storm Water; and (9) Residual Solid and Liquid Waste.
USEPA, Green Remediation Best Management Prac-
tices: Sites with Leaking Underground Storage Tank
3.1.4 BMP process—a systematic protocol to identify,
Systems, EPA 542-F-11-008 (June 2011b)
prioritize, select, implement, and document the use of BMPs to
reduce the environmental footprint of cleanup activities.
USEPA, Green Remediation Best Management Prac-
tices: Landfill Cover Systems & Energy Production, EPA
3.1.5 cleanup—the range of activities that may occur to
542-F-11-024 (December 2011c)
address releases of contaminants at a site from the initiation of
site assessmentactivitiestoachievementof no further cleanup.
USEPA, Methodology for Understanding and Reducing a
Project’s Environmental Footprint, EPA 542-R-12-002 The environmental remediation industry also refers to cleanup
as remediation or corrective action.
(February 2012a)
USEPA, Green Remediation Best Management Prac-
3.1.6 cleanup phase—thesegmentsofa cleanupprojectthat
tices: Implementing In Situ Thermal Technologies, EPA takeplacefromtheinitiationof site assessmenttoachievement
542-F-12-029 (October 2012b)
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
2 5
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Appendix X2 for E2893 Technical Summary Form in Writable PDF format
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on ADJE289301B-E-PDF. Original adjunct produced in 2014. Adjunct last revised in
the ASTM website. 2016.
3 6
AvailablefromUnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),William Appendix X3 for E2893 BMP Table in Excel Format available from ASTM
Jefferson Clinton Federal Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC InternationalHeadquarters.OrderAdjunctNo.ADJE289302A-EA.Originaladjunct
20004, http://www.epa.gov. produced in 2014. Adjunct last revised in 2016.
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E2893 − 16
of no further cleanup.This guidedividesa cleanupprojectinto estimate potential contributions (that is, emissions or resource
the following five segments: site assessment; remedy selection; use) to the core elements.Afootprint analysis may include raw
remedy design/implementation; operation, maintenance, and material acquisition, materials manufacturing, and transporta-
monitoring; and remedy optimization. This terminology is tion related to the cleanup, in addition to on-site construction,
generally consistent with standard industry terminology, but implementation, monitoring, and decommissioning. Results
does not conform to every environmental cleanup program. from a footprint analysis are typically reported as emissions
(for example, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide equivalents, or
3.1.7 CERCLA—the Comprehensive Environmental
total hazardous air pollutants) or resource use (for example,
Response, Compensation, and LiabilityAct, 42 U.S.C. § 9601
water, energy, or materials use) organized in terms of the five
et seq.,asamended,theprimaryfederalstatutethatgovernsthe
core elements.
imposition of liability for environmental cleanups. CERCLA is
3.1.15.1 Discussion—there are two fundamental differences
commonly referred to as Superfund.
between footprint analysis and LCA: (1) an LCA typically
3.1.8 contaminant—a hazardous substance, petroleum
considers the full life cycle of the components of a cleanup
product, or other chemical that may pose a threat to human
phase or activity. In contrast, a footprint analysis may consider
health or the environment when present in environmental
the full life cycle of the components of a cleanup phase or
media.
activity, but more commonly selects abbreviated boundaries;
3.1.9 core elements—for purposes of this guide, five factors
and (2) results from an LCA are described in terms of human
representingkeyareasforpotentiallyreducingtheenvironmen-
health and environmental impacts whereas the results from a
tal footprintofa site cleanup.Thesefactorsare:minimizetotal
footprint analysis are reported in terms of quantities of
energy use and maximize use of renewable energy; minimize
emissions and resource use, without taking the next step to
air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions; minimize water
evaluate the human health and environmental impacts from
use and impacts to water resources; reduce, reuse, and recycle
those emissions and resource use.
materials and waste; and protect land and ecosystems.
3.1.16 greener cleanup—the incorporation of practices,
3.1.10 disturbance of vegetation—removal, cutting, or al-
processes, and technologies into cleanup activities with the
teration of plants, bushes, or canopy trees, particularly those
goal of reducing impacts to the environment through reduced
that are mature, non-invasive, native species that provide food
demands on natural resources and decreased emissions to the
sources, micro-climates, nesting areas, or refuge supporting environment. A greener cleanup considers the five core
indigenous flora and fauna.
elements, while protecting human health and the environment.
In the environmental remediation industry, this term is used
3.1.11 emissions—the discharge of a contaminant to air.
interchangeably with green cleanup, green remediation, and
However, in the context of life cycle assessment (LCA) and
greener remediation.
footprint analysis, this term refers to discharges to air, water,
and soil, including site contaminants as well as discharges not 3.1.17 greenhouse gases—vaporous constituents of the
typically considered contaminants in site cleanup such as
earth’satmosphere,bothnaturalandanthropogenic,thatabsorb
water, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
and emit radiation at specific wavelengths, including carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons,
3.1.12 environmentalfootprint—aqualitativeorquantitative
perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.
estimate of various environmental contributions of a cleanup
3.1.17.1 Discussion—carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous
phase or activity to the core elements. A quantitative environ-
oxide have been the main focus of greenhouse gas emission
mental footprint may be obtained through either a footprint
evaluations within the environmental remediation industry.
analysisor LCA.AppendixX4providesfurtherclarificationon
the use of footprint analysis and LCA.
3.1.18 guide—a compendium of information or series of
options that does not recommend a specific course of action.A
3.1.13 environmental law—any federal, state, or local
guide increases the awareness of information and approaches
statute, regulation, or ordinance relating to: the protection of
in a given subject area.
the environment; pollution, investigation, or restoration of the
environment or natural resources; or the handling,
3.1.19 habitat—the physical and natural environment, in-
management, use, presence, transportation, processing,
cluding niche environments (micro-habitats) that support local
disposal, release, or threatened release of any contaminant.
indigenous species and related supporting vegetation, food
The term environmental law in the United States includes, but
sources, areas for nesting and refuge, soils, and hydrology; and
is not limited to, CERCLA, RCRA, and TSCA.
larger environmental features (macro-habitats), such as a bank
on a waterway or vegetated, open, wildlife corridors for
3.1.14 final cleanup goals—the objectives established to
foraging and natural migration. Areas of habitat may be used
address contaminants at a site by a regulatory agency or
temporarily by species and timing of a disturbance may
through a voluntary cleanup program that, when met, protect
minimize impact.
human health and the environment. Users should review the
applicable cleanup program for more information on establish-
3.1.20 hazardous substance—a substance defined as a haz-
ing final cleanup goals at a particular site. ardous substance pursuant to CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9601(14),
as interpreted by EPA regulations.
3.1.15 footprint analysis—a quantitative estimate of an
environmental footprint for a cleanup phase or activity. The 3.1.21 impact category—an LCA term representing a com-
analysis entails the compilation of inputs and outputs to pilation of different emissions or other metrics, such as
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E2893 − 16
resource use, that contribute to a specific environmental or 3.1.27 opportunity assessment—for the purposes of this
health effect. Examples of impact categories are global guide, a review of BMPs, including those listed in Appendix
X3, to determine which BMPs apply to the cleanup phase
warming, aquatic acidification, smog formation, and respira-
tory effects. Some emissions and resource use contribute to being evaluated. This is a screening level assessment. Addi-
tional sources of BMPs, such as checklists, guidelines,
more than one impact category.
matrices, or industry-recognized tables of BMPs, may also be
3.1.22 lead environmental professional—for the purposes of
included. During an opportunity assessment, all potentially
this guide, a person possessing sufficient education, training,
applicable BMPs are retained regardless of cost.
and experience to: (1) meet the requirements set forth in
3.1.28 petroleum products—those substances included
Practice E1527 Standard Practice for Environmental Site
within the meaning of the petroleum exclusion to CERCLA,42
Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process
U.S.C. § 9601(14), as interpreted by the courts and EPA:
(2) exercise professional judgment regarding the evaluation
“petroleum,includingcrudeoiloranyfractionthereofwhichis
and implementation of BMPs for the cleanup phases being
not otherwise specifically listed or designated as a hazardous
addressed by this guide, and, if applicable, (3) exercise
substance… the term does not include natural gas, natural gas
professional judgment in conducting footprint analyses or
liquids, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas usable for fuel
LCAs. The person may be the user, an independent contractor,
(or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas).”
or an employee of the user.
3.1.29 projectteam—forpurposesofthisguide,thegroupof
3.1.23 life cycle assessment (LCA)—a quantitative estimate
individuals and experts brought together to implement the
of an environmental footprint for a cleanup phase or activity.
activities identified by this document for a specific site. The
The assessment entails the compilation and evaluation of
group typically includes the lead environmental professional,
inputs and outputs to estimate the potential human health and
the user, the state and/or federal regulator, the site owner
environmental impacts from a cleanup phase or activity, from
representative, and additional experts, as needed. For some
raw material acquisition, materials manufacturing and
sites, the project team may include community stakeholders.
transportation, to on-site construction, implementation,
The lead environmental professional and user can be the same
monitoring, and decommissioning. Results from an LCA are
person or work for the same entity.
reported in impact categories, which can be mapped to the five
3.1.30 quantitative evaluation—for purposes of this guide,
core elements. For a description of the differences between
the site-specific numerical estimate of contributions to the core
LCA and footprint analysis, see the discussion following
elements for a cleanup phase or activity as calculated using
3.1.15, footprint analysis and Appendix X4.
footprint analysis or LCA.
3.1.24 LUST program—the Leaking Underground Storage
3.1.31 RCRA—the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Tank Program under RCRA that gives EPA and states, under
Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq., as amended, sometimes also
cooperative agreements with EPA, authority to clean up
known as the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the primary federal
releases from regulated underground storage tank systems or
statute that, inter alia, establishes a framework for regulation
require owners and operators to do so (42 U.S.C. § 6991b).
of solid and hazardous waste and for promoting resource
EPA’s federal underground storage tank regulations require
recovery through a federal-state partnership.
that contaminated LUST sites be cleaned up to restore and
3.1.32 reasonably anticipated future use—the future use of
protect groundwater resources and create a safe environment
a site that can be predicted with a reasonably high degree of
for those who live or work around these sites.
certainty given historical use, current use, and local govern-
mental planning and zoning.
3.1.25 no further cleanup—the point in time when final
3.1.32.1 Discussion—other factors that may be considered
cleanup goals are achieved at a site, there is no active ongoing
in determining reasonably anticipated future use include ac-
cleanup, and the site is protective of human health and the
cessibility of the site to existing infrastructure, recent develop-
environment based on the property’s reasonably anticipated
ment patterns, cultural factors, environmental justice, regional
future use. At some sites, activity and use limitations must be
trends, and community preference or acceptance.
maintained to ensure protection after the final cleanup goals
areachieved.At sitesbeingcleaneduppursuanttoaregulatory
3.1.33 release—as defined by Section 101(20) of CERCLA,
program, the regulatory agency providing oversight generally
42 U.S.C. § 9601(22), any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring,
issues a determination that the site has achieved the final
emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching,
cleanup goals and, therefore, no further cleanup is required.
dumping, or disposing into the environment, including aban-
This includes the term “site closure” used in some programs.
doning or discarding barrels, containers, and other closed
receptacles containing any contaminant.
3.1.26 operation, maintenance, and monitoring (OMM)—
3.1.34 remedial option—for the purposes of this guide,a
the cleanup phase following remedy design/implementation
technology or activity that removes or controls exposure to
where the remedy is periodically evaluated to ensure that it is
contaminants present at a site. In the environmental remedia-
operating as intended. Repairs or adjustments may be imple-
tion industry, this term is also referred to as a remedial
mented to maintain or improve progress toward achieving final
alternative.
cleanup goals. This cleanup phase may include periodic
sampling and analysis of environmental media to assist with
3.1.35 remedy—the technology or cleanup activity that is
remedy performance evaluation. implemented to address releases of contaminants at a site.
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E2893 − 16
3.1.36 remedy design/implementation—for the purposes of use, processing, storage, distribution in commerce, and/or
thisguide,thecleanupphasefollowingremedyselectionwhich disposal of certain chemicals and mixtures.
includes incorporating engineering and geologic studies to
3.1.43 user—the party seeking to use this guide to conduct
develop specifications for the remedy as well as the actual
a greener cleanup. The user can be the site owner, responsible
construction, to the extent construction is part of the remedy.
party, an employee of these entities, or an agent of the site
3.1.37 remedy optimization—for the purpose of this guide, owner or responsible party (for example, a consultant).
the cleanup phase following remedy design/implementation
4. Significance and Use
that is implemented at some sites to improve remedy perfor-
mance in meeting final cleanup goals, reducing its environ-
4.1 Purpose—This guide provides a process for identifying,
mental footprint, or both. In some situations, remedy optimi-
prioritizing,selecting,implementing,documenting,andreport-
zation leads to technology design refinements, such as changes
ing activities to reduce the environmental footprint of a
in the type of pumps or the location of groundwater recovery
cleanup as defined by the following core elements.
wells. In these cases, remedy optimization is analogous to the
4.1.1 Minimize Total Energy Use and Maximize Use of
remedy design/implementation cleanup phase. In other
Renewable Energy—Reducing total energy use while also
situations, remedy optimization leads to the selection and
identifying means to increase the use of renewable energies
implementation of an alternative technology. In those
throughout the cleanup. Possible methods may include reduc-
situations, remedy optimization is analogous to the remedy
ing energy use, using energy efficient equipment, using on-site
selection cleanup phase.
renewableresources(forexample,wind,solar),andpurchasing
commercial energy from renewable resources.
3.1.38 remedy selection—the cleanup phaseinwhichpoten-
4.1.2 Minimize Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gas
tial remedial options are evaluated and compared to one
Emissions—Reducing total air emissions, including emissions
another and the optimum technology(ies) or activity is selected
ofairpollutantsand greenhouse gases,throughoutthe cleanup.
to meet final cleanup goals or interim cleanup objectives.
Possible methods may include minimizing the generation and
3.1.39 site—an area defined by the likely physical distribu-
transport of airborne contaminants and dust, using efficient
tion of contaminants from a release warranting cleanup activi-
emitting equipment (for example, vehicles and heavy
ties. A site can be an entire property or facility, a defined area
equipment), using advanced emission controls, and using
or portion of a facility or property, or multiple facilities or
cleaner fuels or hybrid technologies.
properties. One facility may contain multiple sites. Multiple
4.1.3 Minimize Water Use and Impacts to Water
sites at one facility may be addressed individually or as a
Resources—Minimizing the use of water and impacts to water
group.
resources throughout the cleanup. Possible methods may
3.1.40 site assessment—the cleanup phase in which the site
includeconservingwaterusein cleanupprocesses,usingwater
is characterized to determine if the concentrations and distri-
efficient products, capturing and reclaiming water for reuse,
bution of contaminants released pose a potential risk to human
revegetating with water efficient plants, and employing tradi-
health or the environment. More specifically, this cleanup
tional BMPs for storm water, erosion, and sedimentation
phase involves collecting data on: soil, groundwater, air,
control.
surface water, and/or sediment quality; site characteristics (for
4.1.4 Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Materials and Waste—
example,subsurfacegeology,geochemistry,soilpropertiesand
Minimizing the use of virgin materials and generation of waste
structures, hydrology, and surface characteristics); land and
throughout the cleanup as well as maximizing the use of
resource use; and potential receptors. The site assessment
recycled materials. Possible methods may include using re-
generates data to develop a conceptual site model and inform
cycled and locally generated materials, reusing waste materials
decisions regarding the cleanup, if necessary (which may
(for example, concrete made with coal combustion products),
include a risk assessment). Regulatory requirements for site
diverting construction and demolition debris from disposal by
assessment may vary by program. In the environmental reme-
recycling recovered resources, and using rapidly renewable
diation industry, site assessment is also referred to as remedial
materials or certified wood products.
investigation, site investigation, or site characterization.
4.1.5 Protect Land and Ecosystems—Reducing impacts to
the land and ecosystem services throughout the cleanup.
3.1.41 stakeholders—for the purposes of this guide,
individuals, organizations, or entities that directly or indirectly Possible methods may include minimizing the area requiring
activity and use limitations by the removal or destruction of
affect, or are affected by, contaminant releases or cleanup
activities. Stakeholders are site-specific and can include mem- contaminants; identifying the presence of and limiting the
disturbance of mature, non-invasive, native vegetation, surface
bers of the local community (for example, residents, elected
officials, regular visitors, nearby businesses, economic devel- hydrology, soils, and habitats in the cleanup area; and mini-
mizing noise and light disturbance.
opment corporations), regulatory agencies, the site owner or
responsible parties, and future users of the property.
4.2 Professional Experience—This guide requires the skills
3.1.42 TSCA—the Toxic Substances ControlAct, 15 U.S.C. of a lead environmental professional and project team,as
§ 2601 et seq., the primary federal statute that, inter alia, appropriate, to evaluate and apply greener cleanup practices,
providesEPAwiththeregulatoryauthoritytorequirereporting, processes, and technologies to each cleanup phase while
recordkeeping, and testing requirements for certain chemicals meeting cleanup program-specific requirements and ensuring
and mixtures, and to establish restrictions for the manufacture, protection of human health and the environment. This guide
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presumes the lead environmental professional is knowledge- 4.6.6.1 Appendix X1, Supporting Documentation, provides
able in cleanup practices and experienced in identifying and supplemental reference material for the user to consider when
satisfying applicable statutory or regulatory cleanup require- implementing this guide.
ments and expectations. 4.6.6.2 Appendix X2, Technical Summary Form, is a tem-
plate of the reporting expectations described in Section 8. This
4.3 Uncertainty in Greener Cleanups—Professional
includes general information about the site (for example,
judgment, interpretation, and some uncertainty are inherent in
location), process steps, and greener cleanup outcomes from
the greener cleanups process even when decisions are based
implementing the guide.The user may employ this template or
upon objective scientific principles and accepted industry
another applicable format for reporting results from imple-
practices. Although such uncertainties are inevitable, they
menting this guide. A writeable pdf file of the Technical
typically will not detract from the ability of the user to achieve
Summary Form is available as an adjunct.
meaningful improvements in the site cleanup.
4.6.6.3 Appendix X3, Greener Cleanup BMP Table, sup-
4.4 Regulatory Context—The user is responsible for deter-
ports Section 6 by providing a comprehensive list of BMPs to
mining the regulatory context, and associated constraints and
assist the user. Standard best management practices for
obligations for each site, and shall comply with all applicable
cleanup (that is, those related to engineering and technology,
laws and regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA, TSCA, and
but unrelated to reducing environmental footprints) are gener-
other environmental laws.
ally not included in the Greener Cleanup BMP Table. An
Excel-based file of the Greener Cleanup BMP Table is avail-
4.4.1 The user shall comply with health and safety require-
ments under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and able as an adjunct.
4.6.6.4 Appendix X4, Supplemental Information for a
parallel state statutes and regulations.
Quantitative Evaluation, supports Section 7 by providing
4.4.2 This guide may not be appropriate for certain
general information on footprint analysis and LCA, including
cleanups, such as some emergency response actions, that do
their uses, similarities, and differences.
not allow sufficient time for its application.
4.4.3 Implementation of this guide may involve additional
5. Planning and Scoping
costs or require changes to the cleanup schedule; however, its
5.1 When applying this guide, the user should perform the
implementation should not unduly delay a cleanup or result in
following planning and scoping activities: select a lead envi-
the imposition of unreasonable costs.
ronmental professional; assemble a project team; identify the
4.5 Process Implementation—This guide may be initiated at
applicable cleanup program and project objectives; compile
any time during any cleanup phase, including during: site
site data; identify key stakeholders; develop a project budget
assessment; remedy selection; remedy design/implementation;
and schedule; determine which cleanup phases to apply the
operation, maintenance, and monitoring; and remedy optimi-
guide to and whether to apply the BMP process alone or
zation.
perform a quantitative evaluation in conjunction with BMPs;
and establish a plan for reporting results and for making those
4.6 Process Overview—At initiation, the user should review
results publicly available. The user should perform these
Section 3, Terminology, and then proceed to Section 4,
activitiesforeach cleanup phasebeingevaluatedinconnection
Significance and Use, and Section 5, Planning and Scoping.
with the use of this guide. However, some of the activities will
Users who plan to implement the BMP process only, should
be identical from one cleanup phase to the next and should be
proceed to Section 6. Users who plan to employ a quantitative
carriedforwardandbuiltuponwheneverpossibleastheproject
evaluation should proceed to Section 7, prior to, or during
progresses.
implementing Section 6. Section 8 describes documentation
5.1.1 The user should select a lead environmental profes-
and reporting.
sional. The lead environmental professional may be an inde-
4.6.1 Section 5, Planning and Scoping, describes informa-
pendent contractor or an employee of the user. In addition, the
tion the user should collect and consider to assist in making
user can be the lead environmental professional.
several site-specific, user-defined decisions for implementing
5.1.2 The usershouldassembletheappropriate project team
the guide.
for the greener cleanup, considering factors such as: the
4.6.2 Section6,BMPProcess,describesstepsfortheuserto
technical expertise related to the cleanup activities being
identify, prioritize, select, implement, and document BMPs.
considered; the greener cleanup evaluation and implementa-
4.6.3 Section 7, Quantitative Evaluation, describes a pro-
tion approach (that is, BMP process only or a quantitative
cess for implementing a footprint analysis or LCA. Section 7 is
evaluation followed by the BMP process); legal requirements;
not designed to instruct the user on how to perform footprint
stakeholder interests and concerns; project budget; and sched-
analysisor LCA.Itpresumesthatamemberofthe project team
ule.
is knowledgeable in a quantitative evaluation approach appli-
5.1.3 If the cleanup is governed by a regulatory program,
cable to the site.
the user should identify: the regulatory program governing the
4.6.4 Section 8 describes recommended documentation and
cleanup; the goals and requirements for each cleanup phase
reporting on the implementation of the guide.
going forward to achieve a determination of no further
4.6.5 Section 9 provides keywords for indexing and search-
cleanup; applicable environmental laws; and the program’s
ing purposes.
greener cleanup policies. The user should also discuss expec-
4.6.6 This guide includes four appendices. tations for greener cleanups and how this guide could be
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incorporatedintothecleanupwiththeregulatorresponsiblefor 5.2.3 The BMP process takes less time to complete than a
the site, prior to implementing the guide. quantitative evaluation followed by the BMP process.
5.1.4 The user should compile site data, such as However, a quantitative evaluation followed by the BMP
environmental, demographic, and land use characteristics and process may identify more significant environmental footprint
other factors that influence the cleanup. reductions than the BMP process alone.
5.1.4.1 The user should identify the site size; potential or 5.2.4 A quantitative evaluation will need an individual on
actualenvironmentalmediaimpacts;thetypesof contaminants the project team who is knowledgeable in footprint analysis or
present and their distribution, if known; and other site charac- LCA.
teristics relevant to the use of this guide.
5.3 The user should review Section 8 for a discussion about
5.1.4.2 The user should identify the current and reasonably
the type of information to document and report, when to
anticipated future use (if known) for the site and for properties
document and report it, and suggested options to make the
located proximal to the site.
information publicly available.
5.1.5 The user should identify key stakeholders and assess
their interests and concerns regarding the cleanup activities
6. BMP Process
being considered and the potential reuse options for the site,if
6.1 The goal of the BMP process is to enable the user to
applicable.
identify, prioritize, select, implement, and document the use of
5.1.6 The user should consider the budget and schedule, as
BMPs to reduce the environmental footprint of cleanup activi-
well as any cost constraints or other limitations for the project,
ties.
anddeterminehowthe BMPprocessor quantitative evaluation
will be integrated into the project in light of those factors.
6.2 Selection of Applicable Cleanup Phases—The user
should consider the information collected in the planning and
5.2 The user should determine the applicability of the
scoping performed under Section 5 to determine the cleanup
standard to the current cleanup phase and future cleanup
phase(s) that will be assessed when performing the BMP
phases to determine which cleanup phases to apply the guide
process.
as well as whether to employ the BMP process alone or the
quantitative evaluation followed by the BMP process. The
6.3 The BMP process is applied to one specific cleanup
BMP process relies on professional judgment to prioritize and
phase at a time. If the user is implementing the BMP process
select activities that will likely reduce the environmental
during subsequent phases of a cleanup, all steps of the BMP
footprint. The quantitative evaluation relies on estimated data
process should be followed for each cleanup phase in which
inputs to quantify anticipated environmental footprint reduc-
this guide is applied. When considering BMPs for subsequent
tions prior to implementing BMPs. The user should consider
cleanup phases, the experience of implementing BMPs in prior
the site information listed above in 5.1.4 through 5.1.6 and the
phases may be useful in determining whether to continue
following information to determine which evaluation is more
implementing the BMPs already selected or to seek different
appropriate for each cleanup phase at a site.
BMPs. The user should anticipate implementing and building
5.2.1 The BMP process and quantitative evaluation can be
uponthe BMPsusedinearlierphasesoftheprojectthroughthe
applied to all cleanup phases. However, one approach may be
end of the project, if applicable.
better suited relative to the other in certain situations. For
6.4 Greener Cleanup Core Elements—When evaluating
example, while a quantitative evaluation is applicable to the
BMPs, the user should consider the best overall approach for
site assessment, in many situations the likely environmental
reducing the environmental footprint of the planned cleanup
footprint reductions may not be sufficient to justify the invest-
activities by reviewing the core elements defined in Section
ment of additional time and effort to conduct the analysis.
4.1.
Similarly, implementation of the BMP process is generally not
6.5 The user should understand the following about the
warranted at remedy selection; however, evaluating BMPs
BMP process:
during remedy selection may be constructive. More
6.5.1 Appendix X3, Greener Cleanup BMP Table, provides
specifically, if two remedies are equally protective and
effective, evaluating BMPs prospectively through a quantita- alistofgreenercleanupBMPs.TheseBMPsareorganizedinto
the following BMP categories: (1) Project Planning and Team
tive evaluation can help the user identify which remedy has
greater potential for environmental footprint reductions. The Management; (2) Sampling and Analysis; (3) Materials; (4)
Vehicles and Equipment; (5) Site Preparation/Land Restora-
user should consult Fig. 1 and Table 1 for guidance on the
tion; (6) Buildings; (7) Power and Fuel; (8) Surface/Storm
applicability of the BMP process or quantitative evaluation to
Water; and (9) Residual Solid and Liquid Waste.
the cleanup phases.
5.2.2 The BMP process is appropriate at any site, regardless 6.5.1.1 The user is also encouraged to identify or develop
and implement BMPs not included in Appendix X3 that are
of its size or complexity, whereas the quantitative evaluation
followed by the BMP process is best suited to relatively consistent with the spirit and intent of the guide because they
large-scale or complex cleanups where a range of approaches reduce the environmental footprint of the cleanup.
could be implemented to achieve the objectives for that 6.5.2 AllBMPsthatarerequiredbylaworregulationshould
cleanup phase. be implemented and documented, as described in Section 8.
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FIG. 1 ASTM Greener Cleanup Overview
6.5.3 As part of the BMP process, the user may elect to 6.6 BMPProcess—TheBMPprocessinvolvesthefollowing
performa quantitative evaluationtooptimizeperformanceofa five steps: Step 1: BMP Opportunity Assessment; Step 2: BMP
specific BMP or to calculate the anticipated numerical envi- Prioritization; Step 3: BMP Selection; Step 4: BMP Implemen-
ronmental footprint reduction from implementing the BMP. tation; and Step 5: BMP Documentation. The user should
The process of performing a quantitative evaluation is de- follow all the steps described below and summarized in Fig. 2.
scribed in Section 7. 6.6.1 Step 1: BMP Opportunity Assessment—This is a
6.5.4 When evaluating BMPs, the user may find the follow- screening level assessment. During this step, the user identifies
ing references helpful: Butler, et al., 2011(2); Ellis & Hadley, all BMPs considered potentially applicable to the site condi-
2009(3); ITRC, 2011(4); U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, tions. Appendix X3 provides a robust list of BMPs; however,
2010(5); and USEPA, 2008, 2009a, 2009b, 2010a, 2010b, the user is encouraged to identify additional BMPs as part of
2010c, 2011a, 2011b, 2011c, 2012a, and 2012b. thisstep,usingchecklists,guidelines,matrices,ortablesand/or
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TABLE 1 Timing for Entering and Implementing
6.6.2.6 As part of this step, the user should prepare a
Implement prioritized list of BMPs.
Cleanup Phase Enter
BMP Quantitative 6.6.3 Step 3: BMP Selection—The user should review each
Process Evaluation
BMP in the prioritized list from Step 2 and select BMPs to
Site Assessment Anytime during the U Generally not
retain for implementation. This selection should be based on
investigation warranted
potential environmental footprint reductions, relative to other
Remedy Selection When evaluating Generally not U
cleanup options warranted pertinent factors such as implementability, effectiveness,
Remedy Design/ When designing or UU
reliability, short-term risks, community concerns, cost, and
Implementation implementing the
potential for environmental trade-offs. The user should con-
remedy
Operation Anytime during UU
sider the unwanted transfer of contaminants from one environ-
Maintenance and OMM
mental media to another, or negative effects on one core
Monitoring (OMM)
element from implementing a BMP with positive effects on
Remedy Anytime during UU
Optimization OMM
another core element. The user should document the rationale
for eliminating BMPs identified in Step 2.
6.6.3.1 The user should select BMPs that reduce or have no
effect on the project cost, unless there is a specific reason not
relevant literature or trade publications addressing BMPs
to do so (see Section 6.6.3 above for examples of factors).
recognized within the environmental remediation industry or
Some users may elect to select BMPs even if implementation
within similar industries that utilize environmentally beneficial
results in an increas
...