ASTM E1912-98
(Guide)Standard Guide for Accelerated Site Characterization for Confirmed or Suspected Petroleum Releases
Standard Guide for Accelerated Site Characterization for Confirmed or Suspected Petroleum Releases
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers a process to rapidly and accurately characterize a confirmed or suspected petroleum release site. This guide is intended to provide a framework for responsible parties, contractors, consultants, and regulators to streamline and accelerate the site characterization process or supplement incomplete characterization data. The accelerated site characterization (ASC) approach may be incorporated in state and local regulations as a cost-effective method of making informed corrective action decisions sooner.
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Designation: E 1912 – 98
Standard Guide for
Accelerated Site Characterization for Confirmed or
Suspected Petroleum Releases
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1912; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.4.7 Appendix X2 provides an Example of a Data Quality
Classification System,
1.1 This guide covers a process to rapidly and accurately
1.4.8 Appendix X3 contains a list of physical and chemical
characterize a confirmed or suspected petroleum release site.
properties and hydrogeologic characteristics applicable to site
This guide is intended to provide a framework for responsible
characterizations, and a list of input parameters and method-
parties, contractors, consultants, and regulators to streamline
ologies for ASTM RBCA Tier 1 and Tier 2 evaluations, and
and accelerate the site characterization process or supplement
1.4.9 Appendix X4 contains a case study example of the
incomplete characterization data. The accelerated site charac-
ASC process, including a RBCA Tier 1 and Tier 2 evaluation.
terization (ASC) approach may be incorporated in state and
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
local regulations as a cost-effective method of making in-
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for
formed corrective action decisions sooner.
information only.
1.2 This guide describes a process for collecting site char-
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
acterization information in one mobilization, using rapid sam-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
pling techniques; field analytical methods; and on-site inter-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
pretation and iteration of field data to refine the conceptual
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
model for understanding site conditions as the characterization
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
proceeds. This information can be used to determine the need
for interim remedial actions; site classification or prioritization,
2. Referenced Documents
or both; further corrective actions; and active remediation. The
2.1 ASTM Standards:
process outlined in this guide can be incorporated into existing
D 5730 Guide to Site Characterization for Environmental
corrective action programs, and is organized to be used in
Purposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zone,
conjunction with Guides E 1599 and E 1739.
and Ground Water
1.3 For guidance concerning contractor health and safety
E 1599 Guide for Corrective Action for Petroleum Re-
issues, appropriate federal, state, and local regulations (for
leases
example, Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and
E 1689 Guide for Developing Conceptual Site Models for
industry standards should be consulted. For sampling quality
Contaminated Sites
assurance/quality control (QA/QC) practices, see references in
E 1739 Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action Applied at
Section 2. Considerations for field analytical method quality
Petroleum Release Sites
assurance/quality control are discussed in Section 5.
2.2 EPA Documents:
1.4 This guide is organized as follows:
USEPA SW 846, Recommended Analytical Procedures,
1.4.1 Section 1 describes the scope,
Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste-Physical/
1.4.2 Section 2 lists Referenced Documents,
Chemical Methods
1.4.3 Section 3 defines Terminology,
USEPA, Draft Field Methods Compendium, OER 9285.2-
1.4.4 Section 4 identifies the Significance and Use,
1.4.5 Section 5 describes the Accelerated Site Characteriza-
USEPA, Subsurface Characterization and Monitoring Tech-
tion Process,
niques: A Desk Reference Guide-Vols I and II, EPA
1.4.6 Appendix X1 identifies Additional Referenced Docu-
ments,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09.
1 3
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E50 on Environmental Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.04.
Assessment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E50.04 on Performance Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.05.
Standards Related to Environmental Regulatory Programs. Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 1998. Published June 1998. Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E1912–98
625/R-93/003a and b the site characterization process. These data include: concen-
USEPA, Description and Sampling of Contaminated Soils: trations of chemical(s) of concern in air; soil; soil vapor or
A Field Pocket Guide, EPA 625/12-91/002 ground water, or both; and hydrogeologic conditions.
USEPA, Environmental Investigations Standard Operating
3.1.10 indicator compounds—compounds in ground water,
Procedures and Quality Assurance Manual, May 1996,
soil, or air, specific to the petroleum product released, used to
USEPA Region
confirm the existence of the petroleum product, define the
USEPA, Expedited Site Assessment Tools for UST Sites: A
distribution of the chemical(s) of concern, define the target
Guide for Regulators, EPA 510-B-97-001
levels, monitor progress of the remedial action, and identify the
termination point of the remedial action.
3. Terminology
3.1.11 interim remedial action—the course of action to
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
mitigate fire and safety hazards and to prevent further migra-
3.1.1 accelerated site characterization (ASC)—a process
tion of hydrocarbons in their vapor, dissolved, or liquid phase.
for collecting and evaluating information pertaining to site
3.1.12 mobilization—the movement of equipment and per-
geology/hydrogeology, nature and distribution of the chemi-
sonnel to the site, to prepare for, collect, and evaluate site
cal(s) of concern, source areas, potential exposure pathways
characterization data. These activities, when conducted as one
and points of exposure in one mobilization. The ASC employs
continuous event (from one day to several weeks), are referred
rapid sampling techniques, on-site chemical analysis and
to as a single mobilization. Activities that are not conducted
hydrogeological evaluation, and field decision making to
continuously are referred to as multiple-site mobilizations.
provide a comprehensive “snap-shot” of subsurface conditions.
3.1.13 on-site manager—an individual who is on site and is
3.1.2 active remediation—actions taken to reduce the con-
responsible for directing field activities and decision-making
centrations of chemical(s) of concern. Active remediation
during the site characterization. The on-site manager should be
could be implemented when the no further action and passive
familiar with the purpose of the site characterization, pertinent
remediation courses of action are not appropriate.
existing data, and the data collection and analysis program.
3.1.3 chemical(s) of concern—specific constituents that are
When conducting an ASC, it is necessary for the on-site
identified for evaluation in the site characterization process.
manager to also be the principal investigator, developing and
3.1.4 conceptual model—a summary of information that is
refining the conceptual model of site conditions. This indi-
known about a site. Available site information is compiled onto
vidual must have the necessary experience and background to
one or more simple graphics to develop an understanding of the
perform the required site characterization activities and to
site conditions. The conceptual model is not an analytical or
accurately interpret the results and direct the investigation. For
numerical computer model, but may utilize these tools in
the purposes of this guide, sufficient qualification criteria for
developing a conceptual understanding of site conditions.
the on-site manager includes knowledge and experience in the
3.1.5 corrective action—activities performed in response to
following areas:
a suspected or confirmed release, which include one or more of
3.1.13.1 Soil and ground water sampling and analytical
the following: site characterization, interim remedial action,
methods to be used at the site;
remedial action, operation and maintenance of equipment,
3.1.13.2 Fate and transport of petroleum hydrocarbons in
monitoring of progress, monitoring of natural attenuation, and
the subsurface;
termination of remedial action.
3.1.6 exposure pathway—the course a chemical(s) of con-
3.1.13.3 Local geology/hydrogeology;
cern takes from the source area(s) to an exposed organism. An
3.1.13.4 Local regulations and ordinances, including knowl-
exposure pathway describes a unique mechanism by which an
edge of state-specific certification requirements;
individual or population is exposed to a chemical(s) of concern
3.1.13.5 Personal health and safety requirements; and
originating from a site. Each exposure pathway includes a
3.1.13.6 Evaluation and interpretation of site characteriza-
source or release from a source, a point of exposure, and an
tion results.
exposure route. If the exposure point differs from the source, a
3.1.14 petroleum—including crude oil or any fraction
transport/exposure medium (for example, air) or media also is
thereof that is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and
included.
pressure (60°F (16°C) at 14.7 psia). The term includes
3.1.7 facility—the property containing the source of the
petroleum-based substances comprised of a complex blend of
chemical(s) of concern where a release has occurred.
hydrocarbons derived from crude oil through processes of
3.1.8 field analytical methods—methods or techniques that
separation, conversion, upgrading, and finishing, such as motor
measure physical properties or chemical presence in soil, soil
fuels, jet oils, lubricants, petroleum solvents, and used oils.
vapor, and ground water immediately or within a relatively
3.1.15 point(s) of exposure—the point(s) at which an indi-
short period of time to be used during a site characterization.
vidual or population may come in contact with a chemical(s) of
Measurement capabilities range from qualitative (positive/
concern originating from a site.
negative) response to below parts per billion (sub-ppb) quan-
3.1.16 quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)—the use
titation. Accuracy and precision of data from these methods
of standards and procedures to ensure that samples collected
depends on the method detection limits and QA/QC proce-
and data generated are reliable, reproducible, and verifiable.
dures.
3.1.9 field-generated analytical data—information gener- 3.1.17 rapid sampling tools—equipment and techniques
ated on site soon after sample acquisition that is used to direct that allow personnel to collect samples from different media, in
E1912–98
a relatively short period of time, for on-site chemical analysis 4.2.7 Collection of vertical and horizontal data, allowing for
and hydrogeologic evaluation within the same mobilization. three-dimensional delineation of chemical(s) of concern in soil,
soil vapor, or ground water.
3.1.18 receptors—persons, structures, utilities, surface wa-
ters, and water supply wells that are or may be adversely 4.3 The ASC process described in this guide is intended for
affected by a release. use in situations where the potential exists that petroleum has
been released. The same principles may be applicable to other
3.1.19 regulatory agency—any state or local program re-
sponsible for overseeing underground storage tank (or other indicator compounds or chemical(s) of concern, and sources
petroleum/hazardous material source) site characterization and (for example, chlorinated solvent releases). If the ASC process
corrective action. is used for chemical(s) of concern, other than petroleum, the
user must consider the physical and chemical characteristics of
3.1.20 release—any spilling, leaking, emitting, discharging,
escaping, leaching, or disposing of petroleum products into the chemical(s) of concern and the media in which they are
present to ensure that the sampling tools and analytical
ground water, surface water, soils, or air.
methods are capable of measuring and detecting the chemi-
3.1.21 remediation/remedial action—activities conducted to
cal(s) of concern.
protect human health, safety, and the environment. These
4.4 A conventional site characterization approach most
activities include evaluating risk, making no-further-action
determinations, monitoring, institutional controls, engineering often involves several mobilizations. Each mobilization typi-
cally includes a predefined sampling and analysis plan, where
controls, and designing and operating cleanup systems.
3.1.22 site characterization—an evaluation of subsurface analysis and interpretation of results are performed off-site
after demobilization. A conventional site characterization can
geology/hydrogeology, and surface characteristics to determine
if a release has occurred, the levels of the chemical(s) of provide high-quality data; however, multiple mobilizations
often prolong the process required to adequately characterize
concern, and the distribution of the chemical(s) of concern. The
data collected on soil, soil vapor and ground water, potential subsurface conditions.
exposure pathways and location of receptors and point(s) of 4.5 The ASC process requires an on-site manager to make
exposure is used to generate information to support remedial decisions to guide the characterization. Without an individual
action decisions. on site who is able to interpret data as it is generated, and is
authorized to adjust sample locations or scope of the investi-
3.1.23 source area(s)—the location(s) of liquid hydrocar-
gation, or both, an ASC has little chance of meeting its stated
bons or the zone(s) of highest soil or ground water concentra-
objective of full characterization in one mobilization. Levels of
tions, or both, of the chemical(s) of concern.
communication and authority between the on-site manager and
3.1.24 user—an individual or group involved in the ASC
the user should be established prior to beginning the charac-
process including owners, operators, regulators, petroleum
terization.
fund managers, attorneys, consultants, legislators, and so forth.
5. Accelerated Site Characterization Process
4. Significance and Use
5.1 The unique feature of the ASC process is the collection,
4.1 An ASC is a process for collecting and evaluating
analysis, and evaluation of hydrogeologic and chemical data
informati
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