ASTM E2876-13(2020)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Integrating Sustainable Objectives into Cleanup
Standard Guide for Integrating Sustainable Objectives into Cleanup
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Flexibility—Users may desire to incorporate sustainable aspects within the scalable framework throughout any or all phases of the cleanup, or any size of site.
4.1.1 For simplicity the term cleanup is used in the guide when referring to any of the cleanup phases, for example site assessment, remedy selection, remedy design and implementation, remedy optimization, operation, maintenance and monitoring, and closure.
4.1.2 Implementation of the guide is site-specific. The user may choose to customize the implementation of the guide for particular types of sites, for example, UST sites, dry cleaner sites, or particular phases of cleanup. Customization may be particularly relevant for groups of small, non-complex sites.
4.2 Considerations—The information provided in this guide provides a framework to evaluate sustainable aspects in the context of site cleanup. The guide helps users identify factors and activities they may want to consider in cleanup projects, while protecting human health and the environment.
4.3 Sustainable Performance Criterion—Based on the sustainable objectives identified for the site, users should implement one or more best management practices that substantially benefit each of the sustainable aspects (environmental, social and economic), see Section 6 for details. The user should demonstrate these benefits through publicly available documentation. Substantial benefits must be over and above those achieved by existing regulatory requirements, unless a regulatory agency adopts this guide for cleanup sites. In that case the regulatory agency will determine what constitutes substantial benefits under its own regulations.
4.4 Transparency Goal—The user should document the activities and evaluations performed while using this guide. The documentation is needed to demonstrate the sustainable benefits through public disclosure and transparency. See Section 8 for more information.
4.5 Stakeholder Involvement—The user should engage sta...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide presents a framework that allows and encourages the user to address sustainable aspects (environmental, economic and social) within cleanup projects. The user may implement this guide to integrate sustainable objectives into cleanup while working within applicable regulatory criteria.
1.2 The guide provides an overarching, consistent, transparent and scalable framework that helps the user identify and incorporate sustainable best management practices (BMPs) into site cleanup (which includes assessment and remediation), and enables the user to perform measurement of BMPs during the cleanup process. See Appendix X1 for example BMPs.
1.3 The guide is intended to encourage incremental steps to incorporate sustainable elements into cleanup projects. The user chooses whether to pursue BMP implementation alone (Section 6) or to also measure the benefits of the implemented BMPs (Sections 6 and 7). The user also chooses the phases of the cleanup to which they apply the guide.
1.4 The guide should be implemented within the existing site assessment and remediation process. The approach described in this guide should be used with other existing technical tools and policy to encourage the consideration of a more holistic approach with a broader range of cleanup options and activities than traditionally employed (NICOLE 2012(1))2.
1.5 BMPs implemented under this guide should address all three aspects of sustainability: environmental, economic and social, while assuring that human health and safety as well as ecological risks are addressed. The goal of implementing BMPs is to take actions to address the sustainable objectives identified for the site.
1.6 3.1.17 defines sustainable objectives; 3.1.15.1 defines sustainable aspects; 5.3 provides detail about core elements; and Section 6 describes a process to identify, evaluate, select, and implement BMPs.
1.7 While the guide specifically applies to the cl...
General Information
Relations
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.
Designation: E2876 − 13 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Guide for
Integrating Sustainable Objectives into Cleanup
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2876; 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.
1. Scope 1.7 While the guide specifically applies to the cleanup
phases of a project (which includes assessment and remedia-
1.1 Thisguidepresentsaframeworkthatallowsandencour-
tion phases), decisions made in the cleanup may influence
ages the user to address sustainable aspects (environmental,
reuse activities. The anticipated reuse of the site may influence
economic and social) within cleanup projects. The user may
cleanup activities.
implement this guide to integrate sustainable objectives into
cleanup while working within applicable regulatory criteria.
1.8 This guide may not be used as a justification for
elimination or reduction of cleanup actions that are required to
1.2 The guide provides an overarching, consistent, transpar-
protect human health and the environment.
ent and scalable framework that helps the user identify and
incorporate sustainable best management practices (BMPs)
1.9 The guide is composed of the following sections:
into site cleanup (which includes assessment and remediation),
Section 2 Referenced Documents, Section 3 Terminology,
and enables the user to perform measurement of BMPs during
Section 4 Significance and Use, Section 5 Planning and
the cleanup process. See Appendix X1 for example BMPs.
Scoping; Section 6 Selection and Implementation of best
management practices (BMPs); Section 7 Quantifying Site-
1.3 The guide is intended to encourage incremental steps to
Specific results from BMPs; and Section 8 Documentation.
incorporate sustainable elements into cleanup projects. The
Fig. 1 Using the guide is provided to assist the user in
user chooses whether to pursue BMP implementation alone
navigating the guide.
(Section 6) or to also measure the benefits of the implemented
1.9.1 The user may pursue either the BMP implementation
BMPs (Sections 6 and 7). The user also chooses the phases of
the cleanup to which they apply the guide. section or both the BMP implementation and measurement
sections.
1.4 The guide should be implemented within the existing
1.9.2 Theenvironmentalportionsoftheguidealignwiththe
site assessment and remediation process. The approach de-
Greener Cleanup Principles released by USEPA in August
scribed in this guide should be used with other existing
2009 (2).
technical tools and policy to encourage the consideration of a
1.9.3 When evaluating the sustainable BMPs the user
moreholisticapproachwithabroaderrangeofcleanupoptions
should consider the short and long-term environmental, eco-
and activities than traditionally employed (NICOLE 2012(1)) .
nomic and social aspects, including the potential negative
1.5 BMPs implemented under this guide should address all
impacts, while ensuring protection of human health and the
three aspects of sustainability: environmental, economic and
environment.
social, while assuring that human health and safety as well as
ecological risks are addressed. The goal of implementing 1.10 The guide is intended to provide an overarching
BMPs is to take actions to address the sustainable objectives framework for integrating sustainable objectives in cleanup
identified for the site. projects.The user may choose to consider the Guide E2893 for
greener cleanups along with this guide to more fully address
1.6 3.1.17 defines sustainable objectives; 3.1.15.1 defines
the environmental elements of a project.
sustainable aspects; 5.3 provides detail about core elements;
and Section 6 describes a process to identify, evaluate, select,
1.11 When implementing this guide, the user must comply
and implement BMPs.
with all applicable federal, state, and local statutes and regu-
lations requiring or relating to protection of human health and
the environment. This includes, but is not limited to, laws and
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE50onEnvironmental
regulations relating to health and safety, of the surrounding
Assessment, Risk Management and CorrectiveAction and is the direct responsibil-
community, or on-site workers. No action taken in connection
ity of Subcommittee E50.04 on Corrective Action.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2020. Published November 2020. Originally with implementing this guide should generate unacceptable
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E2876–13. DOI:
human health or ecological risks.
10.1520/E2876-13R20.
1.11.1 CERCLAandRCRAincludeworkersafetyaspartof
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
this standard. health and safety plans following OSHA regulations.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2876 − 13 (2020)
FIG. 1 Using this Guide
1.11.2 Most sites fall under specific regulatory programs E2081 Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action
that include provisions for health and safety plans following E2091 Guide for Use of Activity and Use Limitations,
OSHA regulations. For more information see OSHA FAQ (3). Including Institutional and Engineering Controls
1.11.3 For all sites, the user must identify potential risks to E2137 Guide for Estimating Monetary Costs and Liabilities
the surrounding community as well as to site workers and
for Environmental Matters
manage those potential risks appropriately.
E2348 Guide for Framework for a Consensus-based Envi-
ronmental Decision-making Process
1.12 This international standard was developed in accor-
E2893 Guide for Greener Cleanups
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3. Terminology
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1 Definitions:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.1 Best Management Practice (BMP)—for the purposes
of this guide, an activity that, under most situations, improves
2. Referenced Documents
one or more sustainable aspects (environmental, social, eco-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
nomic) of a cleanup at a specific site.
E1527 Practice for Environmental SiteAssessments: Phase I
3.1.1.1 Discussion—For example, a BMP for the environ-
Environmental Site Assessment Process
mental aspect would reduce the environmental footprint of a
E1903 Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase
cleanup activity.
II Environmental Site Assessment Process
E1984 Guide for Brownfields Redevelopment (Withdrawn 3.1.2 CERCLA—the Comprehensive Environmental
2012)
Response, Compensation, and LiabilityAct, 42 U.S.C. § 9601
et seq.,asamended,theprimaryfederalstatutethatgovernsthe
imposition of liability for environmental cleanups. CERCLAis
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
commonly referred to as Superfund.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
3.1.3 cleanup—the range of activities that may occur to
the ASTM website.
addressreleasesofhazardoussubstancesorpetroleumproducts
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. at a site.
E2876 − 13 (2020)
3.1.3.1 Discussion—In the environmental industry this term 3.1.10 reasonably anticipated future use—future use of a
is also referred to as assessment and remediation. site that can be predicted with a reasonably high degree of
certainty given historical use, current use, local governmental
3.1.4 community engagement charrette—a meeting or series
planning and zoning.
of meetings where the user identifies the stakeholders and
3.1.10.1 Discussion—Other factors that may be considered
invites them into the discussion of actions for the site.
in determining reasonably anticipated future use include acces-
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The community engagement charrette
sibilityofthesitetoexistinginfrastructure,recentdevelopment
is one option for stakeholder collaboration. The interactions
patterns, cultural factors, environmental justice, regional
between and among the user and the stakeholders (including
trends, and community acceptance.
the regulatory agency) have the intent of sharing information
3.1.11 site—the area(s) defined by the likely physical distri-
and options where collaboration and consensus are goals of the
bution of the chemical(s) of concern from a source area.Asite
meetings. The user and stakeholders discuss the important
could be an entire property or facility, a defined area or portion
aspects, issues, and preferences for the site assessment or
of a facility or property or multiple facilities or properties. One
remediation. The community engagement charrette can be a
facilitymaycontainmultiplesites.Multiplesitesatonefacility
series of meetings held as the user continues to implement
may be addressed individually or as a group.
subsequent steps of a cleanup.
3.1.12 small, non-complex site—a site that meets the attri-
3.1.5 economic multiplier effect—the increased value of
butes in the guide for a project that is not large or potentially
currency/money that is inserted into an area, city, or region (in
complex, as identified by the user.
the form of wages, purchased goods, services, and manufac-
3.1.12.1 Discussion—In the case of a small project of
tures) due to the fact the currency/money circulates close to
limited complexity and scope, the user may consider the
where it is first spent.
following site attributes to streamline the implementation of
3.1.5.1 Discussion—For example, (a) $10 from a city work-
theevaluation.Ifthesitemeetsthefollowingattributes,thesite
er’s wages, buys (b) lunch from a corner restaurant, that pays
may be considered small and non-complex and use the
(c) a cook’s wages, that buy (d) shares in a community solar
adaptations identified in the guide, including reduced docu-
garden.
mentation. The attributes are:
3.1.6 hazardous substance —a substance defined as a haz-
3.1.12.1 limited release complexity—small number or well
ardous substance pursuant to CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9601(14),
understood chemicals of concern (COCs), limited light non-
as interpreted by EPA regulations and the courts.
aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) and no dense non-aqueous
3.1.7 petroleum products—those substances included within phase liquids (DNAPL).
the meaning of the petroleum exclusion to CERCLA, 42 USC
3.1.12.2 small scale site (such as a service station) and well
§ 9601(14), as interpreted by the courts and EPA: “petroleum,
defined soil and/or groundwater impacts—generally limited to
including crude oil or any fraction thereof which is not
a relatively small area.
otherwise specifically listed or designated as a hazardous
3.1.12.3 lower risk land use—open space, unoccupied
substance under subparagraphs (A) through (F) of this
commercial, or industrial land use surrounding the site; low
paragraph, and the term does not include natural gas, natural
population density surrounding the site, or areas with no
gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, or synthetic gas usable for
current complete exposure pathways (see Guide E2081 for
fuel (or mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas).”
discussion of complete exposure pathways).
3.1.8 project team—the group of individuals and experts
3.1.13 stakeholders—individuals, organizations, or other
brought together to implement the activities identified by this
entities who directly or indirectly affect, or are affected by, site
guideforaspecificsite.Typically,theprojectteamincludesthe
releases or cleanup activities, or other interested parties.
user (for example, environmental consultant, specialists), the
Stakeholders are site-specific and can include members of the
state or federal regulator, site owner representative and addi-
local community (for example, residents, regular visitors,
tional experts as needed. For some sites the project team may
nearby businesses, economic development corporations, and
include community stakeholders.
downgradient groundwater users), regulatory agencies having
3.1.8.1 Discussion—For the purposes of this guide, multi-
jurisdiction over the cleanup, site owner or responsible parties,
disciplinary project teams will often be the most effective.
and future users of the property.
Additional members of the team may include specific experts
3.1.13.1 Discussion—The site owners may or may not be
(for example, solar power engineers, architectural or historic
the parties responsible for the cleanup. In addition, there may
preservationspecialists,economists,socialscientists,life-cycle
be other federal, state, and local oversight entities for
analysts,riskassessors,decision-supportspecialists)andfacili-
permitting, historic preservation, or storm water management
tators.
who should be considered when determining the stakeholders
3.1.9 RCRA—theResourceConservationandRecoveryAct, for the project. In addition, there may be commercial and
42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq., as amended, sometimes also known industrial stakeholders or interested third parties that may be
as the Solid Waste Disposal Act, the primary federal statute affected by the cleanup activities or that can affect the cleanup.
that, inter alia, establishes a framework for regulation of solid Under the guide, the user and the project team consider the
and hazardous waste and for promoting resource recovery ideas, potential issues, and concerns of the different stakehold-
through a federal-state partnership. ers in the decision making process.
E2876 − 13 (2020)
3.1.14 surrounding area—landareaadjacenttoandcontigu- particular types of sites, for example, UST sites, dry cleaner
ouswithasiteextendingtoaboundaryconsistentwiththearea sites, or particular phases of cleanup. Customization may be
identified in the planning and scoping and used in selecting particularly relevant for groups of small, non-complex sites.
BMPs.
4.2 Considerations—The information provided in this guide
3.1.15 sustainability—as defined by a US Federal Executive provides a framework to evaluate sustainable aspects in the
Order under NEPA, sustainability means “to create and main- context of site cleanup. The guide helps users identify factors
ta
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.