Looking for collaboration on your next project? Don't hesitate to contact us by email:
novosnegocios@servmarambiental.com
Detailed Investigation
Contaminated Area Management
Detailed Investigation: Unraveling the Extent of Contamination
The Detailed Investigation represents a critical and comprehensive phase in the Contaminated Area Management (CAM) process, marking a transition to an in-depth and thorough analysis of the contamination identified. This stage is based on the results of the Confirmatory Investigation and aims to fully characterize the nature, extent and behaviour of the contaminants present. The Detailed Investigation is not just limited to quantifying the levels of contamination, but seeks to understand its three-dimensional distribution, migration dynamics and potential long-term impacts. This process provides the essential data for assessing risks, developing effective remediation strategies and making informed decisions about the management of the contaminated area. The accuracy and comprehensiveness of this investigation are fundamental to ensuring the effectiveness of subsequent remediation and environmental protection actions.
Definition and Objective:
Detailed Investigation is defined as a comprehensive and systematic process of characterizing contamination in an area, with the aim of fully understanding its nature, extent and behaviour. Its main objective is to provide a robust and detailed database that will enable an accurate risk assessment and the development of effective remediation strategies.
The specific objectives include:
- 1. precisely delineate the horizontal and vertical extent of the contamination;
- 2. characterize the chemical and physical nature of the contaminants present;
- 3. understanding the migration dynamics of contaminants in the environment;
- 4. identifying potential receptors and exposure routes;
- 5. assessing the temporal variability of contamination;
- 6. provide data for modeling the behavior of contaminants;
- 7. establishing a baseline for future remediation and monitoring actions.
This stage is crucial for developing an effective and economically viable remediation plan, ensuring that all significant areas of contamination are identified and properly characterized.
Methodologies and strategies
The Detailed Investigation methodology is a complex and multifaceted process that combines advanced environmental sampling techniques, sophisticated laboratory analysis and comprehensive data interpretation. This approach aims to build a three-dimensional and dynamic understanding of contamination on the site.
The strategy involves:
- 1. detailed planning: Development of a comprehensive investigation plan, based on the results of the previous stages and the refined conceptual model of the site;
- 2. intensive sampling: collecting samples at multiple points and depths, using appropriate techniques for soil, groundwater, surface water, sediments and soil vapors;
- 3. comprehensive chemical analysis: Carrying out a full range of laboratory analyses to identify and quantify all relevant contaminants;
- 4. hydrogeological characterization: detailed assessment of soil and groundwater conditions, including permeability and flow direction tests;
- 5. source investigation: Identification and characterization of primary and secondary sources of contamination;
- 6. temporal monitoring: Implementation of monitoring programs to assess seasonal variations and long-term trends;
- 7. environmental modeling: use of mathematical models to predict the behavior and migration of contaminants;
- 8. data integration: Compilation and integrated analysis of all data collected to develop a holistic understanding of contamination.
This methodology faces challenges such as the heterogeneity of the subsurface, the complexity of the interactions between contaminants and the environment, and the need to characterize large areas with limited resources. The strategy to overcome these challenges includes the use of innovative research technologies, such as geophysical methods and remote sensing, combined with adaptive sampling techniques and advanced statistical analysis.
Importance in the GAC process:
The Detailed Investigation is a central and indispensable component of the Contaminated Area Management process, serving as the fundamental basis for all subsequent decisions and actions. Its importance is manifested in several aspects:
Complete characterization
Provides a detailed understanding of contamination, essential for developing effective remediation strategies
Risk assessment
Enables accurate assessment of risks to human health and the environment
Resource optimization
Allows proper planning and sizing of remediation actions, avoiding unnecessary expenses
The Detailed Investigation not only refines and expands the knowledge obtained in the previous stages, but also establishes the scientific basis for all future decisions in the CCM process. It provides the crucial data needed to develop accurate conceptual and numerical models of the site, essential for predicting the behavior of contaminants and evaluating the effectiveness of different remediation strategies.
In addition, this phase is fundamental to the development of a personalized and efficient remediation plan. By providing a detailed understanding of the distribution and behaviour of contaminants, the Detailed Investigation enables the selection of the most appropriate remediation technologies and the optimization of their application.
Contaminated Area Management Solutions
The Management of Contaminated Areas is a multifaceted process that requires a systematic and meticulous approach. Each stage of this process is crucial, building on the information and results of the previous phases, as established at the federal level by CONAMA Resolution No. 420/2009, in the state of São Paulo by CETESB Board Decision No. 38/2017/C and other applicable legislation, thus ensuring a comprehensive understanding and an effective solution to the challenges of contamination.
Servmar offers a comprehensive portfolio of services in Contaminated Area Management, combining technical expertise, advanced technologies and a deep understanding of the Brazilian regulatory context.
Find out more about our solutions:
Tools, Techniques and Expected Results:
Detailed Investigation employs a wide range of advanced tools and techniques to comprehensively and accurately collect and analyze environmental data. These tools and techniques are essential for building a three-dimensional and dynamic understanding of contamination on the site.
Key tools and techniques include:
- Advanced drilling methods (continuous drilling, core sampling by direct push method);
- In situ sampling technologies (low-flow groundwater sampling, soil and ambient air vapor sampling and multilevel samplers);
- Rapid response tools (Membrane Interface Probe - MIP, Optical Image Profiler - OIP, Laser-Induced Fluorescence - LIF, Hydraulic Profiling Tool - HPT);
- Geophysical methods (electrical resistivity tomography, ground penetrating radar);
- Techniques for tracing contaminants (fluorescent tracers, isotopes);
- Specialized chemical analysis (high-resolution mass spectrometry);
- Hydrogeological and contaminant transport modeling;
- Geographic information systems (GIS) for spatial analysis and data visualization.
The expected results of a Detailed Investigation are comprehensive and multifaceted, providing a solid basis for the subsequent stages of the CAG. The main product is a detailed report that presents and interprets the data collected.This report typically includes:
- Detailed maps and cross-sections showing the three-dimensional distribution of contaminants;
- Analysis of local hydrogeology and its influence on contaminant migration;
- Evaluation of contamination sources and their release mechanisms;
- Analysis of temporal trends in the concentration and distribution of contaminants;
- Updated conceptual and numerical models of the site;
- Assessment of the risks associated with contamination;
- Detailed recommendations for remediation strategies.
In addition, the results of the Detailed Investigation provide the basis for the development of site-specific remediation objectives and the selection of appropriate remediation technologies.
Mathematical Modeling in Detailed Research
Mathematical modeling is a fundamental tool in the detailed investigation phase of Contaminated Area Management. It makes it possible to simulate the future behavior of contamination plumes, helping to predict the spread of contaminants over time and to identify risk areas. This enables a preventative and more effective approach to remediation. The need to carry out this study will depend very much on the scenario of the area and remediation goals, so it will be up to our specialists and/or the environmental agency to point out the need for it.
What Mathematical Modeling delivers at this stage:
- Simulations of the plume's movement over 5, 10, 15, 20 years or more.
- Identification of areas at risk of future contamination.
- Definition of remediation strategies based on forecasts.
- Optimization of resources for corrective actions.
Next Steps in the GAC Process
The results of the Detailed Investigation directly guide the next steps in the Contaminated Area Management process. The decision on how to proceed is based on an in-depth evaluation of the data collected and its interpretation in the context of the risks identified and the remediation objectives.
The decision on the next steps must be based on a careful assessment of the risks identified, considering environmental, regulatory, technological and economic aspects, always prioritizing the protection of public health and the environment.
? ?
Frequently Asked Questions:
At Servmar, we are committed to providing clear and accurate information to help our customers better understand our services and the importance of environmental sustainability.
This FAQ section has been created to answer the most common questions, providing quick access to answers that can help you make informed decisions. We value transparency and open communication, and we are always happy to answer any other questions you may have.
The Confirmatory Investigation is primarily aimed at confirming the presence of contamination and providing an initial assessment of its extent. The Detailed Investigation, on the other hand, is much more comprehensive. It fully characterizes the nature, extent and behaviour of the contamination, including its three-dimensional distribution, temporal variations and interactions with the environment. Detailed Investigation usually involves a much larger number of samples, more complex analysis and more in-depth interpretation of the data, providing the basis for remediation decisions.
A Detailed Investigation can take from 3 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the site, the extent of contamination and the specific objectives of the investigation. This period includes detailed planning (1-2 months), multiple field sampling campaigns (2-6 months), extensive laboratory analysis (1-2 months), data modeling and interpretation (1-3 months), and preparation of the final report (1-2 months). Factors such as seasonal conditions, the need for long-term monitoring and regulatory complexities can extend this timeframe.
The selection of research technologies is based on multiple factors, such as:
- Nature of contaminants (volatiles, heavy metals, etc.);
- geological and hydrogeological characteristics of the site;
- estimated extent and depth of contamination;
- specific research objectives;
- access restrictions or physical limitations of the site;
- cost-benefit considerations.
Generally, a combination of traditional methods (such as drilling and sampling) and advanced technologies (such as high resolution, geophysical methods or in situ sensors) is used to obtain a comprehensive and efficient characterization.
Temporal variability is addressed through:
- Multiple sampling campaigns at different stations;
- Installation of continuous monitoring systems;
- Analysis of historical trends, when previous data is available;
- Modeling future scenarios considering changes in environmental conditions;
- Evaluation of factors that influence fluctuations in contamination levels (such as precipitation, variations in groundwater levels, seasonal activities on the site).
This approach allows for a more complete understanding of the behavior of contaminants over time, which is essential for developing effective remediation strategies.
The results of the Detailed Investigation are fundamental for:
- Precise identification of all contaminants present and their concentrations;
- Delimitation of affected areas and potential receptors;
- Understanding of exposure routes and contaminant transport mechanisms;
- Development of conceptual and numerical models of the site;
- Establishment of risk-based remediation target levels;
- Selection of appropriate remediation technologies;
- Sizing and design of treatment systems;
- Development of long-term monitoring plans.
This data allows for a more accurate risk assessment and the development of more effective and economically viable remediation strategies, adapted to the specific conditions of the site.
