|
The Triad Approach: Streamlining Site Investigations and Cleanup Decisions
 |
|
 |
| A
Quick Look |
| Integrates systematic planning,
dynamic work strategies, and real-time measurement technologies to
meet project and program goals. |
| Takes advantage of real-time
results and data assessment to guide additional sampling and to minimize
mobilization to reach decision points. |
| Focuses site activities on
project goals, rather than on analytical methods, thereby saving time
and money and fostering better decisions. |
| Demonstrated to complete
projects faster, cheaper, and with greater regulatory satisfaction
than the traditional phased approach to data collection. |
 |
|
 |
The modernization of the collection, analysis, interpretation, and management
of data to support decisions about hazardous waste sites rests on a three-pronged
or “triad” approach. The introduction of new technologies in a dynamic
framework allows project managers to meet clearly defined objectives.
Such an approach incorporates the elements described below.
Systematic planning is a common-sense approach to assuring that
the level of detail in project planning matches the intended use of the
data being collected. Once cleanup goals have been defined, systematic
planning is undertaken to chart a course for the project that is resource
effective, as well as technically sound and defensible to reach these
project-critical goals. A team of multidisciplinary, experienced technical
staff works to translate the project’s goals into realistic technical
objectives. The CSM is the planning tool that organizes the information
that already is known about the site; the CSM helps the team identify
the additional information that must be obtained. The systematic planning
process ties project goals to individual activities necessary to reach
these goals by identifying data gaps in the CSM. The team then uses the
CSM to direct the gathering of needed information, allowing the CSM to
evolve and mature as work progresses at the site.
A dynamic working strategy approach relies on real-time data to
reach decision points. The logic for decision-making is identified and
responsibilities, authority, and lines of communication are established.
Dynamic work strategy implementation relies on and is driven by critical
project decisions needed to reach closure. It uses a decision-tree and
real-time uncertainty management practices to reach critical decision
points in as few mobilizations as possible. Success of a dynamic approach
depends on the presence of experienced staff in the field empowered to
make decisions based on the decision logic and their capability to deal
with new data and any unexpected issues, as they arise. Field staff maintain
close communication with regulators or others overseeing the project during
implementation of dynamic work plans.
The use of on-site analytical tools, rapid sampling platforms, and on-site
interpretation and management of data makes dynamic work strategies possible.
Such real-time measurement tools are among the key streamlined
site investigation tools because they provide the data that are used for
on-site decision-making. The tools are a broad category of analytical
methods and equipment that can be applied at the sample collection site.
They include methods that can be used outdoors with hand-held, portable
equipment, as well as more rigorous methods that require the controlled
environments of a mobile laboratory (transportable). During the planning
process, the team identifies the type, rigor, and quantity of data needed
to answer the questions raised by the CSM. Those decisions then guide
the design sampling modifications and the selection of analytical tools.
The Triad approach enables project managers to minimize uncertainty while
expediting site cleanup and reducing project costs. For example, EPA collaborated
with the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut to implement the Triad approach
to characterize a former power plant site scheduled for redevelopment
as a waterfront park. The Triad approach yielded an estimated cost savings
of 50 to 60 percent when compared with a traditional approach involving
two mobilizations and comprehensive analytical methods at a fixed laboratory.
The City of Trenton, New Jersey began implementing the Triad approach
in 2001 as part of its program to redevelop a large number of abandoned
industrial sites. Overall, the Triad approach eliminated costs associated
with follow-on investigation activities while accelerating the redevelopment
schedule and reducing decision uncertainty. Additional details about these
and other examples are available in the July
2004 edition of EPA’s Technology News and Trends newsletter.
EPA published Using the Triad Approach to Streamline Brownfields Site
Assessment and Cleanup in June 2003. This document can be obtained
from EPA’s
Brownfields and Land Revitalization Technology Support Center.
The Triad Resource Center Web
site provides information on the Triad approach.
For more information see the following resources:
|
