Development of a Model to Set Clean-Up Criteria for Contaminated Soil at Decommissioned Industrial Sites

Spills, leaks and the improper disposal of raw materials and waste products frequently contaminate soil and groundwater during operations at an industrial site. Once operations cease, the site must be decommissioned in a manner that will render it suitable for future use. Decommissioning is a complex problem because clean-up activities are specific to industry type, products and by-products, the age of the plant, its location (geography, geology, hydrogeology and climate of the site), waste management practices and the proposed future use of the site. Environment Canada, Monenco Consultants Ltd.and SENES Consultants Ltd. are developing a computer model as an aid for establishing site-specific clean-up criteria. The project is supported by Supply and Services Canada, Environment Canada, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the provinces of Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, the Canadian Chemical Producers Association, the Canadian Petroleum Association and the Petroleum Association for Conservation of the Canadian Environment.