After the Remediation – Active Treatment has finished, the site enters the Monitoring and Aftercare phase of the Groundwater Remediation. This is the longest and most stringent phase of the Groundwater Remediation for many sites.
What Monitoring Wells Measure
The water is taken from specific depths within the aquifer, to provide a consistent sample of the contaminating substances, usually reporting on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), Heavy Metals, and pH. A typical monitoring program would conduct quarterly sampling during the initial aftercare period, with sampling decreasing to a 6 monthly review once clear evidence of a reducing contaminant trend is identified.
Interpreting Your Results
It is important to note that evidence of improving site conditions is made by combining concentration trends, contaminant mass estimates and any field observations to produce the strongest lines of evidence. A single low reading will not be sufficient to indicate that site conditions are improving.
What Regulators Require
In terms of length of time the aftercare can last, typically this is between 2 years and 5 years depending on the nature of the contamination and the complexity of the site.
Keeping Records and Reporting
These records must include the date and time of sampling, a description of the sampling method used, and the results obtained. A summary of these results must then be sent to the Environment Agency on a schedule agreed with the site holder in the monitoring plan.
Formal Site Sign-Off
A site is closed when enough evidence has been gathered to prove that there is no longer any risk from the contamination. Typically this is formally verified and signed off by the relevant regulators with the acceptance of a verification report that confirms all of the agreed remediation objectives have been met at all of the monitored points.
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Good aftercare records ensure a smooth sign-off in the long run.
