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GENERAL SECTION
Using the US EPA Triad Approach
To Save Time and Money
BACKGROUND
In an effort to reduce costs to stakeholders the US EPA Technology Innovation Office (TIO) and other groups have tried to steer away from command and control project management at waste site cleanups. These efforts are embodied in various guidance to expedite site characterization and remediation. A new approach to planning leverages rapid sampling techniques to actively and economically manage projects.
The US EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergence Response (OSWER) encourages stakeholders in environmental investigation and remediation projects to use a streamlined approach to decision making to reduce costs and accelerate site closures. The streamlined system is called the Triad Approach for the three elements of elements that it incorporates. The Triad Approach incorporates systematic planning, dynamic work plans and on-site analytical tools to encourage real-time decision making during investigations and remediation monitoring.
The systematic planning element establishes specific project goals and data quality objectives that guide the investigation. Proper systematic planning reduces wasted time and effort by establishing site-specific plans instead of using a one-size-fits-all project plan. The systematic plan selects sampling techniques and methods that are most appropriate for the project goals and data quality objectives. A conceptual site model is the basis of the systematic plan.
The dynamic work plan is a decision tree that guides work on a daily basis. The dynamic work plan allows experienced field personnel to adjust planned activities based on real-time field results. The experienced field personnel plan incorporate real-time field results into the maturing conceptual model to adjust field activities on a daily basis.
The real-time decision-making of the dynamic work plan relies on real-time data. Advances in sampling techniques and mobile laboratories provide rapid analysis that meets high data quality objectives. The savings realized by on-site analysis goes beyond the per sample savings. For example, reduced turn-around time eliminates multiple mobilization charges. More significantly, a layer of decision making is transferred from the office to experienced field personnel.
Case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of the Triad Approach are available from the US EPA. The Triad Approach may be adapted to other environmental approaches to realize the same levels of savings. For more information about the Triad Approach, contact Mike Saul or David Strayer at (513) 489-2255 or via e-mail at mts@paynefirm.com or dcs@paynefirm.com, respectively. You may visit us at our web site at www.paynefirm.com.
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