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A project life cycle conceptual site model (CSM) is a comprehensive graphical and written summary of what is known or hypothesized about environmental contamination at a site and the relationships among key site information that are pertinent to decision-making. A CSM is a representation that evolves over the life cycle of site investigation and cleanup efforts. It provides a platform for evaluating the data gaps and related uncertainty associated with site history and operations; geology, hydrogeology and hydrology; contaminant sources, release mechanisms and fate and transport; potential receptors and exposure pathways. The development of an accurate CSM is vital to the project and site decision-making process.

A project life cycle CSM is comprised of six stages, as described below:

1. Preliminary CSM Stage – Site representation based on existing data; conducted prior to systematic planning efforts.
2. Baseline CSM Stage – Site representation used to gain stakeholder consensus or disagreement, identifies data gaps and uncertainties; conducted as part of the systematic planning process.
3. Characterization CSM Stage – Continual updating of the CSM as new data or information is received during investigations; supports remedy decision making.
4. Design CSM Stage – Targeted updating of the CSM to support remedy design.
5. Remediation/Mitigation CSM Stage – Continual updating of the CSM during remedy implementation; and providing the basis for demonstrating the attainment of cleanup objectives.
6. Post Remedy CSM Stage – The CSM at this stage is used to support reuse planning and placement of institutional controls if warranted.

Selected Resources

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	Title	Document Number	Type	Date
	Best Practices for Data Management Technical Guide	EPA 542-F-18-003	Guidance	2018
	Smart Scoping for Environmental Investigations Technical Guide	EPA 542-G-18-004	Guidance	2018
	Strategic Sampling Approaches Technical Guide	EPA 542-F-18-005	Guidance	2018
	Best Practices for Environmental Site Management: A Practical Guide for Applying Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy to Improve Conceptual Site Models	EPA 600-R-17-293	Guidance	2017
	Brownfields Road Map Website - Project Life Cycle Conceptual Site Model	EPA 542-F-11-011	Factsheet	2011
	Environmental Cleanup Best Management Practices: Effective Use of the Project Life Cycle Conceptual Site Model	EPA 542-F-11-011	Factsheet	2011
	Triad Issue Paper: Using Geophysical Tools to Develop the Conceptual Site Model	EPA 542-F-08-007	Technical Publication	2008
	Innovations in Site Characterization Case Study: The Role of a Conceptual Site Model for Expedited Site Characterization Using the Triad Approach at the Poudre River Site, Fort Collins, Colorado	EPA 542-R-06-007	Case Studies	2006
	Characterization of Mine Leachates and the Development of a Ground-Water Monitoring Strategy for Mine Sites	EPA 600-R-99-007	Technical Publication	1999
	The Role of Cost in the Superfund Remedy Selection Process, Quick Reference Fact Sheet	EPA 540-F-96-018		1996
	Superfund Program Representative Sampling Guidance, Volume 1: Soil	EPA 540-R-95-141	Guidance	1995
	Guidance for Evaluating the Technical Impracticability of the Ground-Water Restoration	EPA 540-R-93-080	Guidance	1993
	Guidance for Conducting Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Studies Under CERCLA	EPA 540-G-89-004	Guidance	1988

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