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U.S. EPA Contaminated Site Cleanup Information (CLU-IN)


U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division

For more information on Optimization, please contact:

Kirby Biggs
Technology Integration and Information Branch

PH: 202-823-3081 | Email: biggs.kirby@epa.gov



Overview

Key Optimization Components:  Conceptual Site Model

Key Optimization Components Key Optimization Components Remedy Components 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

Click on a column heading to sort the table. Search for additional publications or resources by keyword or topic using the Search page.

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

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