Sampling design and analytical method selection strategies for expedited CERCLA remediations

Decision makers from the Washington State Department of Ecology, EPA, and the US DOE recently assembled to discuss data collection requirements for supporting expedited Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 remediations at the Hanford Site. The decision makers indicated that one of their primary goals is to reduce remediation cost of sampling and analysis at the Hanford Site from approximately 40% of total soil remediation project costs to 8% of total cost, while providing data sufficient to support defensible decisions. Because many areas of the Hanford Site are contaminated primarily with metals and radionuclides, the decision makers decided that cost reductions should be focused initially on metals and radionuclide contaminated sites. This strategy document addresses the cost reduction goal and is to be used by the projects when preparing sampling and analysis plans for remedial actions