Phase II Subsurface Soil and Groundwater Investigations

The general objective of a Phase II investigation is to evaluate subsurface conditions for the possible presence of contamination.  A Phase II assessment may be conducted as follow-up to a Phase I ESA, to assess whether recognized conditions have impacted the soil and/or groundwater under a site.  The Phase II assessment may also be conducted to identify a source, or more fully delineate the lateral and vertical extent of impacts to underlying soil and groundwater, prior to selecting a cleanup strategy.

The Phase II investigation is typically conducted in accordance with federal, state and local regulatory agency specifications and standard operating procedures, and with a level of effort appropriate to the project objectives.  TRAK generally employs four task elements in these investigations, including pre-mobilization preparation, field investigation, laboratory analysis, and reporting.

Pre-Mobilization Preparation:  TRAK develops an investigation strategy within client and project capabilities, appropriate to the level of assessment necessary to meet agency requirements.  Upon selection of a plan, the work scope is formalized in a Workplan, and may include negotiations to attain agency concurrence. Pre-field activities also typically involve preparation of a site-specific health and safety plan, acquiring the proper permits, entry agreements, and utility clearances.

Field Investigation:  TRAK utilizes appropriate investigative techniques, within the parameters defined by project economics, regulatory requirements, and site conditions.  Guiding factors include source and type of contaminant, media impacted (soil and/or groundwater), depth and extent of impacts, and depth to groundwater.

Soil investigation techniques may typically involve surface sampling, trenching, hand auger borings, hollow-stem or other drilled borings, and direct-push probes.  Groundwater may be collected from temporary borings or probes, or by installation of monitoring wells.  TRAK also utilizes soil vapor investigations and geophysical surveys for additional delineation.

Laboratory Analysis:  Sample collection is conducted in accordance with authorized sampling plans, regulatory specifications, and quality assurance/quality control protocols.  TRAK utilizes state-certified laboratories for analysis of soil, water and vapor samples, utilizing the accepted analytical methods.  Investigations typically involve chemical analytes such as petroleum constituents, volatile and semi-volatile organics, pesticides and herbicides, and trace metals.

Report:  TRAK prepares a complete report following appropriate agency guidelines, with project results, conclusions, recommendations and supporting documentation.  TRAK's discussion may include evaluation of impacts in comparison to risk-based or agency cleanup criteria, as a basis for recommending either additional work or No Further Action.