Rapid Measurement Techniques Used in the Characterisation of Contaminated Land
Rapid measurement techniques (RMT) are a range of field-based measurement technologies that provide data on contaminant concentrations on a site within a timescale that allows real-time decisions to be made. The ability to quickly analyse a greater number of samples enables practitioners to make informed decisions whilst on site, leading to time and cost savings on site investigation and remediation.
RMTs include a range of portable equipment and on-site mobile labs staffed with analytical experts. There are a variety of tools that measure metals, organics, pesticides and gas/vapour in soil, water and gas samples, all with their own benefits and limitations. The equipment can be easy to use but training is essential so that standard operating procedures are followed to ensure quality control and comparability of the data. Thomas Consulting have for some been using Photo Ionisation detection of contamination to enable rapid identification of "hot-spots" on suitable sites. It should be noted that the results do not replace standard lab testing but should be used to compliment lab data. Testing by an accredited lab will also provide validation and/or confidence in the results gained by RMTs. There are a number of case studies of successful applications of RMTs where rapid results and increased data and data quality have lead to both cost and time savings. Despite this, on-site measurement of contaminant concentrations within soils is not widely practiced. This is largely due to a lack of knowledge of how the RMTs should be applied and of what the regulators’ stance is on such methods. Local Authorities and regulators are, however, willing to accept data gathered via these techniques provided there is prior arrangement and on-going dialogue during site investigation or remediation. Also, the EA guidance document Framework for the use of rapid measurement techniques (RMT) in the risk management of land contamination, published in January this year, should go some way to popularising their use. If you would like to discuss the possible deployment of RMT techniques on a particular project please do not hesitate to contact us.
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