environment assignment final
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Lambton College *
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Course
5553
Subject
Information Systems
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by MagistrateMolePerson4898
D
ATE
:
2024/03/19
S
TUDENT
N
AME
:
SAMIKSHYA MISHRA S
TUDENT
N
UMBER
:
C0915284
An area in Toronto is being considered for development into a housing project with a small
playground for the kids.
The soil and groundwater show high heavy metals (nickel, lead, cadmium), VOCs, and PAHs.
Some of the soil is to remain in place and the water is non-portable.
1.
What two phases of environmental site assessment (ESA) must be done to determine
the site condition and how do they differ?
Phase 1
: Determine any potential environmental issues with the property, such as historical use, preexisting toxins, or other environmental risks. It includes historical research, property inspections, stakeholder interviews, and regulatory reviews to learn about the property's history and current environmental consequences.
Phase 2
: The goal of a Phase II ESA is to assess and quantify the degree and severity of contamination found in Phase I. This phase comprises collecting soil, groundwater, and/or water samples from the site's surface and testing them to determine the extent of contamination. This knowledge is crucial for assessing potential dangers to people and the environment, as well as establishing effective corrective strategies. Differences:
Phase 1
Phase 2
Focus on detecting potential environmental risks and liabilities.
Requires a thorough site assessment and characterization of any contamination found.
involves mostly non-intrusive tasks such as historical investigation and inspections of sites.
includes invasive activities such as groundwater as well as soil sampling and evaluation.
is a preliminary assessment to
determine if further investigation is warranted
is carried out to offer accurate details for evaluating and minimizing risk strategies.
(Butala, 2023)
2.
What is the legislative requirement for the amount/concentrations of these contaminants in the media?
Legislative requirements for pollutant concentrations in media such as soil and groundwater are essential for safeguarding the environment and the well-being of humans. These rules, which are commonly issued by government agencies, establish limits known as Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) or Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), which indicate the upper limit of allowable levels of pollutants.
Soil contamination standards are generally based on the use of land and potential exposure processes, such as swallowing, inhaling, and contact with the skin. The groundwater regulations, in contrast, are concerned with maintaining the purity of water for consumption, with MCLs specified for a variety of pollutants to ensure that drinking water sources are safe to drink.. (
Soil, Ground Water and Sediment Standards for Use under Part XV.1 of the Environmental Protection
Act
, 2020)
3.
List two remediation methods each (In situ and Ex situ) that are known to reduce/remove these contaminates in soil and groundwater.
In-situ treatment means treating the soil while it is still subsurface.
Bioremediation
: Adding microorganisms or nutrients to polluted areas improves natural degradation processes and reduces harmful compounds. Organic contaminants such as petroleum hydrocarbons, chlorinated solvents, and heavy metals benefit from in situ bioremediation the most.
In situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR):
Involves introducing chemical-reducing agents into contaminated groundwater or soil to transform contaminants into less hazardous or mobile forms. Ex-situ involves excavating and treating the ground.
Groundwater pumping and treatment
: It is a common remediation method that entails using extraction water wells to remove contaminants from the bottom. After the extraction process, the contaminated groundwater is transported to the surface for treatment with a range of physical, chemical, and biological processes to eliminate or minimize the pollutants.
Soil washing
: A treatment plant cleans contaminated soil with water or solvents. Contaminants separate from soil particles and are eliminated from the washing solution. Clean dirt can be reused, whereas treated wash water is handled by rules.
(
Different Types of Environmental Remediation
, 2021)
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4.
In the location of the playground the soil is to remain in place, what risk management measures can you suggest protecting the children?
To limit the chance of exposure, cover the ground with clean, safe materials such as rubber mulch or artificial grass.
Conduct frequent monitoring and maintenance on the play area to ensure the integrity of barriers and surface cleanliness.
Install raised play structures with clean surfaces to minimize direct contact with the contaminated dirt.
Provide instructional information and outreach efforts to the community to alert parents and children to potential threats and encourage safe practices.
Implement regular soil examinations and testing to monitor levels of contamination and verify risk management strategies are effective.
5.
What measures would you take to protect your staff while working on this development?
The following precautions can be taken:
Provide extensive training on the hazards connected with the contaminants present, such as correct handling practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and procedures for responding to emergencies.
Install engineering controls such as air circulation systems or containment techniques to reduce contact with pollutants in the air during excavation or construction operations.
Maintain periodic assessments of air quality, soil pollution levels, and the state of groundwater to identify possible health hazards and alter work procedures appropriately.
Provide continual wellness monitoring and healthcare surveillance for employees who work in locations with known or possible contamination, such as baseline assessments of health and regular medical examinations.
(
Health and Safety Contamination Procedures
, n.d.)
References:
Different Types of Environmental Remediation
. (2021, April 21). AOTC. https://a-otc.com/25-
types-of-environmental-remediation/
Butala, S. (2023, March 16). Phase 1 vs Phase 2 Environmental Assessment: Differences and Importance
. Rsbenv.com. https://rsbenv.com/phase-1-vs-phase-2-environmental-
assessment
Health and safety contamination procedures
. (n.d.). Issuu. https://issuu.com/cityraillinkltd/docs/contamination_delivery_work_plan_94ab1b33502a92/s/
10638992
Soil, ground water, and sediment standards for use under Part XV.1 of the Environmental Protection Act
. (2020). Ontario.ca. https://www.ontario.ca/page/soil-ground-water-and-
sediment-standards-use-under-part-xv1-environmental-protection-act