Thomas Ervin, PG, Shaw Environmental, Inc., 4005 Port Chicago Highway, Concord CA 94520, Tel: 925-288-2105, Email: thomas.ervin@shawgrp.com

Shaw Environmental, Inc. has assisted many clients in winning regulatory approval to close hazardous waste sites through an optimized approach focused on strategic data collection and evaluation.  By recognizing the right amount and type of data sufficient for site characterization, utilizing strategic sample locations, and employing the tools to distinguish site-related concentrations from those that are attributable to natural occurrence, expensive remedial actions have been avoided.  Estimated savings are in excess of 50 million dollars.  

Use of an experienced multi-discipline team is an important factor in Shaw’s success.  A team approach during investigation planning assures relevant data collection so that the risk assessments are defensible, without data gaps, and the risk assessment conclusions agree with the site history and site conditions.  Up-front agency agreement on data gaps, risk assumptions and remediation goals avoids lengthy discussions and comments during the regulatory agency review and approval process.  Electronic compilation of data and ready access to data for all team members across multiple Shaw offices allows the project to draw on talent outside of the local office.  Electronic access to data supports nature and extent evaluations, statistical tests, geochemical evaluations, and the risk assessment process.  Examples are provided to illustrate application of the tools and results of the analyses.  

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