The Contaminated Sites Cleanup

Process (18 AAC 75)

Cleanup Process – Overseen by ADECA. Stop It

1. Initial Response (75.310)

2. Interim removal Action (75.330)

B. Describe It 1. Site characterization (75.335)

2. Risk evaluation/cleanup levels (75.340-.350)

C. Remediate It1. Cleanup Plan (75.360)

2. Institutional Controls (75.375)

D. Close It (75.380)

Immediate Response and Interim Removal

Stop the immediate or current exposure

Step 1: Describe it – “assessment” or “characterization”

What kind(s) of contamination? Where exactly is it? How could people, plants or animals

come in contact with it?

Step 1: Describe it:

Site Characterization Work plan

Step 2: Clean it up

Most stringent levels Groundwater must meet

Federal drinking water levels

Risk-based cleanup levels: Are people or animals

exposed? Land use – residential?

industrial? subsistence use?

Is the contamination spreading?

Step 3: Closure Once cleanup levels are

met, the site is considered closed by DEC.

If the strictest levels cannot be achieved conditions may be attached to the closure.

Before cleanup

Step 3: Closure

Step 3: Closure

Before cleanup

Step 3: Closure Setting conditions

Step 3: Closure Setting conditions

Step 3: Closure with Institutional Controls Institutional controls - examples

Deed restrictions against drilling wells or transporting soil or groundwater off site. 

Responsible Party monitors contamination until cleanup levels are met.

Responsible Party must maintain a fence around, or a cap over, an area of contamination