Development of an audit protocol for the investigation of a contaminated site
Loading...
Date
2010
Authors
Singh, Amar
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
New and emerging policies around the globe aim to set standards for the protection
of soil and groundwater. Soil and groundwater degradation is seen as the change
required from the public, entrepreneurs and cultivators to take a serious view on the
harm it is doing. Focus on protecting the soil and groundwater to meet the legislative
requirements for the benefit of future generations. Issues on contaminated sites are
reviewed and the shortfalls observed with the present regulatory standards for both
national and international. To develop an audit protocol for the investigation of a
contaminated site a retiew on specific standards and practices of Australia, Canada,
United Kingdom and Germany on their existing audit protocol are assessed and lay
emphasis on the gap and lacking elements. The proposed audit protocol was then
develops and validated on a selected industrial premise by employing a due diligence
approach which includes interview, site historical review, soil and groundwater
sampling and analysis. The premise is located in the Prai Industrial Zone and used to
be involved in the manufacturing of electronic products and assemblies. The due
diligence audit was conducted to ensure that the premise is free from any
environmental and regulatory non compliance, since there is a potential property
transaction.
Based on the initial investigation comprehending onsite and offsite interviews of
workers from neighboring sites and local authorities, findings indicate that the site is
free from any contaminant. Soil and groundwater samplings using borehole soil
investigation method and further analysis using Inductive Couple Plasma (ICP)
spectrometer for determining heavy metals, showed lead in paint at one location at a
value of 870 ppm used in the building. Barium and lead was also detected ·in soil.
Barium was 1020 and 576 ppm at two locations and lead was 914 and 880 ppm soil
analysis. Chromium and barium was also detected in groundwater. Chromium was
56 and 63 ppm and barium was 1420 and 3780 ppm for groundwater.
The levels of the identified contaminants were compared with the Dutch Intervention
(DIY 2000) Standards because Malaysia does not have any heavy metal standards for
soil and groundwater contamination on any industrial premise. A risk assessment
was made to determi~e the extent of the potential harm that could arise from the
contaminants and the impacts on the occupants on site, the neighbouring sites and the
ecosystem. Based on the audit protocol for the investigation of a contaminated site
developed in this study indicated that the risk assessment for the site is safe to be
~ .. .
used.