Development of an audit protocol for the investigation of a contaminated site

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Date
2010
Authors
Singh, Amar
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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.
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