United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory
Las Vegas. NV 89193-3478
Research and Development
EPA/600/S4-91/029 June 1992
w EPA Project Summary
Guide to Site and Soil
Description for Hazardous
Waste Site Characterization -
Volume 1: Metals
Roy Cameron
This guide will assist field personnel
who must Identify, describe, and Inter-
pret site and soil characteristics of haz-
ardous waste sites where metals con-
tamination Is suspected or known. The
approach presented, Including the
knowledge frames of an expert system,
will be unfamiliar to most site Investi-
gators. The guide is directed to regional
project managers, on-scene coordina-
tors, and others who may need to ap-
ply the basic principles of soil science
to a waste she environment but may
not have a thorough knowledge of ba-
sic information and protocols for de-
scribing and characterizing contami-
nated soils, particularly those contami-
nated with metal species.
SKe and soil characterization data are
important components In developing
the sampling plan for both field and
laboratory, preparing for field recon-
naissance, and conducting sampling
and analysis activities. Consequently,
it is Important to consider and consoli-
date data from all available sources in
developing site and soil descriptions.
It is also Important to design the site
and soil characterization process to
complement the intended use of the
data (e.g., site characterization, health
and safety, risk assessment, evalua-
tion of remedial alternatives, and moni-
toring during remedial action). Section
2 of this guide provides a general dis-
cussion of the elements of a back-
ground review and an on-slte examina-
tion of site and soil characteristics es-
sential to meeting the needs of these
different data uses. This general dis-
cussion is followed by a catalogue of
Individual site (Section 3) and soil (Sec-
tion 4) characteristics (e.g., climate and
weather, texture and structure, hydrau-
lic conductivity, slope, soil microorgan-
isms) that should be investigated dur-
ing site characterization. For each en-
try, the guide describes possible con-
ditions of the characteristic (e.g., high,
moderate, or low; prominent, distinct,
or faint) and methods for assigning
these conditions. References that pro-
vide more detailed Information are given
for each characteristic. Extensive defi-
nitions describing contaminated sites
and soils are provided.
Supplemental information with site
characterization data, a soil descrip-
tion form, and a summary of methods
useful for determining site and soil pa-
rameters accompanies Volume 1 and
Is available In "A Field Pocket Guide."1
This Project Summary was developed
by EPA's Environmental Monitoring
Systems Laboratory, Las Vegas, NV, to
announce key findings of the research
project that Is fully documented In a
separate report of the same title (see
Project Report ordering Information at
back).
Introduction
A field guide (knowledge book) has been
developed to identify, describe, and inter-
pret site and soil characteristics of haz-
ardous waste sites. It particularly ad-
'Boulding, J. R. Description and Sampling of Contami-
nated Soils: A Field Pocket Guide, EPA/625/12-91/
002.ORD Publications, USEPA/CERI.Cindnnati, OH,
1991.
Printed on Recycled Paper
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dresses U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) needs for standard proce-
dures, guidelines, or protocols that stress
site and soil metal contamination. Thirty-
five "knowledge frames" are provided for
the most commonly encountered site and
soil characteristics. Each frame contains
specific guidance for describing a param-
eter. The format of the knowledge frames
is compatible with the Environmental Sam-
pling Expert System (ESES) software that
is being developed at EPA's Environmen-
tal Monitoring Systems Laboratory in Las
Vegas. Presenting knowledge in a stan-
dard format allows the information to be
readily reviewed and facilitates preparing
expert systems. The field guide is also
designed for use with an accompanying
field pocket guide, which provides meth-
ods for site and soil description and analy-
sis.
Site characteristics are those related to its
geographical, hydrogeofogical, macrobiotic,
and climatic conditions. Soil characteristics
are soil properties that can be described or
measured by field or laboratory observations,
e.g., color, temperature, water content, struc-
ture, pH, and cation exchange capacity.
Various sections of Volume 1 include
the following:
1) General considerations for collect-
ing and using site and soil charac-
terization data.
2) Detailed knowledge frames of de-
scriptive profiles for site and soil
characteristics and conditions most
likely to be encountered in the field.
3) A citation of references.
4) A glossary of general definitions for
site and soil characterization terms.
5) Supplemental information on
sources of site characterization data,
a soil description form, and a sum-
mary of methods useful for determi-
ning site and soil parameters for
use with "A Field Pocket Guide."
Users of the field guide should be aware
that the knowledge frames are also the
basis for the site and soil components of
ESES. The knowledge frame format is
designed primarily for use with ESES.
Because users of the field guide are likely
to be eventual users of ESES, the knowl-
edge frame format is maintained to en-
hance consistency.
Approach
Thirty-five site and soil knowledge
frames have been developed for use in
the field to characterize hazardous waste
sites, identify and describe metal-contami-
nated soils, and accompany the methods
detailed in the field pocket guide. The 35
knowledge frames are not meant to be
all-inclusive. Volume 1 is an evolving docu-
ment, and it will be expanded and modi-
fied based upon recommendations of us-
ers.
The knowledge frames are presented in
ESES format to maintain continuity be-
tween ESES documentation and deriva-
tives such as the field pocket guide. While
the content and terminology of the frames
may be familiar to some trained and expe-
rienced personnel, some modifications or
simplifications have been made to accom-
modate untrained or inexperienced per-
sonnel. Each knowledge frame requires a
value judgment based upon the observ-
able or measurable information or data
obtained for the particular site or soils
under investigation. This formatted ap-
proach may be unfamiliar to the user, but
it will aid the investigator in describing the
particular site or soils.
Each knowledge frame consists of the
following information:
• An OBJECT/ATTRIBUTE that indi-
cates the particular characteristic,
property, or parameter to be identi-
fied or described (e.g., clay minerals,
slope, pH).
• A DEFINITION of the overall charac-
teristic.
• A list of VALUES for the characteris-
tic, that is, the conditions that may be
assigned (e.g., high, moderate, low;
prominent, distinct, faint).
• CATEGORY and PROPERTIES as-
signments that are necessary to the
operation of ESES but are not of con-
cern in the field. (Site Background is
designated for all categories.)
• REFERENCES, keyed to a refer-
ences-cited section at the end of the
document.
The following site knowledge frames are
presented in the field guide:
Nature of Heavy Metal Soil Pollutants
Climate and Weather
Slope
Surface Erosion and Erodibility
Surface Pollution Situations
Surface Runoff
Vegetation
Wind Speed and Direction
An example of a site knowledge frame
is presented in Figure 1 (a, b, and c) in
complete format for the Object/Attribute of
Site/Surface Pollution Situations. The val-
ues are divided spatially into large areas
and localized areas in accordance with
the definitions. Conditions further detail
the specified areas, the affected environ-
ment, and some possible effects of con-
tamination as determined over time ar
on various soil properties. Reference
also made to particular sampling requin
ments as based upon the particular poll
tion situation.
Soil knowledge frames follow the sarr
format as site knowledge frames. As inc
cated in some frames, the soil feature
can be directly obtained in the field, e.g
a description of the horizons of the sc
profile, or soil odors. However, for oth<
soil characteristics, more detailed info
mation/data is needed, and while som
parameters may be obtained in the fiel
or laboratory (e.g., soil moisture), other
(e.g., cation exchange capacity and bul
density) require that a sample be taken i
the field and returned to the laboratory fc
analysis. Knowledge frames for samplini
purposes, including sampling technique:
methods and apparatus, are includei
separately in ESES. Additionally, for a pai
ticular knowledge frame, methods am
measurements are given or referred to it
the field pocket guide.
The soil knowledge frames, as well at
the site knowledge frames, are not mean
to be inclusive and will be expanded anc
modified as needed. The list of soil know!
edge frames presently included in the fielc
guide follows:
Bulk Density
Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC)
Clay Minerals
Color
Compaction
Consistency
Corrosivity
Electrical Conductivity
Fertility Potential
Horizons
Hydraulic Conductivity
- Saturated
- Unsaturated
Infiltration and Penetration
Mesofauna and Macrofauna
Microbiota
Moisture (Water) Conditions
Odor
Organic Matter and Litter
Porosity
Reaction (pH)
Redox Potential (Eh)
Roots
Structure Grades
Surface Features
Temperature
Temperature Regimes
Texture Classes
An example of a soil knowledge frame
is shown in Figure 2 (a, b, c, and d).
Values are divided into high, moderate,
and low. Soil conditions are given that
determine or promote the corrosivity of
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OBJECT/ATTRIBUTE: SITE/SURFACE POLLUTION SITUATIONS
DERNITION: Contamination of the soil with various harmful compounds and materials primarily introduced by human activities.
VALUES:
LARGE AREAS
LOCALIZED AREAS
CATEGORY: SITE BACKGROUND
PROPERTIES: INPUT FACT
REFERENCES: DeHaan and Bolt, 1979
Mason, 1983b, Appendix 3, pp. 9-12
Figure 1a. Example of sits knowledge frame.
VALUE: Large Areas
DEFINITION: The pollutant covers a wide area, primarily on the surface.
CONDITIONS: The pollutant usually covers an area large enough to encompass a variety of parent materials, a number
of soil types" with varying soil properties, various topographic features, slopes, aspects, and kinds and
distribution of vegetation and fauna. The major pollutant source may have been present for a short time,
with appropriate survey studies made by ambient monitoring. The effects and extent of pollution may be
ameliorated over a longer period. Pollutants may have migrated into the soil as much as 30 - 60 cm. Where
significant organic matter is present, penetration may be lessened to only a few cm. Stratified sampling
may be desirable, with a large number of samples taken. Hand tools can usually be used to collect
samples.
Figure 1b.
VALUE: Localized Areas
DERNITION: Areas usually polluted near the source.
CONDITIONS: These areas are usually affected by spills resulting from industrial or transportation accidents, fires, explosions, or
unexpected leaks from storage containers. Polluted areas cover less area, with only a few differences in parent
material, soil types" and properties, surface features, vegetative features. The polluted area may be more
readily identified from the unaffected area because of noticeable differences in color, odor, and effects on other
soil properties and site vegetation. Sampling may be more rapidly performed than for large affected areas. Grid,
simple random sampling, and in some specialized cases, stratified sampling may be performed. Samples usually
are collected with a core sampler and can be composited in some cases, unless organic contaminants (volatiles
and semivolatiles) also must be considered for analytical purposes.
Figure 1c.
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OBJECT/ATTRIBUTE: SOIL CORROSIVITY (CORROSION POTENTIAL)
DEFINITION: The ability of the soil to wear away and degrade metal materials with time, usually by chemical and microbial
action, and as determined by soil characteristics.
VALUES:
HIGH
MODERATE
LOW
CATEGORY: SITE BACKGROUND
PROPERTIES: INPUT FACT
REFERENCES: Bartelli, 1962
Olson, 1987, pp. 53-55
Figure 2a. Example of soil knowledge frame.
VALUE: High
DEFINITION: The potential ability or status of the soil to degrade metal materials to a high degree.
CONDITIONS: Soils with a high potential to degrade buried or partially buried metal materials are generally highly organic soils,
peats and mucks, poorly drained, or highly alkaline mineral soils. Corrosivity of metals in soils is promoted by
finer-textured soils, clays, or salty coarser-textured soils, and those with a high or low pH, dark color, low
oxidation-reduction potential (Eh), high aeration but also high moisture, high shrink and swell potential, cracking,
and high amount of electrolytes in solution (as determined by electrical conductivity measurements). Conditions
that favor the growth of microorganisms also will increase corrosivity, and the bbdegradation of metal materials.
A high corrosivity potential is important for dissolution of metals, the increase in toxicity of a particular site, and
availability for transport and spread of metal ions.
Figure 2b.
VALUE: Moderate
DEFINITION: Soils that have a medium potential for corrosion of buried or partially buried materials.
CONDITIONS: These soils tend to be less organic; of .medium to coarse texture; exhibit less extreme pH; are moderately
chemically reactive; less oxidative; exhibit less potential for cracking, shrinking, and swelling; and exhibit less
influence of soil moisture and proximity of the water table. Electrical conductivity values of extracts are lower than
for highly organic or for salty, alkaline soils. (See Soil Electrical Conductivity). Chemical reactivity and microbial
biodegradation rates are slower, but movement of corrosive products may be greater in well-drained soils of
medium to coarse texture.
Figure 2c.
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VALUE:
Low
DEFINITION: Corrosion potential of buried or partially buried metal materials is discernibly less evident, or almost nil, over a
relatively long period (several years to decades).
CONDITIONS: Loose, coarse-textured, dry, nonsalty, alkaline soils with low electrical conductivity will show low corrosion
potential over an extended period. Microbial corrosion and chemical reactivity will be slow unless other soil
conditions and foreign materials, such as wood and other organic products for energy and nutrition, are present
and are in contact with metals. Transport of products of corrosion is reduced unless water is present and erosion
forces are operative. Proximity to water table or to irrigation can be an accelerating factor for enhancement of
corrosion and movement of erosion products, including corrosion of metal containers, dumped or spilled metals
products, and leakage of liquids from corroded containers, both surface and subsurface.
Figure 2d.
metals in soils and therefore affect cer-
tain aspects of site contamination.
Summary and Conclusions
Standardization of terminology has ad-
vanced with the development of Volume
1 and the accompanying Field Pocket
Guide. This standardization will facilitate
the development of expert systems for
soil characterization and permit greater
uniformity in investigations and actions in-
volving hazardous waste sites. Personnel
involved in hazardous waste site investi-
gations who use Volume 1 and the Field
Pocket Guide will find a common vocabu-
lary that should facilitate communication
across a variety of disciplines and areas
of interest. Personnel not involved in haz-
ardous waste site investigations will find
the two documents useful in soil studies
where uniformity and best available meth-
odology are important.
'U.S. Government Printing Office: 1992—648-080/60027
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RoyE. Cameron is with Lockheed Engineering and Sciences Company, Las Vegas, NV
89119.
J. Jeffrey van Ee is the EPA Project Officer (see below).
The complete report, entitled "Guide to Site and Soil Description for Hazardous Waste
Site Characterization - Volume 1:Metals,"(OrderNo. PB92-146 158/AS; Cost:
$35.00, subject to change) will be available only from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
Telephone: 703-487-4650
The EPA Project Officer can be contacted at:
Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3478
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Center for Environmental Research
Information
Cincinnati, OH 45268
BULK RATE
POSTAGE & FEES PAID
EPA
PERMIT NO. G-35
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use $300
EPA/600/S4-91/029
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