Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Number of sites
per commune
Figure 12.3.
Localization of polluted sites in France
(http://basol.environnement.gouv.fr/, 2004)
12.3. The survey of contaminated sites
The survey of contaminated sites is carried out once the decision has been taken
to obtain site data of a given level of detail and quality and for a given budget.
Obviously, more complex problems require more detailed information so as to
provide safer and more efficient solutions. In this respect, the approach is similar to
that of standard geotechnical engineering. The hydrogeological conditions of a site
can be estimated by using wells or piezometers, whereas a deeper characterization
of the hydraulic properties requires
in situ
pumping tests and laboratory
investigation. The geotechnical profile of a site can be rapidly deduced from
boreholes, whereas deeper characterization requires further laboratory testing. In
contaminated sites, a first qualitative approach allows the determination of
contaminants; whereas a quantitative determination of their concentration is
required to optimize decontamination procedures.
