Audit Protocol for the Investigation of Contaminated Sites: A Case Study

By Dr. Ir. Amar Singh Toor

An environmental audit on an industrial premise employing a due diligence approach was conducted which includes interview, site historical review, soil and groundwater sampling and analysis. The due diligence audit was conducted to ensure that the premise is free from any environmental and regulatory noncompliance, since there is a potential property transaction. Based on the initial investigation comprehending onsite and offsite interviews of workers from neighbouring 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 (DIV 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 determine 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Singapore
• Release date: May 23, 2019
• ISBN: 9781543750669

Dr. Ir. Amar Singh Toor

Dr. Ir. Amar is a leader with more than 35 years of work experience. Extensive global experience in more than 10 countries, leading cross-functional teams and industry-wide initiatives to develop product integrity and EHS sustainability strategies, business continuity plans, lean manufacturing, value stream mapping and social compliance programs. He is a recognized expert in industrial engineering, product integrity, EHS, social compliance and lean manufacturing. He has a strong balance of technical credibility and experience to drive progress on sustainability strategies and challenges that multi-national corporations face today. He is an excellent applicator and trainer on problem solving methodologies and problem solving tool applications. Possess demonstrated abilities to create and communicate innovative strategies across the supply chains of globally recognized brands. Persuasive advocate and collaborative partner focused on aligning policy initiatives with business objectives in order to maximize benefit to the enterprise and its stakeholders. He currently leads ROOT Business Solutions [RBS] as their principal consultant by providing expertise on subject matters in relation to product compliance, manufacturing, engineering, value stream mapping and resolving/eliminating business or process related issues. Obtained his Doctorate in Environmental Technology and Master of Science degree in quality control and instrumentation from USM, Penang. He obtained his Bachelor degree in Engineering from Middlesex U, London. Dr. Ir. Amar is a registered professional engineer in Malaysia and was a registered chartered professional engineer in Australia. Dr. Ir. Amar Singh Ph. D, PE, MIEM

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Copyright © 2019 Dr. Ir. Amar Singh Toor. All rights reserved.

ISBN

978-1-5437-5067-6 (sc)

978-1-5437-5066-9 (e)

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

www.partridgepublishing.com/singapore

05/21/2019

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CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

Motivation

Objectives

Scope

Choice of Methodology

Benefits

CHAPTER TWO - LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction

Due Diligence Audits

American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Practice E1527

Parties interested in a Due Diligence Audit

Elements of Audit

Superfund

Clean-up Standards

Quantitative Risk Assessment

Bhopal Gas Tragedy

Cradle to Grave Concept

Qualified Site Assessors

Asbestos Containing Material (ACM)

Lead Based Paint

Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)

Construction of Monitoring Wells

Soil and Groundwater Sampling

CHAPTER THREE - METHODOLOGY OF APPROACH

Phase One Study – Introduction

Purpose and Limitation

Site Description

Records Review

Agency Contact and Investigation

Previous Studies if Available

Property Description

Hazardous Materials

Drums and Storage Containers

Solid Waste

Water Supply and Waste Water Discharges

Potential Poly Chlorinated Biphenyl Containing Equipment

Underground Storage

Distressed Vegetation

Condition of Surface Soils and Soil Disturbances

Air Emissions and Odours

Phase Two Study

Asbestos

Lead Based Paint Investigation

Surrounding property Reconnaissance

Hydrogeology

Hydrology

Drilling

Soil Sampling

Groundwater Sampling

Project Costing

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Procedures

Phase Three Study - Remediation

CHAPTER FOUR - RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Phase One Results – Introduction

Purpose and Limitation

Site Description

Records Review

Agency Contact and Investigation

Previous Studies if Available

Property Description

Hazardous Materials

Drums and Storage Containers

Solid Waste

Water Supply and Waste Water Discharge

Potential Poly-Chlorinated Biphenyl Containing Equipment

Underground Storage

Distressed Vegetation

Condition of Surface Soils and Soil Disturbances

Air Emissions and Odours

Phase Two Results

Asbestos

Lead Based Paint

Surrounding Property Reconnaissance

Hydrogeology

Hydrology

Drilling of Wells

Soil Sampling

Groundwater Sampling

Project Costing

Well Installation

Testing Cost

Waste Disposal Cost

Time Spent on Investigation, Analysis and Report Writing Process.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control Procedures

Decontamination Procedure

Duplicate QA Samples Field Samples

Samples QA - Laboratory

Data Management and Reporting

Assessment

QA Assessment Results

Soil Analysis

Groundwater Analysis

QA Assessment

Laboratory QA Results

Assessment Criteria - Dutch Intervention Value (DIV2000)

Field Observations

Geology (subsurface soil)

Hydrology

Groundwater Elevation

Soil and Groundwater Results

Soil Results

Barium Contamination in Soil

Lead Contamination in Soil

Groundwater Results

Barium Concentration in Groundwater

Chromium Concentration in Groundwater

Previous Investigation

Off-site Assessment

On-site Assessment

Potential Sources of Metal Impact

Summary

Soil Results

Lead was detected.

Barium was detected.

Groundwater Results

Quantitative Risk Assessment

Soil and Groundwater

Geology

Hydrogeology

Sources of Contamination

Pathways

Receptors

Quantitative Risk Assessment

Lead Paint Analysis

Suspected Asbestos Containing Material Sample Analysis

Phase Three Study - Remediation

CHAPTER FIVE - CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Conclusion

Recommendation

REFERENCE

Appendixes

Appendix One: Statistical Analysis

Appendix Two: Minitab

Appendix Three: Measuring Equipment

Appendix Four: Monitoring Wells

Appendix Five: Surfer Six

Appendix Six: Laboratory Results

Appendix Seven: Log of Boreholes

Appendix Eight: Dutch Guidelines

Appendix Nine: Project Costing

Appendix Ten: Risk Assessment

Appendix Eleven: Summary of Interview Results

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my late sisters Chani and Mindy,

who had sponsored my engineering degree course at Middlesex U, London.

We treasure your love and

you will always be part of my life,

till I depart.

PREFACE

I would like to thank my mentors, peers, colleagues and associates in encouraging me in my pursuit to write this book. Special thanks to my dearest associates, Professor Ir. Dr. Omar Kadir and Professor Dr. Nik Norulaini, without your encouragement this would not be possible.

Professor Omar was always there to listen to my provoking thoughts and ideas, provided guidance and advice. Without his support this work would have been impossible to accomplish. Professor Dr. Nik’s encouragement kept me focussed on my pursuit.

I thank my family (Neeta, Kelvin, Meenu, Anil, Neetaraj, Sunil and Shareen) for the unconditional support, encouragement to pursue my interest and believing in my pursuit. The times I kept to myself working through the days and nights away from all of you – in preparation to fulfil my dreams.

My little princess Mysha, with you around me, made my day joyous. I look forward for each sunrise to be with you.

My dearest Kiren, you had always been a great source of encouragement and an example setter for the family. Thank you.

My siblings Joe, Gurdip and Gudi for being with me and spending memorial times with me. I treasure those moments of my life.

BIOGRAPHY

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Dr. Ir. Amar is a leader with more than 35 years of work experience. Extensive global experience in more than 10 countries, leading cross-functional teams and industry-wide initiatives to develop product integrity and EHS sustainability strategies, business continuity plans, lean manufacturing, value stream mapping and social compliance programmes.

Dr. Ir. Amar is a recognised expert in industrial engineering, product development and product integrity, EHS, social compliance and lean manufacturing. He has a strong balance of technical credibility and experience to drive progress on sustainability strategies and challenges that multi-national corporations face today. He is an excellent applicator and trainer on problem solving methodologies and problem solving tool applications. Process demonstrated abilities to create and communicate innovative strategies across the supply chains of globally recognised brands. Persuasive advocate and collaborative partner focussed on aligning policy initiatives with business objectives in order to maximise benefit to the enterprise and its stakeholders.

Dr. Ir. Amar currently leads ROOT Business Solutions (RBS) as their principal consultant by providing expertise on subject matters in relation to product development and compliance, manufacturing, engineering, value stream mapping and resolving/eliminating business or process related issues. Prior to this assignment, he was attached to Mattel Inc as a Senior Director. He led the South East Asia Product Integrity and Asia EHS & Compliance teams for the world’s largest toy company. Played an instrumental role in planning, establishing requirements and developing protocols to be used by Mattel own operated plants, vendors and subcontractors. He collaborated with functional leaders and stake holders across regions to ensure compliance to local regulations, local practices and Mattel requirements. He represented Mattel at government and standards ministry departments level in Malaysia, Singapore, India and Indonesia. He worked with the respective standards development departments to establish local toy standards.

Dr. Ir. Amar obtained his doctorate in environmental technology from USM, Penang. He has a master of Science degree in quality control and instrumentation. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Middlesex U, London.

Dr. Ir. Amar is a registered professional engineer in Malaysia and was a registered chartered professional engineer in Australia.

Dr. Ir. Amar Singh Ph. D, PE, MIEM – ROOT Business Solutions

Email: [e-mail]

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction

Soil is one of the familiar material that we take for granted. It is important for the survival of human race as it provides the basic ingredients and support for the growth of arable crops, grassland, trees, which provide food, fibre for clothes, and timber for buildings and fuel. We depend on the earth together with water, air and radiation from the sun to provide the essentials for life. The awareness to maintain soil fertility has been emphasized since early days as the farmers have considered soil as a resource on which their livelihood depended.

The development of higher yielding crops and the extensive usage of fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation have led to the over production of food, including animal products. The call by governments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) is to use less intensive practices. The public is concerned about the quality of food, drinking water and air. It has thus led to criticism of the use of fertilizers and pesticides. With the government’s emphasis on industrialization, there are more manufacturing industries being built to earn revenue and reduce unemployment. The industries may practice some cost reduction programmes or activities to remain competitive. For example, they may discharge untreated process water to the soil or river at their locality or dispose hazardous waste in an unapproved manner, thus contaminating the site or water stream.

In summary, pollution occurs when some part of the environment is made harmful to living organisms. Leading to contamination being the influx of hazardous material to the soil, groundwater or air