The Confirmatory Investigation environmental study's main objective is to confirm or deny the existence of contamination in the area under evaluation, by investigating all potential and primary sources of contamination. (CETESB, DD-038/2017/C).
The second stage of Contaminated Areas Management is the execution of the Confirmatory Investigation environmental study, where drilling and the installation of monitoring wells are carried out for the collection and analysis of soil and groundwater for the investigation process and confirmation of the presence of environmental contaminants of interest.
When to Conduct the Confirmatory Investigation
The Legal Guardians of the areas where the Preliminary Assessment was conducted and where there were indications or suspicions of contamination, as well as areas summoned by CETESB and areas with contamination potential (AP), are required to conduct the confirmatory investigation of environmental liability.
In all cases, the Confirmatory Investigation should be preceded by the Preliminary Assessment, according to Board Decision No. 038/2017. It is executed based on the confirmatory investigation plan presented in the preliminary assessment report and follows the technical standards and contaminated areas management manual
Stages of the Confirmatory Investigation
The environmental study consists of carrying out actions including: collection of existing data, evaluation of the investigation plan (location of suspected contamination points for the installation of monitoring wells), collection and chemical analysis of soil and groundwater samples, and interpretation of the results.
Soil drillings are conducted, monitoring wells for groundwater and vapor sampling wells are installed, along with other techniques and procedures in the source areas identified in the Preliminary Assessment. These will serve for soil and groundwater sampling for the evaluation and monitoring of the study area.
Projeto Ambiental performs groundwater sampling through the low-flow process, meeting the requirements of Resolution SMA n° 100 of October 22, 2013, and Board Decision No. 310/2014/E/C/I, of October 21, 2014. With bladder collection equipment for pumping connected to multi-parameter mediation cells, it reduces disturbances in the well's water column and formation, reducing and controlling the sample's turbidity.
The physical-chemical laboratory analyses are carried out in laboratories Accredited by INMETRO 17.025. The interpretation of the analytical results confirms and identifies or denies the presence of contamination in the study area.
Confirmation of Contaminated Area under Investigation
After confirming the presence of contaminants, the area will be classified as a Contaminated Area under Investigation (ACI) if it fits one or more of the conditions established in article 28 of Decree No. 59.263/2013, being:
I - Contaminants in soil or groundwater in concentrations above Intervention Values;
II - Product or substance in free phase;
III - Substances, conditions, or situations that, according to specific parameters, may represent danger, as per article 19, § 3º of this decree; IV - Hazardous waste disposed of in non-compliance with current regulations.”
Once the presence of contaminants in the study area is confirmed, the legal guardian must proceed with the contaminated area management process as determined by DD 038/17, conducting the environmental study of detailed investigation and intervention plan., with the aim of quantifying and qualifying the contaminant, as well as delimiting the contamination plume, defining actions for remediation.
Hiring Projeto Ambiental to conduct the confirmatory investigation study brings various benefits, such as:
Specialized Expertise: A team of professionals qualified in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, geology, and other disciplines, ensuring accurate analyses and appropriate interpretation of data.
Regulatory Compliance: Deep knowledge of current environmental regulations, ensuring that all stages of the study comply with legal requirements.
Risk Assessment: Our specialists identify environmental and health risks associated with the liability, allowing for proactive mitigation actions.
Advanced Technology: We have various equipment and technologies for environmental investigation, sampling, and analysis of soil, water, and air.
Detailed Reports: We prepare comprehensive technical reports that provide clear information about contamination, assisting in making informed decisions.
Time and Resource Savings: Experienced professionals who streamline the process, reducing the time and costs involved in the investigation.
Minimization of Future Liabilities: Conducting a well-executed study helps prevent potential future litigation and legal costs related to environmental issues.
Communication Support: Our consultants assist in communication with stakeholders, including regulatory authorities.
Continuous Improvement We provide recommendations that assist in the implementation of effective remediation strategies for site recovery.