Federal contaminated sites long term monitoring: purpose of the guide

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The overall goals of this document are to:

• provide a framework for the development and implementation of scientifically defensible LTM plans;
• facilitate consistency, as is practicable, across federal departments, regions and regulatory jurisdictions for content and implementation of LTM plans; and
• establish procedures for identifying decision criteria prior to LTM data collection.

Specific objectives are to:

• focus custodians’ (i.e., federal departments, agencies and consolidated Crown corporations responsible for contaminated sites) attention on the potential long-term monitoring requirements of a particular remedial option before it is selected and developed into a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) or Risk Management Plan (RMP);
• facilitate development of a baseline scope, schedule, and cost for LTM; and
• provide a mechanism to ensure that the risk management/remediation performance and goals of a particular site continue to be achieved.

The guidance document is organized as follows:

1. Section I: Introduction.
2. Section II: Understanding Long-Term Monitoring in the Context of the Federal Approach to Contaminated Sites (FACS). This section defines LTM, provides examples of LTM activities, discusses where LTM fits within the FACS 10-step process, and provides guidance on when LTM is required for a FCSAP project.
3. Section III: Steps for Developing an LTM Plan - The United States Environmental Protection Agency Six-Step Process. This section describes a scientific approach for developing a monitoring plan that is capable of achieving site closure where possible. Guidance is provided on the development of monitoring objectives and decision rules for interpretation of monitoring program results.
4. Section IV: Project Management and Policy Considerations. This section discusses issues related to project management, such as FCSAP cost eligibility, roles and responsibilities, stakeholder involvement, adaptive management, and LTM project scope considerations.
5. Section V: References.
6. Appendix A: Main Findings of Custodian and Expert Support Consultation on FCSAP LTM. This appendix provides further details on the consultation outcomes.
7. Appendix B: Terrestrial Contaminated Sites: Guide to Additional References for LTM Program Design and Management. This appendix includes examples of best practices for LTM at terrestrial contaminated sites and a guide to further resources for LTM project management.
8. Appendix C: Aquatic Contaminated Sites: Scientific and Technical Guidance for Developing LTM Programs and a Case Study Review. This appendix provides further technical guidance for LTM of aquatic contaminated sites, including a case study review.
9. Appendix D: Long-Term Monitoring Plan Template. This appendix provides a template for LTM plan content that may be used to develop a scope of work for LTM plans.
10. Appendix E: Long-Term Monitoring Plan Review Checklist. This appendix provides a checklist that may be used to review the content of LTM plans.