Remediation & Mitigation Strategies Flashcards

What does 'soil washing' as a remediation technique involve?

Answer: Excavating soil and using water or chemical solutions to separate and concentrate contaminants for further treatment

Soil washing excavates contaminated material and uses water, surfactants, or chelating agents to extract and concentrate contaminants, reducing the volume requiring disposal.

A grounds manager identifies compaction as the root cause of turf decline on a sports field. Which mitigation strategy addresses the problem at its source?

Answer: Implementing traffic management combined with core aeration and topdressing

Combining traffic management (reducing compaction source) with core aeration and topdressing (improving soil structure) addresses compaction at its root cause.

Which heavy metal commonly found in old pesticide applications to golf courses requires specific soil remediation attention?

Answer: Arsenic

Arsenic was a common ingredient in older pesticide formulations (e.g., lead arsenate) widely used on golf courses and persists in soil long after application ceased.

What is the primary goal of 'soil stabilization/solidification' as a remediation approach?

Answer: To reduce contaminant mobility and toxicity by binding them within a solid matrix

Stabilization/solidification mixes binding agents like cement or lime with contaminated soil to reduce contaminant leachability and immobilize pollutants in a stable matrix.

A bioswale differs from a traditional drainage swale primarily because it:

Answer: Uses vegetation and engineered soils to filter and infiltrate stormwater rather than just conveying it

Bioswales use dense vegetation and amended soils to slow runoff, promote infiltration, and biologically filter pollutants, unlike conventional swales that only convey water.

When developing a site remediation plan, what does 'risk-based corrective action' (RBCA) prioritize?

Answer: Setting cleanup goals based on actual exposure risks and site-specific conditions rather than generic standards

RBCA establishes cleanup targets based on actual exposure pathways, receptor populations, and site-specific conditions, allowing cost-effective remediation focused on real risk reduction.

Which practice best mitigates the spread of invasive plant species from a contaminated or disturbed grounds area?

Answer: Establishing a buffer of dense native plantings around the disturbed area combined with early detection monitoring

Dense native plantings outcompete invasive species for resources while regular monitoring at the buffer perimeter enables early detection and targeted removal before spread occurs.