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Question
Are there any situations where I should not use the Triad?
 
Answer

Components of the Triad can be used to improve the characterization and remediation process in almost every situation. For example, the Triad’s goal of managing decision uncertainty despite the difficulties of environmental heterogeneity is important for every project. Systematic planning, along with the development of a conceptual site model to understand contaminant distribution and transport, is also fundamental to any defensible project.

There are site-specific situations where the Triad may not be appropriate or cost-effective. Use of the Triad (i.e., systematic planning, dynamic work strategies, and real-time measurement technologies) presumes that stakeholders accept a Triad approach. In highly controversial or litigious situations, the needed level of cooperation may be difficult to achieve. Dynamic work strategies require cost-effective real-time measurement technologies with performance characteristics suitable for decision goals. For many common contaminants of concern (e.g., radionuclides, lead, PCBs, explosives, volatile organics) there are well-established technology options. For more esoteric or unusual contaminants, an off-the-shelf real-time measurement technology may not be available. Finally, there may be site-specific obstacles to deploying particular real-time techniques (e.g., the presence of underground utilities that complicate non-intrusive geophysics, or subsurface cobble zones that prevent the use of sensors deployed on direct push platforms).

Many sites have multiple contaminants, some of which may be amenable to real-time measurement technologies while others may not. This can potentially but not necessarily complicate a Triad approach. In many cases an indicator compound may be present that is amenable to real-time measurement and that can be used to support decision-making, allowing full use of the Triad. If the decisions to be made and contaminants present require significant fixed laboratory analyses, some of the benefits of implementing real-time technologies may be reduced.