ASTM site investigation/assessment standards attempt to encapsulate best practices that have been demonstrated and have broad technical acceptance in a replicable set of methods and approaches. For example, there already is an ASTM standard for conducting Expedited Site Characterization work (D6235-98a), one of the historical improvements in the characterization process that the Triad has built on. There are also ASTM standards for accelerated site characterization of suspected petroleum releases (E1912-98) and for developing conceptual site models (E1689).

ASTM standards are a point of departure for systematic project planning. Specific environmental data collection technologies and analytical or measurement techniques are, however, under constant refinement and innovation. These technological advances can open the door to improvements in the characterization and remediation process. The Triad leverages these technological advances to improve decision-making in the characterization and remediation process.