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Triad is a Federal/State Interagency Partnership
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Additional Reading
Documents pertinent to the systematic planning process, including methods for developing and maintaining conceptual site models.
General Considerations for Planning
General concepts for efficient and effective planning.
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A Guideline for Dynamic Workplans and Field Analytics: The Keys to Cost-Effective Site Characterization and Cleanup, sponsored by President Clinton's Environmental Technology Initiative, through the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC. Robbat, A.; Tufts University and USEPA, The document was prepared by the Tufts Center for Field Analytical Studies and Technologies to help federal and state regulators, site owners and their consulting engineers, and remediation companies understand what is involved in constructing and carrying out a dynamic workplan using field analytical instrumentation in an adaptive sampling and analysis program for expediting the site investigation process.
 A Guideline for Dynamic Workplans and Field Analytics: The Keys to Cost-Effective Site Characterization and Cleanup (654 KB)
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Brownfields Technology Primer Series: Using the Triad Approach to Streamline Brownfields Site Assessment and Cleanup Website USEPA EPA 542-B-03-002, This document reviews strategies that reduce costs, decrease time frames, and positively affect regulatory and community acceptance while improving the economics of redevelopment at Brownfields sites. Increased attention to Brownfields sites and the manner in which they are redeveloped places greater importance on the approach to site cleanup. This primer is one in a series that will address specific cleanup issues.
Using the Triad Approach to Streamline Brownfields Site Assessment and Cleanup (1.5 MB)
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Current Perspectives in Site Remediation and Monitoring: Applying the Concept of Effective Data to Environmental Analyses for Contaminated Sites USEPA EPA/542-R-01-013, This issue paper provides detail in support of the article "Managing uncertainty in environmental decisions" that was published in the October 1, 2001 issue of Environmental Science & Technology. It addresses topics related to data quality and how field analytical methods may significantly improve the quality of environmental data by permitting better management of sampling uncertainties.
Applying the Concept of Effective Data to Environmental Analyses for Contaminated Sites (239 KB)
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Current Perspectives in Site Remediation and Monitoring: Clarifying DQO Terminology Usage to Support Modernization of Site Cleanup Practices USEPA EPA/542-R-01-014, This issue paper discusses the concepts behind the terminology associated with EPA's Data Quality Objectives process, and explains how those concepts can be used to support systematic improved project planning and innovative strategies and technologies.
Clarifying DQO Terminology Usage to Support Modernization of Site Cleanup Practice (189 KB)
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Current Perspectives in Site Remediation and Monitoring: The Relationship Between SW-846, PBMS, and Innovative Analytical Technologies USEPA EPA/542-R-01-015, This issue paper explores and dispels the common misconception that EPA policy restricts data generation at contaminated sites to analytical methods appearing in SW-846 or the CLP.
The Relationship between SW-846, PBMS, and Innovative Analytical Technologies (159 KB)
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Current Perspectives in Site Remediation and Monitoring: Using the Triad Approach to Improve the Cost-effectiveness of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanups USEPA EPA/542-R-01-016, This paper describes the overall strategy of using systematic project planning, dynamic work strategies and real-time measurement technologies to speed cost-effective investigations and cleanups, while maintaining or improving the defensibility of site decision-making.
Using the Triad Approach to Improve the Cost-Effectiveness of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanups (168 KB)
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Expedited Site Characterization, Innovative Technology Summary Report USDOE EM-0420, The principal elements of expedited site characterization (ESC) are a field investigation conducted by an integrated team working in the field; analysis, integration, and initial validation of characterization data as they are obtained in the field; and a dynamic work plan that enables the team to take advantage of new insights from recent data to adjust the work plan in the field. This report describes several ESC case studies where ESC was used to delineate contaminant plumes, verify hydrogeological site models, and delineate hydrologic systems at landfills, petroleum release sites, radioactive sites, manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites, and grain storage facilities.
Expedited Site Characterization (249 KB)
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Guidelines for preparing SAPs using systematic planning and PBMS. Environmental Testing & Analysis, 10(1), 26-40 Lesnik, B., & Crumbling, D. M., This article discusses how a properly designed sampling and analysis plan (SAP) will address the greatest sources of decision uncertainty, which often stems from sampling issues. Stringent laboratory requirements do not address this major cause of erroneous project decisions, but careful planning and increased sampling density using cheaper analytical technologies can.
Guidelines for Preparing SAPs Using Systematic Planning and PBMS (277 KB)
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Improving Decision Quality: Making the Case for Adopting Next-Generation Site Characterization Practices. Remediation journal article. Crumbling, D.M., J. Griffith, and D.M. Powell, This published article argues that for the site cleanup industry to advance technically, over-simplified paradigms must give way to next-generation models that are built on current scientific understanding. The scientific defensibility of individual projects must be maintained at the same time as characterization and cleanup costs are lowered. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers the Triad Approach as an alternative paradigm to foster highly defensible, yet extremely cost-effective reuse decisions.
Improving Decision Quality: Making the Case for Adopting Next-Generation Site Characterization Practices (267 KB)
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In Search of Representativeness: Evolving the Environmental Data Quality Model. Quality Assurance journal article. Crumbling, D.M., This article asserts that data representativeness is fundamental to data quality, yet the data quality model for contaminant data remains focused on analytical methods to the neglect of strategies to accommodate environmental heterogeneity. Advancing technology enables the cost-effective, high density, adaptive sampling needed to assure data representativeness, supporting a next generation data quality model that explicitly manages sampling uncertainties.
In Search of Representativeness Evolving the Environmental Data Quality Model (109 KB)
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RCRA in Focus: Construction, Demolition, and Renovation EPA, The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the regulatory and waste disposal issues associated with building construction and demolition or renovation.
RCRA in Focus: Construction, Demolition, and Renovation (1.33 MB)
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Rapid Site Assessment Applied to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Dry cleaning Solvent Cleanup Program, in Proceedings Volume for the First International Symposium on Integrated Technical Approaches to Site Characterization Applegate, J.L. and D.M. Fitton, The FL DEP's Dry clean Solvent Cleanup Program (DSCP) developed an innovative program to address site assessment and cleanup of contaminated dry cleaning facilities. This paper describes legislative, administrative and technical aspects of the program that permit drastic reductions in the time and costs associated with assessing soil and groundwater contamination for this site type.
Rapid Site Assessment Applied to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Dry Cleaning Solvent Cleanup Program (2.3 MB)
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Road Map to Understanding Innovative Technology Options for Brownfields Investigation and Cleanup, Third Edition USEPA, The Road Map includes an index of more than 150 resources identifying potential technology options available at each of the basic phases involved in the characterization and cleanup of Brownfields sites and connects those steps with available resources. Appendices in the Road Map include a list of common contaminants found at typical Brownfields sites, a detailed guide to common environmental terms and acronyms, and a list of state and EPA points of contact.
Road Map to Understanding Innovative Technology Options for Brownfields Investigation and Cleanup, Third Edition (2.4 MB)
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The Triad Approach to Managing the Uncertainty in Environmental Data EPA, This article, published in the The 20th Annual National Environmental Monitoring Conference Proceedings (http://nemc.us) discusses the importance of conceptual site models and data representativeness when addressing environmental decision-making uncertainty.
Triad Approach to Managing the Uncertainty in Environmental Data (448 KB)
Risk Assessment
Risk assessment concepts, methodologies, and tools.
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Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) University of Tennessee, Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) is a free software package from the University of Tennessee that integrates modules for visualizing contaminant concentrations, geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, human health risk assessment, cost/benefit analysis, sampling design, and decision analysis. SADA can be used to address site-specific concerns when characterizing a contaminated site, assessing risk, determining the location of future samples, and when designing remedial action.
 Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance Website
The Role of Statistics in Decision-Making
Statistical roles, applications, methods and tools for decision-making.
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Visual Sample Plan (VSP) USDOE, If appropriate to the CSM, statistical equations may be used to help design sampling plans. Visual Sampling Plan (VSP) is a user-friendly, interactive classical statistics-based calculator to determine the number of samples and aid placement of sample locations. The user must ensure that assumptions inherent to the statistical equations used are valid for the application.
Data Quality Objectives Website
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Evaluating the Attainment of Cleanup Standards for Soils, Solid Media, and Groundwater: Overview + Volumes 1, 2, and 3. USEPA, If appropriate to the CSM, statistical tests may aid decisions that the cleanup of a contaminated site complete. These 4 documents cover the ways classical statistics may be used.
An Overview of Methods for Evaluating the Attainment of Cleanup Standards for Soils, Solid Media, and Groundwater, EPA Volumes 1, 2, and 3 (PDF) (1.1 MB)
Volume 1: Soils (PDF) (3.9 MB)
Volume 2: Groundwater (PDF) (6.5 MB)
Volume 3: Reference-based Soils (PDF) (3.6 MB)
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Assessment of Sampling Error Associated with Collection and Analysis of Soil Samples at a Firing Range Contaminated with HMX. USACE CRREL Special Reports 97-22. Jenkins, T.F., Walsh, M.E., Thorne, P.G., Thiboutot, S., Ampleman, G., Ranney, T.A., et al., Spatial heterogeneity in explosives concentrations within surface soils was studied at an active antitank firing range. Heterogeneity of HMX concentrations was large on both short- and mid-range scales and this factor dominated the overall uncertainty associated with site characterization. Relatively minor uncertainties were due to analytical error. A colorimetric field method provided concentration estimates for HMX that were in excellent agreement with laboratory results.
Assessment of Sampling Error Associated with Collection and Analysis of Soil Samples at a Firing Range Contaminated with HMX (589 KB)
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Assessment of Sampling Error Associated with Collection and Analysis of Soil Samples at Explosives-Contaminated Sites. United States Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory Special Report 96-15. Jenkins, T.F., Grant, C.L., Brar, G.S., Thorne, P.G., Ranney, T. A., & Schumacher, P.W., Short-range heterogeneity in contaminant concentrations was shown to be very high for surface soils at explosives-contaminated (TNT, DNT and ammonium picrate) sites. Total error was dominated by sampling error, whether characterization was done using on-site or laboratory analysis. Results from colorimetric methods were in excellent agreement with laboratory results. Composite sampling can improve the reliability of statistical estimates of average concentrations.
Assessment of Sampling Error Associated with Collection and Analysis of Soil Samples at Explosives-Contaminated Sites (475 KB)
Systematic Planning Implementation
This section contains information and tips about establishing and implementing a systematic planning process that lays a scientifically defensible foundation for proposed project activities.
Triad Conceptual Site Models
A conceptual site model (CSM) is a cost-effective representation of the relationships among key site information that are pertinent to decision-making and allows an explicit evaluation of the uncertainty associated with those decisions.
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Example of a Conceptual Site Model and Site Summary , The purpose of the Conceptual Site Model and Site Summary (CSM-SS) document is to provide a single document where all the information about the site can easily be reviewed and used for decision making at any stage of the project.
Example of a Conceptual Site Model and Site Summary (PDF) (545 KB)
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Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) University of Tennessee, Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) is a free software package from the University of Tennessee that integrates modules for visualizing contaminant concentrations, geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, human health risk assessment, cost/benefit analysis, sampling design, and decision analysis. SADA can be used to address site-specific concerns when characterizing a contaminated site, assessing risk, determining the location of future samples, and when designing remedial action.
Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance Website
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The Triad Approach to Managing the Uncertainty in Environmental Data EPA, This article, published in the The 20th Annual National Environmental Monitoring Conference Proceedings (http://nemc.us) discusses the importance of conceptual site models and data representativeness when addressing environmental decision-making uncertainty.
Triad Approach to Managing the Uncertainty in Environmental Data (448 KB)
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Triad Issue Paper: Using Geophysical Tools to Develop the Conceptual Site Model USEPA, This technology bulletin explains how hazardous-waste site professionals can use geophysical tools to provide information about subsurface conditions to create a more representative conceptual site model (CSM). The CSM is a tool for gaining a synergistic understanding of the site, improve cost effectiveness, and improve decision-making within the Triad approach. Geophysical tools can be applied to create more robust CSMs with more complete data sets that result in a more representative and accurate depiction of the site characteristics at Brownfields and other hazardous waste sites.
Triad Issue Paper: Using Geophysical Tools to Develop the Conceptual Site Model December 2008 (908 KB)
Uncertainty Management
Uncertainty management concepts, sources of uncertainty, methods for managing uncertainty, and processes for resolving uncertainty.
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Assessment of Sampling Error Associated with Collection and Analysis of Soil Samples at Explosives-Contaminated Sites. United States Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research & Engineering Laboratory Special Report 96-15. Jenkins, T.F., Grant, C.L., Brar, G.S., Thorne, P.G., Ranney, T. A., & Schumacher, P.W., Short-range heterogeneity in contaminant concentrations was shown to be very high for surface soils at explosives-contaminated (TNT, DNT and ammonium picrate) sites. Total error was dominated by sampling error, whether characterization was done using on-site or laboratory analysis. Results from colorimetric methods were in excellent agreement with laboratory results. Composite sampling can improve the reliability of statistical estimates of average concentrations.
Assessment of Sampling Error Associated with Collection and Analysis of Soil Samples at Explosives-Contaminated Sites (475 KB)
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Assessment of Sampling Error Associated with Collection and Analysis of Soil Samples at a Firing Range Contaminated with HMX. USACE CRREL Special Reports 97-22. Jenkins, T.F., Walsh, M.E., Thorne, P.G., Thiboutot, S., Ampleman, G., Ranney, T.A., et al., Spatial heterogeneity in explosives concentrations within surface soils was studied at an active antitank firing range. Heterogeneity of HMX concentrations was large on both short- and mid-range scales and this factor dominated the overall uncertainty associated with site characterization. Relatively minor uncertainties were due to analytical error. A colorimetric field method provided concentration estimates for HMX that were in excellent agreement with laboratory results.
Assessment of Sampling Error Associated with Collection and Analysis of Soil Samples at a Firing Range Contaminated with HMX (589 KB)
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Current Perspectives in Site Remediation and Monitoring: Applying the Concept of Effective Data to Environmental Analyses for Contaminated Sites USEPA EPA/542-R-01-013, This issue paper provides detail in support of the article "Managing uncertainty in environmental decisions" that was published in the October 1, 2001 issue of Environmental Science & Technology. It addresses topics related to data quality and how field analytical methods may significantly improve the quality of environmental data by permitting better management of sampling uncertainties.
Applying the Concept of Effective Data to Environmental Analyses for Contaminated Sites (239 KB)
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Guidelines for preparing SAPs using systematic planning and PBMS. Environmental Testing & Analysis, 10(1), 26-40 Lesnik, B., & Crumbling, D. M., This article discusses how a properly designed sampling and analysis plan (SAP) will address the greatest sources of decision uncertainty, which often stems from sampling issues. Stringent laboratory requirements do not address this major cause of erroneous project decisions, but careful planning and increased sampling density using cheaper analytical technologies can.
Guidelines for Preparing SAPs Using Systematic Planning and PBMS (277 KB)
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In Search of Representativeness: Evolving the Environmental Data Quality Model. Quality Assurance journal article. Crumbling, D.M., This article asserts that data representativeness is fundamental to data quality, yet the data quality model for contaminant data remains focused on analytical methods to the neglect of strategies to accommodate environmental heterogeneity. Advancing technology enables the cost-effective, high density, adaptive sampling needed to assure data representativeness, supporting a next generation data quality model that explicitly manages sampling uncertainties.
In Search of Representativeness Evolving the Environmental Data Quality Model (109 KB)
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Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) University of Tennessee, Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance (SADA) is a free software package from the University of Tennessee that integrates modules for visualizing contaminant concentrations, geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, human health risk assessment, cost/benefit analysis, sampling design, and decision analysis. SADA can be used to address site-specific concerns when characterizing a contaminated site, assessing risk, determining the location of future samples, and when designing remedial action.
Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance Website
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The Triad Approach to Managing the Uncertainty in Environmental Data EPA, This article, published in the The 20th Annual National Environmental Monitoring Conference Proceedings (http://nemc.us) discusses the importance of conceptual site models and data representativeness when addressing environmental decision-making uncertainty.
Triad Approach to Managing the Uncertainty in Environmental Data (448 KB)
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USACE Study of Groundwater Sampling Devices (Report) USACE, CRREL, This report describes tests of five relatively new groundwater-sampling depth-discrete devices (the Kabis, HydraSleeve, Discrete Interval, Pneumo-Bailer, and USGS Passive Diffusion Bag [PDB] samplers) for a variety of analytes, including volatile organics, explosives, pesticides, and metals.
Study of Five Discrete Interval-Type Groundwater Sampling Devices (1.9 MB)
Using Best Practices
This section provides a simple checklist that can be used to ensure that all aspects of a Triad project have been considered during project planning, implementation, or post-implementation review.
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Draft Inventory of Best Practices , This inventory is intended to aid practitioners in operationalizing Triad concepts. The list serves to "put meat on the bones" of the Triad framework. At the beginning of each major section, four to five general concepts or tasks are listed. Then, the general listings are broken down into more specific individual tasks that, when put into operation by an experienced team, create the integrated approach that constitutes a successful Triad project. Do not be intimidated by the length of this inventory. Many items simply spell out activities already frequently done by most practitioners.
NOTE: This is a working draft. Please send suggestions or comments to Deana Crumbling, crumbling.deana@epa.gov
 DRAFT Best Management Practices Inventory for Triad Elements (PDF) (40 KB) | MS Word Version (180 KB)
Procurement and Budgeting
Information pertinent to cost estimation, budgeting, procurement, and contracting process.
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Brownfields Technology Primer Series: Using the Triad Approach to Streamline Brownfields Site Assessment and Cleanup Website USEPA EPA 542-B-03-002, This document reviews strategies that reduce costs, decrease time frames, and positively affect regulatory and community acceptance while improving the economics of redevelopment at Brownfields sites. Increased attention to Brownfields sites and the manner in which they are redeveloped places greater importance on the approach to site cleanup. This primer is one in a series that will address specific cleanup issues.
Using the Triad Approach to Streamline Brownfields Site Assessment and Cleanup (1.5 MB)
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