Real-Time Data and Regulatory Participation
The real-time availability of results increases the potential for informed, interactive regulatory involvement.
This section discusses how the use of real-time measurement systems changes and enhances the way regulatory personnel participate in the remedial process.
Because the Triad uses systematic planning involving all stakeholders as a principal tool to describe and develop metrics for the acceptable levels of decision uncertainty, participation by regulatory personnel occurs much earlier in the project timeline than under traditional approaches. The result is that all team members have a better understanding of what information needs to be collected prior to mobilization of the field teams. Within this context, real-time data provides an opportunity for regulatory involvement that was not possible before. As long as the appropriate communication and information sharing mechanisms are in place, the Triad provides regulators with a more transparent work process and with the ability to voice concerns or recommend modifications while work is underway, before things become "locked in stone" and work teams demobilize.
The real-time availability of results and enhanced project communication increase the potential for informed, interactive regulatory involvement. In addition, real-time measurements frequently result in higher spatial densities of data. Taken together, the likelihood the characterization will fully comply with regulatory requirements is significantly increased and the possibility that contamination is missed or inadequately described is reduced.
Many impaired sites considered Brownfields or with potential for voluntary cleanup continue to linger unaddressed because developers and their insurers find the cost of traditional approaches prohibitive and the spatial density of information (i.e., the definition of the extent of contamination requiring expensive remediation) inadequate. The Triad may provide the only financially viable path forward for identifying and addressing these concerns, especially in the face of declining budgets.
The management of real-time data is discussed in the Triad Management section entitled Logistical and Implementation Considerations.
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