Accelerated Site Characterization (ASC) is a process for collecting site information in a single mobilization, utilizing innovative sampling techniques and on-site analytical methods. Cone penetrometer testing (CPT), Geoprobe®, and groundwater samplers are innovative technologies that provide a cost-effective method for site characterization and the design of a groundwater monitoring system. These methods can reduce the lengthy period of time it takes to conduct a site characterization, which will then accelerate the corrective action process.

The CPT can help determine the stratigraphy and soil properties of a site. The CPT provides information on specific lithologic characteristics necessary to obtain a groundwater sample from vertically separated aquifers. Additionally, the CPT is used to correlate equivalent strata from one location to the next and to determine lithology. With the use of the Geoprobe®, soil samples can be collected for analysis to determine contaminant impact in the vadose zone.

Groundwater samplers (with analysis, e.g. mobile or fixed-based laboratory analysis) can delineate the horizontal and vertical extent and concentration of a contaminant plume and define the extent and thickness of a free product plume. This is obtained when the groundwater samplers obtain a discrete, chemically representative groundwater sample from the targeted aquifer.

Hydrogeologic and geologic data obtained from these methods can be employed to maximize the cost-effectiveness and design efficiency of a groundwater monitoring system or the identification of an appropriate corrective measure. The ASC methods are accepted by regulator agencies. This presentation will explain the ASC philosophy supported by successful case studies.

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