Environmental Indicators related to RCRA Facilities
News Article: Quantitative Environmental Indicators of Contamination (QEICs) Unveiled for RCRA Corrective Action
In an effort to enhance the understanding and addressing of environmental impacts at hazardous waste facilities, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 has introduced a new system called Quantitative Environmental Indicators of Contamination (QEICs). This system is particularly relevant for facilities contaminated with RCRA hazardous waste in the states of New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
QEICs are derived from direct scientific measurements and are designed to fully describe environmental contamination at industrial facility sites. They provide a comprehensive understanding of the contamination levels and changes over time, which can be used to support environmental decisions and ensure regulatory compliance.
The QEICs system includes tables and maps that display the total amounts of contaminants in groundwater, soil, and in groundwater that is transferred to surface water. For each state in the Region 2 list, maps and tables of contamination concentrations and QEICs are available, along with details about the contamination status of each facility.
The state-by-state list, accessible through a provided link, includes a fact sheet for each contaminated facility, providing specific information about each facility's RCRA hazardous waste issues. Additionally, Environmental Indicator status for each facility is provided, offering a clear picture of the environmental conditions at each site.
Maps of contamination in Region 2 display concentrations of contaminants in groundwater and soil in relation to cultural and natural resources of specific sites. This visual representation aids in understanding the potential impact of contamination on local environments.
The state-by-state list also includes downloadable .pdfs for the Environmental Indicators for human exposure and groundwater contamination at each RCRA cleanup facility in the specified states. The report entitled: "Quantitative Environmental Indicators of Contamination - A System For Tracking Environmental Results" (28 pp, 538.8 KB) describes and discusses the QEICs in more detail.
The QEICs are an important tool for understanding and addressing the environmental impact of RCRA hazardous waste at contaminated facilities in Region 2. They are designed to track changes in this contamination through time and can be used to support Environmental Indicators determinations.
In the context of RCRA Corrective Action, QEICs would typically involve measurable parameters such as concentration levels of contaminants, the extent of contamination in soil or groundwater, and other numeric data that can indicate the presence and severity of contamination. These indicators help in tracking progress, ensuring compliance, and informed decision-making regarding further remediation efforts or the need for additional measures.
While specific QEICs are not detailed in the search results, potential applications in industrial facility sites might include monitoring groundwater contamination, soil contamination assessment, and air quality monitoring.
In summary, the QEICs system offers a valuable resource for tracking and understanding the environmental impact of RCRA hazardous waste at contaminated facilities in Region 2. By providing a state-by-state breakdown of these facilities, the system enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to protect public health and the environment.
[1] EPA Region 2. (n.d.). Quantitative Environmental Indicators of Contamination - A System For Tracking Environmental Results. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/region2/quantitative-environmental-indicators-contamination-system-tracking-environmental-results [2] EPA. (2020, May 15). Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/superfund/recognized-environmental-conditions-recs [3] EPA. (2020, May 15). CERCLA and Emerging Contaminants. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/superfund/cercla-and-emerging-contaminants
- The Quantitative Environmental Indicators of Contamination (QEICs) system tracks changes in the environmental impact of RCRA hazardous waste by measuring parameters like contaminant concentration levels and the extent of contamination in soil or groundwater, making it crucial for cleanup efforts.
- QEICs also provide a comprehensive understanding of the contamination levels in groundwater, soil, and surface water at industrial facility sites, which can be vital for decision-making regarding health and wellness, medical-conditions, and environmental-science.
- The QEICs system unveiled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 includes tables and maps that display the total amounts of contaminants in surface water, groundwater, and soil, providing valuable data for waste management and the prevention of groundwater pollution.
- The QEICs system offers a visual representation of contamination concentrations in groundwater and soil in relation to the cultural and natural resources of specific sites, helping to assess the potential impact on health, wellness, and the environment.
