Techno Bits/Technical Bulletins

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has implemented a new tool, used in many other states, to help environmental consultants develop site investigation work plans, clients understand esoteric scientific concepts, and DEP evaluate Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) response actions. Known as the Conceptual Site Model (CSM), this investigation tool presents environmental conditions in graphical and tabulated formats to:

• Distill key site-specific information,
• Assist in the iterative site assessment process, and
• Serve as a roadmap for DEP auditors in understanding the logical progression of MCP compliance activities.

The CSM helps explain why MCP compliance activities are undertaken by depicting how contaminant migration is believed to occur, at a given point in time, from individual sources through exposure pathways toward human/environmental receptors. As the site investigation unfolds, the CSM is further refined to reflect an increased understanding of existing site conditions. As an integral part of the site assessment process in Massachusetts, the CSM will help improve communication between environmental consultants, clients, and the DEP.

Posted - Jan. 11, 2002