How should contaminated soil be managed while on-site before disposal?

Managing contaminated soil on-site is crucial for both environmental and safety reasons. The appropriate method involves storing the contaminated soil within a secure and covered area. This practice minimizes the risk of further contamination to the surrounding environment or exposure to workers and the general public.

The secure storage prevents access by unauthorized individuals and controls the potential spread of contaminants due to wind or rain. Covering the soil also reduces the risk of erosion and leaching, which can occur if the soil is left exposed to the elements.

In contrast, mixing contaminated soil with clean soil compromises the integrity of the clean soil and defeats the purpose of managing the contamination effectively. Storing contaminated soil in an uncovered pile greatly increases the risk of environmental contamination and health hazards. Disposing of contaminated soil in a nearby stream poses serious legal and ethical concerns and is harmful to aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Thus, storing it securely and covered is the best practice for managing contaminated soil on-site.