If groundwater is impacted beyond the limits of excavation, what classification does the site not qualify for in relation to a Soil Matrix Site?

A Soil Matrix Site classification is designated for sites where contamination is contained within a specific soil layer and does not extend beyond defined boundaries. When groundwater is impacted beyond the limits of excavation, it indicates a more widespread contamination issue, which disqualifies the site from being classified as a Soil Matrix Site.

For a site to be classified as a Soil Matrix Site, the contamination must be limited to the soil that is being excavated, such that it does not significantly influence or affect groundwater quality beyond the excavation limits. The presence of contaminated groundwater beyond these limits suggests that the contamination is more extensive and possibly moving into other environmental media, which is inconsistent with the criteria for Soil Matrix Site classification.

In contrast, other classifications like Hazardous Waste Site or Pollution Control Site may accommodate the presence of impacted groundwater, reflecting a broader concern for environmental safety and regulatory compliance. Therefore, when groundwater is affected beyond the excavation area, it cannot legitimately hold the status of a Soil Matrix Site.