What aspect of the soil is evaluated to determine its potential environmental impact?

Determining the environmental impact of soil involves a thorough understanding of the native soil type, which includes its composition, texture, and characteristics. Native soil type is crucial because it influences the soil's ability to hold water, its nutrient availability, and its overall behavior in interactions with contaminants. For example, sandy soils may drain quickly and not hold onto pollutants effectively, while clay soils can retain chemicals longer, increasing the risk of leaching into the groundwater.

The native soil type also provides context regarding the regional geology and ecosystem, which can impact how pollutants spread and behave in the environment. This is critical for assessing any potential environmental risks linked to heating oil tanks or other contaminants and for planning appropriate remediation strategies if necessary. Understanding the unique characteristics of native soil types allows for better risk assessments and environmental protection measures.

Soil color, structure, and odor can provide some information about the physical and chemical state of the soil but do not directly offer the same level of insight into the potential environmental impact as the native soil type does.