What is the criterion for a Level 1 cleanup according to the Soil Matrix Cleanup process?

A Level 1 cleanup in the Soil Matrix Cleanup process is characterized by having a numerical value greater than 40. This criterion indicates a higher level of contamination, necessitating immediate corrective action to address the environmental impact of the contamination.

In the context of soil remediation, the numerical value serves as a benchmark for determining the extent of contamination and the urgency of the cleanup efforts. When the numerical value exceeds 40, it signals that the level of contaminants poses a significant risk to human health and the environment, thus justifying a Level 1 cleanup response.

Other numerical ranges indicate different levels of concern that may not require the same level of response. For instance, a numerical value between 25-40 might denote a lower concern level, and a value below 25 is generally seen as acceptable or within safe limits, so different actions might be warranted for those situations. The absence of a numerical value would suggest a different evaluation process altogether, which does not fit within the structured approach of the Soil Matrix Cleanup process.