What is the impact of having a contaminated groundwater on site closure options?

When groundwater is contaminated at a site, this significantly influences the closure options available. The correct answer reflects the reality that closure can only proceed through a risk assessment. This is because when groundwater is impacted by contamination, it poses potential risks to human health and the environment.

A risk assessment is necessary to evaluate the extent of contamination and to determine the potential impacts on the surrounding areas. It informs the decision-making process regarding how to manage the site effectively, ensuring that any closure actions are aligned with environmental protection and public health regulations. Thus, the presence of contaminated groundwater restricts closure options to those that include thorough assessments of risks before any decisions can be made about remediation or other closure processes.

Other options suggest broader closure possibilities that do not align with the reality of regulatory requirements concerning contaminated groundwater, as any effective closure plan must address the risks posed by such contamination.