What is the most conservative cleanup option for a site?

The most conservative cleanup option for a site is the soil matrix. This approach generally involves removing or treating contaminated soil to meet regulatory standards, ensuring that the site is left in a condition that minimizes any potential risk to human health and the environment. By focusing on the complete removal or effective treatment of contaminants within the soil matrix, this approach aims to eliminate the source of pollution, thereby safeguarding groundwater and surrounding ecosystems in the long term.

In the context of site remediation, terms like "generic remedy," "risk-based," and "in-place treatment" often incorporate a level of acceptable risk or rely on the idea of managing contamination on the site rather than fully eliminating it. These strategies may focus on minimizing risks to specific receptors or allowing for certain levels of contamination to remain, which can introduce ongoing concerns about exposure and future liability. Thus, while they may be cost-effective or expedient, they are not as conservative as the soil matrix, which tends to prioritize comprehensive cleanliness and safety.