What must be considered when selecting a risk evaluation approach for a heating oil release?

When selecting a risk evaluation approach for a heating oil release, site characteristics are crucial because they encompass various factors that influence the assessment and management of the potential impact of the release. These characteristics include the geography of the site, the type of soil, proximity to water bodies, existing structures, and land use, all of which can affect how the heating oil behaves after a release.

Understanding the site characteristics is essential for accurately determining how the heating oil may migrate, how it may interact with the environment, and the degree of risk it poses to human health and ecological systems. This information is vital for developing effective remediation strategies and ensuring regulatory compliance.

While local wildlife, construction materials, and the time of year may be relevant considerations in specific contexts, they do not provide the comprehensive foundation necessary for evaluating risk in the same way that site characteristics do.