RTM has experience in working under both Resource Conservation Recovery Act/Hazardous and Solid Waste Act (RCRA/HSWA) and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation & Liability Act/Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (CERCLA/SARA) regulatory programs. Our experience includes performance of RCRA Facility Assessments (RFA), RCRA Facility Investigations (RFI), and RCRA Corrective Measures Studies (CMS), as well as Preliminary Assessments/Site Investigations (PA/SI) and Remedial Investigations/ Feasibility Studies (RI/FS) under CERCLA.

Hydrogeologic Investigations

One of the most complicated and controversial aspects of any hazardous waste projects is to determine whether ground water quality has been adversely affected; if not, whether it will be affected, or if so, what is to be done. Our staff has developed and implemented ground water quality monitoring programs for sites located in a wide variety of geological settings. Services include the characterization of site hydrogeology, formulation of monitoring systems, ground water sampling for hydrogeologic regimes ranging from simple, unconsolidated shallow aquifers to complex, highly fractured bedrock aquifers.

RTM plans, overseas and executes ground water assessment studies to define the magnitude, nature and extent of contamination at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. These studies focus on both defining the containment sources and identifying the potential for off-site migration of contaminants. We often supplement field studies with computer modeling to simulate aquifer flow and contaminant migration, and to predict effects of remedial measures.

Site Characterization Studies

Site characterization can range from preliminary assessments that may require only a review of background information to comprehensive, long-term investigations that involve sampling of surface and ground waters, sediments, soils, air, and aqueous and solid wastes. When site investigation personnel conduct site investigations without a comprehensive understanding of the ultimate use of their information, site investigations are not efficient, unnecessary data is collected, key information is sometimes overlooked, and important conclusions cannot be made or supported.

RTM develops optimal, cost-effective approaches in order to minimize sampling effort and maximize the gathering of useful site data. RTM ensures that data are collected to satisfy all project needs, including determining the nature and extent of contamination and developing a risk assessment, as well as evaluating and allowing the preliminary design of remedial technologies, if needed. Because the goal of these investigations often is to define the public health and environmental risks associated with the site, these studies focus on defining contamination sources and pathways of migration to potential receptor populations.

Interpretation of Site-Specific Data

RTM offers clients the ability to get a "second opinion" regarding the interpretation of site-specific information and to determine appropriate corrective or remedial measures. While we understand the regulatory agencies' wish to develop and use general, nationwide or statewide decision rules, we also appreciate that these should be used only as a point of departure. The assumptions that underlie such decision rules must be compared to risk based standards for site-specific conditions. Thus, we help clients interpret site-specific information in a manner that will support the selection of defensible, appropriate, cost-effective measures.

Technology Evaluations

The U.S. EPA and many states have set forth specific factors to consider in determining appropriate remedial technologies. These specific factors include, among others, implementability, reliability, effectiveness and cost. RTM performs both scoping and detailed evaluations of potential remedial technologies that satisfy appropriate Federal and state requirements.

Regulatory Planning and Liaison

Many issues regarding hazardous/solid waste investigations are subject to regulatory negotiation. RTM provides technical services in support of regulatory interactions expert witness testimony, regulatory interpretation, and client representation on technical issues. Our services focus on providing and understanding of the policy and technical basis of regulations. This allows our clients to take advantage of the technical and administrative flexibility often overlooked in hazardous waste projects.