This Methodology establishes a clear algorithm of actions for operators of industrial installations regarding the assessment of soil and groundwater contamination by hazardous substances. It is mandatory for compliance when preparing a “baseline report” to obtain an integrated environmental permit, as well as in the event of cessation of industrial site operations. The document defines the sampling procedure, requirements for laboratory testing, and mechanisms for remediation of identified contamination. This is an important control instrument that ensures the restoration of industrial areas to a safe state after the completion of activities.
**Structure and Main Provisions:**
The Methodology consists of six sections and an annex (reporting forms).
* **Sections I-II:** Define the scope of application and the preparatory stage (collection of historical data and development of sampling programs).
* **Sections III-IV:** Establish technical requirements for soil and groundwater sampling with references to current DSTU ISO standards.
* **Section V:** Regulates the assessment procedure upon facility closure, requiring the use of the same monitoring points that were recorded in the baseline report.
* **Section VI:** Establishes the operator’s obligation to take measures to eliminate, contain, or reduce contamination if it exceeds the levels recorded at the beginning of the activities.
**Key Aspects for Practical Use:**
1. **Principle of Comparison:** The main criterion is the comparison of the current state of the site with the state recorded in the baseline report. If deterioration is detected, the operator is obligated to perform remediation or other measures to eliminate threats to the environment and human health.
2. **Technical Standardization:** The Methodology clearly links sampling procedures to the DSTU ISO 10381 (soil) and DSTU EN ISO 5667 (water) series standards, which minimizes subjectivity during assessment.
3. **Continuity of Control:** In the event of cessation of operations at only a portion of the site, the operator is required to submit a corresponding assessment to the permitting authority before making changes to the integrated environmental permit.
4. **Liability:** The document explicitly obligates the operator to eliminate contamination resulting from their activities to a level that precludes threats, taking into account the designated land use.
