ASTM E3249-21 - Standard Guide for Remedial Action Resiliency to Climate Impacts

1.1 The potential for increasing climate and extreme weather impacts requires more attention be given to their effect on sites where chemicals have been released. All stages of remediation planning and implementation should consider and address potential climate and extreme weather impacts, such as flooding and wildfires, that may affect remedy sustainability, continued protection of human and ecological receptors, the surrounding community, and the environment. Both resiliency to current extreme weather impacts as well as adaptation to longer-term impacts due to the changing climate should be considered. Consideration of climate and extreme weather impacts during stabilization, remedial investigation, feasibility studies, remedial design, remedial action implementation, long-term operations and management, and site stewardship may lead to the use of innovative technologies and more robust remediation strategies.

1.2 The conceptual site model is designed to inform all aspects of site decision making, inclusive of the investigation, feasibility study, design and implementation. It may be the most important mechanism to integrate consideration of climate impacts. The conceptual site model should be continuously developed and refined, while considering new knowledge about climate factors and potential impacts to the site.

1.3 This ASTM resiliency guide identifies the best management practices for incorporating resiliency and vulnerability assessment into all stages of the site cleanup process. Historically, resiliency was primarily considered or contemplated in the final stages of the cleanup process, such as in the operation and maintenance stage, after a remedy was completely in place at a site. Gradually, resiliency has extended to earlier stages of the cleanup process. This may include initial vulnerability assessment for site stabilization and extending into the remedial investigation and feasibility stage. This guide will enable site project managers and others involved in site clean up to incorporate resiliency more robustly into the early stages of the cleanup process, and thereby improve resilience to current potential impacts as well as prepare for anticipated future impacts due to the changing climate.

1.4 The scope of this guide is generally based upon experience in site management in the US, however it may also apply to sites in other countries, regions and continents.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.