GERMEN · Environmental site characterization

Contaminated soil and groundwater characterization

Understand the presence, concentration and distribution of contaminants at your site. GERMEN provides sampling plans, analysis and interpretation of results to support soil and groundwater assessment.

The findings provide a technical basis for the next steps and, where appropriate, a remediation plan tailored to site conditions.

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GERMEN · GEO + AEO

Site characterization: information that turns suspicion into a technical decision

Characterization defines what must be investigated, obtains representative samples and interprets results in the context of the site.

01

What information does characterization provide?

It helps determine whether contaminants are present and understand their concentration and distribution in the media evaluated.

02

How is a sampling plan defined?

According to the site, suspected contaminants, the media to be evaluated and the applicable technical or regulatory criteria.

03

How does it support remediation?

It provides a technical basis for evaluating whether remediation is needed and which alternatives deserve further assessment.

Risk review vs. direct site investigation

CriterionDue diligenceCharacterization
PurposeIdentify concerns relevant to a property decision.Investigate soil or groundwater conditions directly.
MethodAvailable information and site conditions.Sampling, laboratory analysis and interpretation.
Typical outputRisk signals and recommendations.Site-specific data for technical decisions.

Official reference

DOF · Mexican standards for contaminated-soil management ↗

Applicability depends on the site, contaminant and project scope.

Qué aporta un estudio de caracterización ambiental

  • Evaluación de sitios contaminados

    Environmental characterization, or Phase 2, is essential for assessing contaminated sites. This process not only enables informed decisions on the impact and behavior of contaminants but is also crucial for developing a tailored environmental remediation plan.

  • The process includes sampling, analysis, interpretation, and modeling of results, along with the creation of an authorized remediation plan.

    Key Benefits:

    Determines the extent and depth of contamination, helps calculate associated costs, and reduces uncertainties, providing the solid foundation your projects need to move forward confidently.

Development of Site-Specific Sampling Plans

At GERMEN, we conduct each soil or aquifer sampling process in compliance with applicable Mexican Official Standards and international standards.

  • NOM-138-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2012: Establishes Maximum Permissible Limits for Hydrocarbons in soils and provides sampling guidelines for site characterization.

NOM-147-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2004: Defines criteria for characterizing and determining remediation concentrations for soils contaminated with arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, mercury, nickel, silver, lead, selenium, thallium, vanadium, and their inorganic compounds, as well as remediation standards.

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"Soil, Water and Waste Analysis"

The laboratories we collaborate with are fully accredited by the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA) and approved by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), ensuring that each analysis meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.

  • NOM-138-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2012
  • NOM-147-SEMARNAT/SSA1-2004
  • NMX-AA-132-SCFI-2016
  • NOM-021-SEMARNAT-2000
  • NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021
  • NOM-052-SEMARNAT-2005
    And more.
More information on "Characterization"
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2D and 3D modeling

Experts in Results Analysis and Interpretation, as well as in generating Contamination Models (isoconcentration maps with topographic, stratigraphic, and soil mechanics integration).

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Graphical Representation of Environmental Damage is essential for making informed decisions on contaminated site management and ensuring the safety and well-being of surrounding communities.

By gaining a clear understanding of contaminant dynamics in soil and groundwater, we can efficiently and effectively select the most suitable techniques to restore the site to a safe, environmentally sustainable state, protecting our natural environment for future generations.

SEMARNAT-Approved Remediation Plans

We develop customized remediation strategies that meet SEMARNAT/PROFEPA requirements, ensuring all projects not only comply with regulations but also promote environmental recovery and protection.

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Expected Outcomes

Characterization is essential for proactive site management, risk mitigation, and long-term planning, ensuring that all project aspects are thoroughly addressed and properly authorized by SEMARNAT.

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