Definitions for "Remedial Investigation"
Studies designed to gather the data necessary to determine the type (nature) and extent (location) of contamination at a hazardous waste site. The RI is usually performed at the same time as a Feasibility Study in a process known as the "RI/FS." This process is designed to: Establish criteria for cleaning up the site. Identify and screen cleanup alternatives for remedial action; and Analyze in detail the technology and costs of the alternatives.
A study designed to collect the data necessary to determine the nature and extent of contamination at a site.
CERCLA environmental restoration process phase undertaken to determine the nature and extent of the problem represented by a release of CERCLA hazardous substances. The RI includes environmental sampling, field studies, monitoring, data analysis and completion of a baseline risk assessment and ecological evaluation to determine the nature, extent and impacts to the human health and environment from contaminants present at the site if no remedial action is taken.