Overview
The purpose of the Remedial Design (RD) phase is to convert the conceptual design for the selected remedy into a full-scale design ready for implementation. Upon completion of the RD phase, the Remedial Action Construction (RA-C) phase is conducted to implement the remedy.
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Process
The RD and RA-C phases form the foundation for the remedial action (RA) and support the ultimate goal of achieving the cleanup goals during Remedial Action Operations (RA-O). Remedy optimization during the RD and RA-C phases is required for DON sites in accordance with the DON Policy for Optimizing Remedial and Removal Actions at All DON Environmental Restoration Program Sites.
Remedial Design
The RD phase includes preparation of the drawings, specifications, and Remedial Action Work Plans (RAWPs) required to implement the full-scale remedy. Additional information is provided in the DON Guidance for Optimizing Remedy Evaluation, Selection, and Design. Key considerations in the RD phase include:
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Drawings and specifications that provide a degree of detail adequate to implement the remedy;
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RAWPs that describe implementation of the remedy and land use controls (as applicable);
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Project-specific construction Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) that includes quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) provisions;
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Applicable permits, approvals, and site access agreements should be obtained during the RD phase. RAs that are conducted entirely on site typically do not require federal, state, or local permits to engage in the remediation activity under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA); however, the substantive requirements must still be met for on-site efforts.
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RD optimization that incorporates lifecycle design concepts for more sustained mass removal rate over time and lower lifecycle costs;
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GSR best management practices that adapt design concepts to minimize the environmental footprint of remedies; and
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Design-build contracts that allow for the design to evolve (as needed) over the course of the project even after construction has commenced.
Remedial Action-Construction
Upon completion of the RD phase, implementation of the RA begins. RA-C is the period during which construction occurs to implement the remedy. The RA-C contractor is required to demonstrate that the system is functioning in accordance with the design. The Remedy-in-Place (RIP) milestone is achieved when RA-C is complete. Key considerations in the RA-C phase include:
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Site preparation and on-site construction;
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Pre-final and final inspection and correction of deficiencies;
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Demonstration that the remedy is operating properly and successfully in accordance with the design;
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Interim Remedial Action Completion Report (I-RACR) for remedies that will transition to the RA-O phase;
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Remedial Action Completion Report (RACR) for remedies that have achieved the Response Complete (RC) milestone;
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Site Closeout may be achieved after RA-C if the remedy has accomplished the remedial action objectives (RAOs) and the site conditions allow for unlimited use/unrestricted exposure (UU/UE) of the property.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides additional guidance in the Remedial Design/Remedial Action Handbook (OSWER 9355.0.04B). For more information, Chapter 10 of the DON Environmental Restoration Program Manual details RD and RA-C considerations.