Vadose Zone Monitoring Concepts for Hazardous Waste Sites

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Abstract
The implementation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) may be enhanced by wider applications of vadose zone monitoring. More than 50 different vadose zone monitoring techniques are referenced. Fourteen different criteria are established for selecting alternative vadose zone monitoring methods. These monitoring methods are categorized according to premonitoring techniques, sampling methods and nonsampling methods which could be applied in the vadose zone. Two conceptual cases are presented covering vadose zone monitoring at a hazardous waste disposal impoundment. The rationale for the monitoring program at a new impoundment and for an active impoundment is presented. The material constitutes the first phase of a vadose zone monitoring manual.