What Happens After Soil Characterization? Understanding Receiving Options in BC

Soil characterization is an important milestone, but it does not by itself determine where excavated material can go.

Once analytical results are available, project teams need to understand what was identified in the soil, how those results compare with applicable standards, and whether a proposed receiving site is appropriate for the material.

For contractors, environmental consultants and project managers in British Columbia, this is where characterization begins to inform the receiving strategy.

What Does Soil Characterization Tell You?

Soil characterization provides analytical information about the substances present in the material and their concentrations.

Depending on the site and project, testing may identify hydrocarbons, metals, salts or other potential contaminants of concern.

The results provide information that can be evaluated against British Columbia's regulatory requirements and the standards applicable to a proposed receiving site.

This is why receiving options should be evaluated using the actual characterization results rather than assumptions about the material.

Does Characterization Determine Where Soil Can Go?

Not by itself.

British Columbia's Contaminated Sites Regulation defines a receiving site as a site where soil is deposited.

The regulation also determines whether soil is considered waste in relation to a receiving site by comparing concentrations in the soil, and where applicable vapour emissions, with standards applicable to that receiving site, subject to specified exceptions.

In practical terms, the receiving site is part of the assessment.

A characterization report provides important information about the material. That information still needs to be considered in relation to the proposed destination and applicable regulatory requirements.

What Should Be Reviewed After Characterization?

Once characterization results are available, several pieces of information can help move the receiving conversation forward.

Soil Analytical Results

The laboratory results identify the substances analyzed and their measured concentrations.

Where British Columbia's soil relocation requirements apply, analytical information is used to assess the soil against applicable regulatory standards.

Source Site

The source site is the site from which the soil is removed.

The site's current and historical uses can be relevant because British Columbia has specific requirements for soil originating from properties associated with specified industrial or commercial uses.

Proposed Receiving Site

The receiving site is the proposed destination for the soil.

Applicable land use and site specific conditions can affect the standards against which the soil is evaluated.

Material Volume

Knowing the estimated volume helps both the project team and receiving facility understand the scope of the proposed movement.

Volume can also have regulatory significance. British Columbia has specific requirements for sites that meet the regulatory definition of a high volume site.

Project Timing

The project schedule helps establish when the material is expected to move and allows the project team and potential receiving facility to coordinate the next steps.

Waste and Non Waste Soil Are Determined in Relation to the Receiving Site

This is an important concept for project teams to understand.

Under British Columbia's current Contaminated Sites Regulation, soil is prescribed as waste in relation to a receiving site when specified concentrations exceed standards applicable to that receiving site, subject to regulatory exceptions.

Protocol 19 defines non waste soil as soil with substance concentrations below the soil and vapour standards applicable at the receiving site.

This means soil characterization and the proposed receiving site need to be considered together.

Project specific classification and regulatory requirements should be determined by the appropriate Qualified Professional.

When Is a Soil Relocation Notification Required?

British Columbia has notification requirements for certain soil removals from a source site to a receiving site.

The requirements do not apply identically to every soil movement. The Contaminated Sites Regulation contains exemptions based on factors including the circumstances of the source and receiving sites and the type or quantity of soil being moved.

Where a Soil Relocation Notification is required, the Province's current form includes information about the source site, receiving site, soil volume, soil quality and characterization method. Analytical data must also be attached where the applicable Protocol 19 exemption does not apply.

A Qualified Professional should determine the requirements applicable to a particular project.

What If the Soil Profile Is Complex?

Some characterization results identify more than one environmental consideration within the same material.

A soil profile may contain hydrocarbons, metals, salts or a combination of contaminants. Other projects may involve acid generating material or soil with ARD leaching profiles.

These characteristics can influence the available management and receiving options.

Cache Creek #1 Logistics can receive and manage a range of complex CL+ and IL+ soil profiles, including material impacted by hydrocarbons, metals, salts and mixed contamination, as well as acid generating material and soil with ARD leaching profiles.

Material should be reviewed for project specific acceptance before hauling is arranged.

What Information Should You Send to a Potential Receiving Facility?

When approaching a receiving facility, having the available project information organized can make the review more efficient.

Depending on the project, useful information can include:

Soil characterization and analytical results

Source site information

Estimated material volume

Known contaminants and concentrations

Project schedule

Available regulatory or project documentation relevant to the material

The receiving facility can use the information relevant to its acceptance process to determine whether the material falls within its capabilities.

The project's Qualified Professional remains responsible for professional advice within their area of expertise and for determining applicable regulatory requirements.

Why Review the Receiving Option Before Scheduling Hauling?

A proposed destination should be evaluated before material is moved.

The characterization results need to be considered in relation to the proposed receiving site, and applicable regulatory requirements may need to be addressed before relocation occurs.

Reviewing the material with a potential receiving facility before hauling is scheduled can also confirm whether the facility is able to consider the particular soil profile and anticipated volume.

For project teams, this creates a clearer path from characterization to material movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a soil characterization report tell me exactly where the soil can go?

No. Characterization provides information about the substances and concentrations present in the soil. The proposed receiving site and applicable regulatory requirements must also be considered.

Can soil be non waste for one receiving site and waste for another?

Waste status under British Columbia's Contaminated Sites Regulation is determined in relation to the standards applicable to the receiving site, subject to the provisions and exceptions in the regulation. A Qualified Professional should assess the specific project circumstances.

What is a receiving site?

Under British Columbia's Contaminated Sites Regulation, a receiving site is a site at which soil is deposited.

What should I have ready when contacting a receiving facility?

Available characterization results, source site information, anticipated volume, project timing and other relevant project documentation provide a useful starting point for the receiving review.

Can Cache Creek review complex soil profiles?

Cache Creek #1 Logistics can review project information for a range of complex CL+ and IL+ soil profiles, including hydrocarbon impacted, metal impacted, salt impacted and mixed contamination, as well as acid generating material and soil with ARD leaching profiles.

Acceptance depends on the specific material and project requirements.

Have Your Characterization Results?

If your soil characterization is complete and you are evaluating receiving options, Cache Creek #1 Logistics can review the available project information and discuss whether our facility is an appropriate option.

Send our team your characterization information, estimated volume, source location and project timing to begin the review.

Sources and Further Reading

Province of British Columbia, Protocol 19 for Contaminated Sites

British Columbia Contaminated Sites Regulation, B.C. Reg. 375/96

Province of British Columbia, Soil Relocation Information and Guidance