Editor's Perspective-ASTM International Approves its Greener Cleanup Standard Guide: Establishing Guidance on Green Remediation Projects

摘要

ASTM International, Inc., approved its Greener Cleanup Standard Guide (the "Guide") in September 2013. This Guide, designated as ASTM E2893-2013, offers remediation professionals a clear, step-wise approach to implementing green remediation projects, and is the most direct guidance of its kind. The Task Group that developed the Guide initially struggled with the concepts underlying its purpose. At the outset it appeared the guide would address selecting green remedies, such as solar and wind-powered remediation systems. Then, as the task group rolled up its sleeves and discussed the concepts surrounding green remediation, they realized that the standard was more about "greening" the optimum remediation technology for a site than selecting a green remedy. In other words, the guide was not going to direct remediation professionals to change remedies, because, as we all know, clients consistently demand the most cost-effective remedy with the highest probability of meeting applicable regulatory requirements. Instead, the Guide provides a path towards reducing the environmental footprint of a remedy by providing guidance on selecting green best management practices (BMPs) to integrate into the optimum remedial strategy.