How can you use data visualization to support contaminated site remediation?

1 Understanding contamination

One of the first steps in contaminated site remediation is to conduct a site assessment, which involves collecting and analyzing data on the source, nature, and distribution of contaminants in the soil, groundwater, surface water, air, and biota. Data visualization can help you understand the contamination by creating maps, charts, graphs, and dashboards that show the spatial and temporal variations of contaminant concentrations, exposure pathways, and risk levels. Data visualization can also help you identify data gaps, outliers, and anomalies that may require further investigation or verification.

2 Evaluating remediation options

Once you have a clear picture of the contamination, you need to evaluate the possible remediation options and select the most appropriate and feasible one for your site. Data visualization can help you compare and contrast the different remediation options by showing their advantages and disadvantages, such as effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, safety, and cost. Data visualization can also help you model and simulate the expected outcomes and impacts of each option, such as the reduction of contaminant levels, the recovery of environmental quality, and the achievement of remediation goals.

3 Monitoring remediation progress

After you implement the selected remediation option, you need to monitor its progress and performance over time to ensure that it is working as intended and meeting the regulatory standards and criteria. Data visualization can help you monitor the remediation progress by creating interactive and dynamic visualizations that track and display the changes in contaminant concentrations, environmental parameters, remediation indicators, and compliance status. Data visualization can also help you detect and diagnose any problems or deviations that may occur during the remediation process and adjust your actions accordingly.

5 Enhancing your skills and reputation

By using data visualization to support your contaminated site remediation projects, you can also enhance your environmental consulting skills and reputation. Data visualization can help you improve your analytical, technical, and creative skills by challenging you to find the best ways to transform and visualize your data. Data visualization can also help you showcase your expertise, professionalism, and value by demonstrating your ability to deliver high-quality and evidence-based solutions for complex and challenging environmental problems.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?