Fundamentals of Soil Science as Applicable to Management of Hazardous Wastes

The Regional Ground Water Forum is a group of ground-water technical specialists, representing EPA's Regional Offices, organized to exchange up-to-date information related to groundwater remediation at hazardous waste sites. Proper site characterization has been identified by the EPA Regional Ground Water Forum as a major issue of concern for decision-makers at many hazardous waste sites. In order to have a thorough understanding of the processes involved in remediating the subsurface, a working knowledge of the major physical, chemical, and biological factors which affect the fate of contaminants in the vadose zone must be achieved. This paper summarizes the basic concepts of soil science as related to the management of hazardous wastes and serves as a foundation from which to build a thorough understanding of soil processes.