Monitoring Considerations for Capping

Monitoring Considerations

for Capping

Need for Monitoring

Monitoring of capped disposal projects is required to ensure that

capping acts as an effective control measure (Palermo, Fredette, and

Randall 1992). Monitoring is therefore required before, during, and

following placement of the contaminated and capping material to ensure

that an effective cap has been constructed. (This activity also may be

defined as construction monitoring.) Monitoring should also be required

to ensure that the cap as constructed will be effective in isolating the

contaminants and that long-term integrity of the cap is maintained (This

activity also may be defined as long-term monitoring).

Since capping is a control measure for potential benthic effects, the

monitoring discussed here does not focus on water column processes or

the water column contaminant pathway during the placement of contam-

inated material prior to capping. Also, this chapter does not focus on

those aspects of open-water site monitoring pertaining to site designation

or on the direct physical effects of disposal. Any such monitoring would

be considered in the context of the overall site selection process (Palermo

1991b).

Design of Monitoring Programs and Plans

The design of monitoring programs for any project should follow a logical

sequence of steps. Several excellent publications containing general

guidance for monitoring in marine environments and specific guidance on

physical and biological monitoring at aquatic sites for purposes of site

designation/specification and for permit compliance are available (Marine

Board, National Research Council 1990; Fredette et al. 1990a; Fredette

et al. 1990b; Pequegnat, Gallaway, and Wright 1990). These basic refer-

ences should be consulted in developing appropriate monitoring plans for

capping projects that suit the particular site and material conditions. A

capping-specific monitoring plan has been developed for the DAMOS

program in the New England Division (SAIC 1995a); it has been

Chapter 9 Monitoring Considerations for Capping