USGS Open-File Report 2014–1197: An Evaluation of Remote Sensing Technologies for the Detection of Residual Contamination at Ready-for-Anticipated Use Sites

An Evaluation of Remote Sensing Technologies for the Detection of Residual Contamination at Ready-for-Anticipated Use Sites

By E. Terrence Slonecker and Gary B. Fisher

Abstract

Operational problems with site access and information, XRF instrument operation, and imagery collections hampered the effective data collection and analysis process. Of the 24 sites imaged and analyzed, 17 appeared to be relatively clean with no discernible metal contamination, hydrocarbons, or asbestos in the soil. None of the samples for the sites in Louisiana had any result exceeding the appropriate industrial or residential standard for arsenic or lead. One site in South Carolina (North Street Dump) had two samples that exceeded the residential standard for lead. One site in Texas (Cadiz Street), and four sites in Florida (210 North 12th Street, Encore Retail Site, Clearwater Auto, and 22nd Street Mixed Use) were found to have some level of residual metal contamination above the applicable residential or commercial Risk-Based Concentration (RBC) standard. Three of the Florida sites showing metal contamination also showed a pattern of vegetation stress based on standard vegetation analysis techniques.

First posted October 7, 2014

Report PDF (4.62 MB)

For additional information, contact:
Eastern Geographic Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey
521 National Center
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
Reston, VA 20192

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Suggested citation:

Slonecker, E.T., and Fisher, G.B., 2014, An Evaluation of remote sensing technologies for the detection of residual contamination at Ready-for-Anticipated Use sites: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2014–1197, 25 p., https://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20141197.

ISSN 2331-1197 (online)

Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Background

Remote Sensing of Contaminants

Methodology

Results

Summary and Conclusions

References Cited

Prepared in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

An Evaluation of Remote Sensing Technologies for the Detection of Residual Contamination at Ready-for-Anticipated Use Sites

By E. Terrence Slonecker and Gary B. Fisher

Abstract

Suggested citation:

Contents