4.1 Flexibility—Users may desire to incorporate sustainable aspects within the scalable framework throughout any or all phases of the cleanup, or any size of site.
4.1.1 For simplicity the term cleanup is used in the guide when referring to any of the cleanup phases, for example site assessment, remedy selection, remedy design and implementation, remedy optimization, operation, maintenance and monitoring, and closure.
4.1.2 Implementation of the guide is site-specific. The user may choose to customize the implementation of the guide for particular types of sites, for example, UST sites, dry cleaner sites, or particular phases of cleanup. Customization may be particularly relevant for groups of small, non-complex sites.
4.2 Considerations—The information provided in this guide provides a framework to evaluate sustainable aspects in the context of site cleanup. The guide helps users identify factors and activities they may want to consider in cleanup projects, while protecting human health and the environment.
4.3 Sustainable Performance Criterion—Based on the sustainable objectives identified for the site, users should implement one or more best management practices that substantially benefit each of the sustainable aspects (environmental, social and economic), see Section 6 for details. The user should demonstrate these benefits through publicly available documentation. Substantial benefits must be over and above those achieved by existing regulatory requirements, unless a regulatory agency adopts this guide for cleanup sites. In that case the regulatory agency will determine what constitutes substantial benefits under its own regulations.
4.4 Transparency Goal—The user should document the activities and evaluations performed while using this guide. The documentation is needed to demonstrate the sustainable benefits through public disclosure and transparency. See Section 8 for more information.
4.5 Stakeholder Involvement—The user should engage stakeholders as early as possible in the cleanup process. The planning and scoping phase of the project should identify the perspectives and values of the stakeholders and use that information to inform decision-making (see Guide E2348). Users should consider the input of different stakeholders, including the community, and implement BMPs favored by community members wherever possible. Consideration may include review of and integration into the community’s approved Master Plan.
4.6 Elimination of Uncertainty—Professional judgment, interpretation, and some uncertainty are inherent in the process, even when exercised in accordance with objective scientific principles. In addition, new concepts and methods for integrating sustainable objectives into cleanup results will develop in the future.