A conceptual site model (CSM) of environmental contamination will provide detailed information about the environmental conditions you will encounter at a specific site. This includes physical, chemical, or biological elements that could impact on both the presence of and movement of contaminants at the site. CSMs are designed to evolve and should be considered as a framework in which old and new data are collated to understand and manage and where possible, act upon, to remediate environmental contamination.
There are several reasons for CSMs which include providing a detailed depiction of the site from which the limitations of the site moving forward can be better understood as well as risks to human health and life. Remediation planning and regulatory compliance identify target areas whilst ensuring that any work undertaken complies with and is documented.
Developing a CSM needs to take into consideration several different viewpoints. It begins with data collection, both historic and current, and can involve sampling and monitoring. This data can then be collated to build the actual model, following on from which visual representation can be developed. This can include graphs and site maps. The engagement of stakeholders also is key to this process to ensure transparency.
