Environmental Characterization

EAS field studies integrate biological- and contaminant-based measures to provide a reality check of environmental quality. Our experts are highly regarded by regulators and stakeholders as a resource for collecting unbiased environmental samples and data to support decision-making processes related to hazardous waste site investigations, and other sites of concern. We conduct field surveys and sampling campaigns for remedial investigation feasibility studies (RIFS), risk assessments, Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA), and public involvement.

Our work includes:

  • designing sampling plans
  • collecting environmental samples
  • designing impact assessment databases
  • developing mitigation alternatives
  • supporting special research needs

Examples of Recent Work

Tiller, B.L., M.J. Hartman, R. Paulsen. 2011. Columbia River Pore Water Sampling in 100-F Area, February 2011. SGW-49575 Revision 0, Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy, Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management by CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company, Richland, Washington.

Newbill, C.A., M.J. Hartman, R. Paulsen, B. L. Tiller. 2011. Columbia River Pore Water Sampling in 100-BC Area, November 2010. SGW-49368 Revision 0, Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy, Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management by CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company, Richland, Washington.

Tiller, B., D. Alexander. 2011. Columbia River Pore Water Sampling in 100-N Area, December 2010. SGW-49370 Revision 0, Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy, Assistant Secretary for Environmental Management by CH2M HILL Plateau Remediation Company, Richland, Washington.

Lerch, J.A., B.L. Tiller, and R.A. Paulsen. 2010. Use of the Trident Probe to Investigate Upwelling Groundwater in the Columbia River Hanford Reach. Platform Presentation, presented at the Waste Management Symposia, Phoenix, AZ, March 7-11, 2010.

Tiller, B.L. 2008. A Mollusk Assessment Along the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River, Washington. Platform Presentation, presented at The Wildlife Society Joint Annual Meeting, March 19-21, 2008. Spokane, WA

James T Markwiese, Brett Tiller, Randall T Ryti, and Roy Bauer. 2008. Using Artificial Burrows to Evaluate Inhalation Risks to Burrowing Mammals. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management —Volume 4, Number 4, pp. 425–430. 2008 SETAC [Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry]. View Article

R.P. Mueller, G.K. Turner, B.L. Tiller, I.D. Welch, and M.D. Bleich. 2011. Assessment of the Species Composition, Densities, and Distribution of Native Freshwater Mussels Along the Benton County Shoreline of the Hanford Reach, Columbia River, 2004. PNNL-19933, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington.

100 and 300 Area Component of the RCBRA [River Corridor Baseline Risk Assessment] Sampling and Analysis Plan. DOE-RL 2005-42 Rev. 1, U.S. Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office, WA.

Sampling Instruction & Analyses Instructions for the 100 Areas & 300 Areas Component of the RCBRA. WCH 47-Rev. 1, Washington Closure Hanford, Richland, WA.

100-NR-2 Groundwater Operable Unit Ecological Risk Assessment Data Quality Objectives Summary Report. WMP-23141, Rev. 0, Fluor Hanford, Richland, WA.

100-B/C Area Ecological Risk Assessment Sampling and Analysis Plan. DOE/RL-2003-08 Rev. 0, U.S. Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office, WA.