What is a primary reason for conducting site characterization?

Conducting site characterization is crucial primarily to determine the presence and extent of contamination. This process involves detailed assessments of a site to identify hazardous materials, understand the types and concentrations of contaminants, and evaluate the potential risks they pose to human health and the environment. By comprehensively characterizing the site, stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding remediation strategies, regulatory compliance, and public safety measures.

Understanding contamination is vital for several reasons, such as prioritizing cleanup efforts and ensuring that any future development or use of the land will not pose health risks. Site characterization provides the necessary data to evaluate the risks associated with existing contaminants and guides environmental management and policy-making efforts.