Audit Protocol for the Investigation of Contaminated Sites

An environmental audit on an industrial premise employing a due diligence approach was conducted which includes interview, site historical review, soil and groundwater sampling and analysis. The due diligence audit was conducted to ensure that the premise is free from any environmental and regulatory noncompliance, since there is a potential property transaction. Based on the initial investigation comprehending onsite and offsite interviews of workers from neighbouring sites and local authorities, findings indicate that the site is free from any contaminant. Soil and groundwater samplings using borehole soil investigation method and further analysis using Inductive Couple Plasma (ICP) spectrometer for determining heavy metals, showed lead in paint at one location at a value of 870 ppm used in the building. Barium and lead was also detected in soil. Barium was 1020 and 576 ppm at two locations and lead was 914 and 880 ppm soil analysis. Chromium and barium was also detected in groundwater. Chromium was 56 and 63 ppm and barium was 1420 and 3780 ppm for groundwater. The levels of the identified contaminants were compared with the Dutch Intervention (DIV 2000) Standards because Malaysia does not have any heavy metal standards for soil and groundwater contamination on any industrial premise. A risk assessment was made to determine the extent of the potential harm that could arise from the contaminants and the impacts on the occupants on site, the neighbouring sites and the ecosystem. Based on the audit protocol for the investigation of a contaminated site developed in this study indicated that the risk assessment for the site is safe to be used.