Site evaluation, factors considered

Site Selection Factors that must be considered in evaluating potential solid-waste-disposal sites are summarized in Table 25-71. Final selection of a disposal site usually is based on the results of a preliminary site survey, results of engineering design and cost studies, and an environmental-impact assessment. 

Site Selection Factors that must be considered in evaluating potential sites for the disposal of hazardous waste are covered in state and federal regulations. In Cahfornia, landfills where hazardous wastes can be received are referred to as Class I disposal sites. To quahfy as a Class I site, it must be shown that ... 

Other factors that are related to floods should be considered in site evaluation, mainly for their potential effects on water intakes and thereby on safety related items ... 

TABLE 25-57 Factors That Should Be Considered in Evaluating On-Site Processing Equipment... 

The proper location of a plant is as important to its success as the selection of a process. Not only must many tangible factors such as labor supply and raw material sources be carefully considered, but also a number of intangible factors, w hich are more difficult to evaluate. The selection of a plant site must be based on a very detailed study in which all factors are weighed as carefully as possible. Such a study often requires a substantial outlay of capital. 

Factors such as those above may act independently of one another. An evaluation of event frequency should consider all such factors applicable to a specific site. 

If the company is considering expanding its operations at the proposed site, it must be determined whether a proposed site can accommodate not only the plant but the contemplated expansions. To do this all factors listed in Table 2-3 must be evaluated to see that for the enlarged plant none are in short supply. All the land necessary should be bought initially. Once the proposed plant site is announced to the public, all the contiguous land will increase in value. This will be especially true if the company ever gives any hint that it would like to expand. 

Ultimately, the answer to the question of due diligence must be decided at the local level and will depend on a number of considerations. Among other factors, local authorities must decide what level of risk is reasonable in the context of a perceived threat. Careful planning is essential to developing an appropriate response to terrorist threats, and in fact, one primary objective of USEPA s Response Protocol Toolbox (RPTB) is to aid users in the development of their own site-specific plans that are consistent with the needs and responsibilities of the user. Beyond planning, the RPTB considers a careful evaluation of any terrorist threat, and an appropriate response based on the evaluation, to be the most important element of due diligence. 

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