• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.27 no.spc
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• pp.1-18
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• 2022

A conceptual site model is used to support decision-making of response strategy development, determination, and implementation within a risk-based contaminated site management system. It aims to provide base information of the relevant site characteristics and surface/subsurface conditions in order to understand the contaminants of concern and the associated risk they pose to the receptors. This study delineated the technical details of conceptual site model development, and discussed the possibility of applying it in domestic subsurface contamination management. Conceptual site models can be developed in various formats such as tables, diagrams, flowcharts, and figures. Contaminated sites are managed for a long period of time following the steps of investigation, remediation design, remediation, verification, and post-remedation management. The conceptual site model can be enhanced in each stage of the contaminated site management based on the continuously updated information on the site's subsurface environment. In the process of enhancement for conceptual site model, precision is gradually improved, and it can evolve from a conceptual and qualitative form to a more quantitatvive and three-dimensional model. In soil pollution management, it is desirable to incorporate the conceptual site model into the soil scrutiny system to better assess the current status of the contaminated site and support follow-up investigation and management.