4.1 This guide, when used in conjunction with Guide D5730, provides direction to the selection of the various ASTM standards that are available for the investigation of soil, rock, the vadose zone, groundwater, and other media where the investigations have an environmental purpose and are conducted in cold regions of the world. It is intended to improve consistency of practice and to encourage rational planning of a site characterization program by providing information to assist in the design of an environmental reconnaissance or investigation plans. This guide is intended to provide information that will help reduce as much as possible the effect of site investigation operations on areas of frozen ground or permafrost and increase the safety of environmental operations in cold regions.

4.2 This guide presents information and references for site characterization for environmental purposes in cold regions of the world.

1.1 Understanding environmental processes that occur in soil and rock systems in cold regions of the world depends on adequate characterization of not only the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and rock but also the climatic factors under which they exist. Processes of interest may include, but are not limited to, surface and subsurface hydrology, contaminant mobilization, distribution, fate and transport, chemical and biological degradation of wastes, geomorphological, and ecological processes in general.

1.2 This guide should be used in conjunction with Guide D5730.

1.3 This guide describes special problems to be considered when planning field investigations in cold regions. The primary focus of this guide is presenting the special problems and concerns of site characterization in the cold regions of the world.

1.4 Laboratory testing of soil, rock, and groundwater samples is specified by other ASTM standards that are not specifically discussed in this guide. Laboratory methods for measurement of physical properties relevant to environmental investigations are included in Guide D5730.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.6 This guide emphasizes the care that must be taken by all field personnel during operations in tundra and permafrost areas of the world.

1.7 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.