Presumptive remedies are preferred technologies for common categories of sites based on historical patterns of remedy selection. Their use enables site managers to limit the number of technologies considered, focus data collection, and streamline site assessment, resulting in time and cost savings. As opposed to traditional oversight methods, EPA is now moving to tailor the level of regulatory oversight at a facility to correspond with the complexity of its environmental problems. Rather than applying similar requirements for oversight to all sites, streamlined oversight utilizes streamlining concepts and tools to reduce time frames and save money. Along with streamlined oversight, EPA has worked to improve the cleanup process by promoting innovative technologies for site assessment and remediation.
Innovative technologies have the ability to make cleanups faster, more effective, or less costly.
Examples of innovative technologies include bioremediation, soil venting, and land farming. To spread the word on these technologies, EPA chairs the Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable, a working group of senior officials from federal agencies involved in the development and use of innovative technologies. Since its inception six years ago, the Roundtable has served as an excellent platform for inter-agency cooperation to advance innovation. Them Experience has shown that cleanups improve at Federal facilities when local stakeholders share information and become involved in environmental decision-making. An electronic calendar lists upcoming meetings and conferences.