Why do we need to apply a plume irregularity factor when we already make generous estimates of affected soil volumes?
Considerable experience of both industry and government indicates that predictions of affected soil volumes made during remediation planning almost invariably underestimate the actual soil volume requiring treatment. Overestimates of affected soil volumes do occasionally occur but these are relatively rare and generally small. Underestimates of affected soil volumes are common. They can result in underestimates of costs that are orders of magnitude less then the original estimate made. The required inclusion of a plume irregularity factor that is transparent and easily verified is one means of improving the estimation of soil volumes.