Clean Fill Evaluations and Development of Soil Import Acceptance Criteria

Path Forward provides expert guidance to soil brokers, construction companies, and real estate developers on the characterization and acceptance of excess soil and fill materials in compliance with environmental regulations. The company specializes in evaluating analytical data for projects requiring imported soil or fill material, and has evaluated millions of cubic yards of soil to date.

Path Forward’s evaluation process is grounded in a site-specific approach that accounts for the unique characteristics of each site. Import-acceptance criteria are developed from a conceptual site model (CSM) and appropriate exposure endpoints. The CSM establishes a detailed understanding of a site’s physical, chemical, and biological features, including the sources and types of contamination present, site hydrogeology, and potential receptors and exposure pathways. From this, exposure endpoints are defined, setting the maximum acceptable contaminant levels for human health and ecological receptors.

This site-specific approach is informed by the general requirements and recommendations of local regulatory agencies, including the Regional Water Quality Control Boards’ Environmental Screening Levels (ESLs) and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s Clean Fill Advisory. Where applicable, Path Forward also incorporates existing site-specific acceptance criteria, ensuring that imported materials meet both state and local requirements.

For soil brokers, construction companies, and real estate developers, this expertise translates directly into value: rigorous evaluation of analytical data and defensible, site-specific acceptance criteria save time and reduce the risk of non-compliance.

Path Forward’s approach, rooted in site-specific criteria, a robust CSM, and clearly defined exposure endpoints, and informed by established regulatory guidance, ensures that imported soil and fill material meets the standards required for safety and compliance. For any project involving imported fill, that evaluation isn’t optional; it’s essential.