After a site is placed on the National Priorities List, a remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) is performed at the site. The purpose of the remedial investigation is to collect data by:

• Characterizing site conditions

• Determining the nature of the waste

• Assess risk to human health and the environment; and

• Conduct treatability testing to evaluate the potential performance and cost of the treatment technologies that are being considered.

The feasibility study serves as the method for the development, screening, and detailed evaluation of alternative actions. The RI and FS process includes these phases:

• Scoping

• Site Characterization

• Development and Screening of Alternatives

• Treatability Investigations; and

• Detailed Analysis

In 1999 the ITEC Superfund Program became one of the first tribal government entities in the nation to conduct a RI/FS, beginning work on the ITEC Tribal RI/FS Pilot Project and the Beaver Creek RI/FS Project. Both projects evaluated the impacts of lead and zinc mine wastes of the Tar Creek Superfund Site on lands and resources of the Quapaw Tribe. ITEC's work on these two projects was completed in 2002.

ITEC performed a Remedial Investigation (RI) for the RI/FS Pilot Project, characterizing the soil contamination on the former Eagle-Picher Mining Company field office property in Cardin, Oklahoma. ITEC conducted extensive soil sampling on the property and performed statistical analyses of the soil sample data, identifying contaminants of potential concern for future evaluation in a human health risk assessment.

ITEC completed a Work Plan for the Beaver Creek RI/FS Project. The Work Plan provides a blueprint for evaluating the impacts of a variety of lead-zinc mine wastes on the aquatic and terrestrial resources of the Beaver Creek watershed and on the health of tribal members who use those resources for food, recreation, and cultural purposes.