Refining the approach: A critical reflection on applying the community capitals framework for site remediation

Effective remediation of sites contaminated due to past or ongoing industrial activities extends beyond balancing residual risk, time and cost; it necessitates a strategy tailored to the historical, social, economic, and cultural characteristics of each site (IAEA, 2024). Given the complexity and variability of contamination challenges, a synergistic approach in the formulation of sustainable remediation strategies or policies is thus crucial, as no single evaluation tool can address all site conditions in a comprehensive way. Instead, achieving sustainable outcomes often requires a combination of evaluation tools, chosen according to the site's specific objectives and supported by adaptive management practices (Grifoni et al., 2022). Adaptive site management strategies enable the development of protective and flexible solutions that evolve alongside the changing conditions of the site (Schirmer et al., 2012; Palma et al., 2020). This adaptability is vital in addressing both ongoing and future challenges in remediation efforts, ensuring that solutions remain effective as new data and circumstances arise. While technical aspects are fundamental to any remediation project, particularly in ensuring safety for both humans and the environment, it is important to recognize that meeting the highest technical standards alone does not guarantee sustainability. For remediation to be truly sustainable, integration with broader environmental, economic, and social considerations is a must (Ellis and Hadley, 2009; Warner et al., 2023). Focusing solely on technical and regulatory compliance without accounting for these wider aspects can result in short-term solutions that fail to secure the long-term well-being of the site and the surrounding community.