In hazardous waste operations, what does 'remediation' mean?

Remediation refers specifically to the process of cleaning up contaminated sites and restoring them to safe conditions. This entails various activities aimed at removing or neutralizing hazardous substances from the environment, such as soil or water, so that the area can be safely used for its intended purpose, whether for human habitation, recreational use, or industrial activities.

Successful remediation often involves a combination of techniques, including physical removal of contaminants, chemical treatments to neutralize pollutants, and biological methods that use living organisms to degrade hazardous substances. The end goal of these efforts is to protect public health and the environment.

In this context, the other choices do not accurately define remediation. Transporting waste is a logistical activity critical in hazardous waste management but does not involve cleaning contaminated areas. Assessing waste disposal techniques pertains to evaluating how waste is handled rather than actively restoring sites. Lastly, training workers is essential for ensuring safety and compliance in hazardous waste operations but does not relate to the process of site cleanup itself.