Stabilization/solidification is suitable as a permanent remedial measure for hazardous waste sites whenever the performance standards fulfill regulatory requirements and public expectations. The acceptability of performance standards is a function of the compliance points selected for the site, the test methods specified to evaluate the performance of the stabilized waste, and the analytical procedures (models) used to relate test data to performance standards at the compliance points.

Performance standards derive from natural resource or health risk assessments and from the identification and analysis of regulatory requirements. Performance standards also include the minimal acceptable engineering and geotechnical properties of the stabilized waste. The compliance points are the locations where and frequencies when monitoring occurs. Test methods range from fully peer reviewed and approved to nonstandard. Data acquired with approved methods is easier to defend. Nonstandard test methods may address more directly site-specific requirements. Analytical models are used frequently to interpret data. Models range from simple (for example, multiplication by unity) to complex.

Issues related to the regulatory and public acceptance of stabilization or solidification performance standards are discussed.