Which of these elements is NOT considered in the site remediation scores for soil matrix levels?

The correct answer is the type of vegetation, as it is not typically a factor in assessing site remediation scores for soil matrix levels. Site remediation scores often focus on elements that directly relate to contamination and its potential impact on human health and the environment.

Depth to groundwater is crucial because it determines how quickly and easily contaminants can migrate through the soil and potentially reach the groundwater, where they can pose a risk to drinking water supplies. The sensitivity of the uppermost aquifer is similarly significant; it evaluates the vulnerability of the aquifer to contamination. Potential receptors, which include humans, animals, and ecosystems that might be affected by the contaminants, are also essential criteria for determining the risk posed by contaminated sites.

While vegetation may play a role in overall site assessment or in ecological considerations, it does not directly influence the evaluation of soil matrix levels in the context of remediation scores. Its presence or type does not affect the immediate risks associated with contaminants in the soil, making it less relevant in this specific scoring framework.