1. Definition and objectives

The historical study, as described in this article, consists in identifying the structures, operating procedures or events that existed or occurred at an industrial site in the past, and whose nature presents a potential impact on human health and the environment.

The historical and documentary study has three main components:

• a detailed tour of the site ;

• environmental knowledge of the site, its surroundings and their vulnerability;

• historical analysis of the site.

These elements must allow :

• geographically and chronologically locate the surface areas most likely to be polluted;

• identify the nature of chemical compounds potentially...