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Risk-based cleanup of contaminated property

Journal Article · · Journal of Environmental Health
OSTI ID:234072

Determining appropriate cleanup objectives is a critical first step in remediating contaminated properties. Recently, there has been a trend to use site-specific risk-based cleanup goals instead of standard-based or background levels. When properly planned and conducted, risk-based cleanups protect human health and environmental resources just as effectively as previous criteria. Risk-based cleanup can be less extensive and less costly because site-specific conditions, potential risks, engineering controls and proposed land use are all considered. In 1994, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) published Emergency Standard Guide For Risk-Based Corrective Action Applied at Petroleum Release Sites, which provides a consistent, three-tiered approach for the development of risk-based cleanup goals. Also in 1994, the US EPA published Draft Guidance For Soil Screening Level Framework, which contains guidelines for preliminary risk assessments based on site-specific data. In 1995, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) established a Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) procedure to develop cleanup objectives for the remediation of both soil and groundwater.

OSTI ID:
234072
Journal Information:
Journal of Environmental Health, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Health Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 58; ISSN JEVHAH; ISSN 0022-0892
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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