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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Risk-based decisionmaking in the DOE: Challenges and status

Conference ·
OSTI ID:240912
; ;  [1]
  1. Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States); and others

The primary mission of the Environmental Management Program is to protect human health and the environment, the first goal of which must be, to address urgent risks and threats. Another is to provide for a safe workplace. Without credible risk assessments and good risk management practices, the central environmental goals cannot be met. Principles for risk analysis which include principles for risk assessment, management, communication, and priority setting were adopted. As recommended, Environmental Management is using risk-based decision making in its budget process and in the implementation of its program. The challenges presented in using a risk-based Decision making process are to integrate risk assessment methods and cultural and social values so as to produce meaningful priorities. The different laws and regulations governing the Department define risk differently in implementing activities to protect human health and the environment, therefore, assumptions and judgements in risk analysis vary. Currently, the Environmental Management Program is developing and improving a framework to incorporate risk into the budget process and to link the budget, compliance requirements and risk reduction/pollution prevention activities.

Research Organization:
Lockheed Idaho Technologies Co., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
OSTI ID:
240912
Report Number(s):
CONF-951209--; ON: DE96005882
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English