Determining target cleanup levels: A risk assessment-based decision process for contaminated sites
- Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
This paper presents methodologies for estimating target cleanup levels at Superfund sites. The methodologies follow those in the EPA Superfund risk assessment guideline but are performed in reverse order. This is done to determine cleanup levels that correspond to reference doses for noncarcinogens or to a reference risk level for carcinogens as recommended by the US EPA. The target cleanup levels thus derived should be considered adequate to protect public health when multiple pathways of exposure to contaminants in air, soil, food, and water are possible. The transient nature of contaminant concentrations in soil, subject to change over time due to volatilization, leaching, and other phenomena, is also addressed. An example is given which indicates that when the exposure is attributable predominantly to a single pathway, the calculation needed for estimating the target cleanup levels can be considerably simplified. 19 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 6991692
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Environmental Science and Engineering; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Environmental Science and Engineering; (United States) Vol. 27:3; ISSN JESEDU; ISSN 0360-1226
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
290300 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Environment
Health
& Safety
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
CONTROL
DECISION MAKING
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
LAWS
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLLUTION LAWS
PUBLIC HEALTH
RISK ASSESSMENT
US SUPERFUND