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OPPT Exposure Models
More on Cross-Cutting Programs
OPPT has a number of computer-based models which are used in the absence of measured data to estimate exposure. The Estimated Programs Interface (EPI) Suite™ model is used to provide screening-level estimates of physical/chemical and environmental fate and transport properties for chemicals. These properties are important in understanding how a chemical will behave in the environment and are informative in assessing exposure. OPPT uses this information to support regulatory decisions in its New Chemicals Program and in assessing existing chemicals.
The Internet Geographic Exposure Modeling System (IGEMS) brings together in one system several EPA environmental fate and transport models and some of the environmental data needed to run them.
ReachScan estimates surface water chemical concentrations and populations served by drinking water utilities downstream from industrial facilities.
Accomplishments
- EPA received the final report of the Science Advisory Board peer review of EPI Suite™ (PDF) (60pp, 472KB, About PDF) in September 2007, which included comments on current and potential uses of the software and recommendations for improvements in the software’s scope, accuracy, and ease of operations. OPPT has begun to implement changes to EPI Suite™ based on comments received from the SAB.
- In 2007 OPPT worked on developing a new version of IGEMS, which will be available to the public in June 2008. The new version will include features designed to enable communities to use IGEMS for local assessments.
- OPPT has identified an existing model which can be customized to perform the functions of the old ReachScan, and is investigating approaches for using the National Hydrography Dataset.
Read more about EPI Suite™, IGEMS, and ReachScan and other OPPT exposure models.