Waste and Cleanup Risk Assessment
Documents A to Z
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Z
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Acute Dose-Response
Sources of Acute Dose-Response Information
Hazard identification and dose-response assessment information for acute exposure was obtained from various sources. -
Ambient Water Quality Criteria
EPA's compilation of national recommended water quality criteria for approximately 150 pollutants presented as a summary table of recommended water quality values for the protection of aquatic life and human health in surface water. -
Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements (ARARs)
Enforceable substantive standards, requirements, criteria or limitations borrowed from other federal or state statutes and regulations that are incorporated into a remedial or final removal action.Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements Documents
Clarification of the Role of ARARs in Establishing Preliminary Remedial Goals under CERCLA (PDF)
(4 pp, 412K, About PDF) August 1997
This memorandum clarifies the relationship between the two key remedy selection mandates of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA). -
Arsenic
A semi-metal element that is odorless and tasteless. Exposure to arsenic can cause both short and long term health effects.Arsenic in the Environment: Health Effects and Risk Assessment (PDF) (20 pp, 163K, About PDF)
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Asbestos
A naturally occurring silicate mineral with long, thin fibrous crystals. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses.Asbestos - Why Do You Need to be Concerned?
Addressing Asbestos at Superfund Sites
Hazard Summary - Asbestos
An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality - Asbestos
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Background Contamination
The level of hazardous substances in environmental media that has a source other than releases from a regulated facility or site, e.g. naturally occurring substances.Guidance for Comparing Background and Chemical Concentrations in Soil for CERCLA Sites (PDF)
(89 pp, 1.3MB, About PDF) September 2002
This document provides guidance to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regions concerning how the Agency intends to exercise its discretion in implementing one aspect of the CERCLA remedy selection process. The guidance is designed to implement national policy on these issues.Role of Background in the CERCLA Clean-up Program (PDF)
(3 pp, 40K, About PDF) April 2002
This document clarifies the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) preferred approach for the consideration of background constituent concentrations of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants in certain steps of the remedy selection process, such as risk assessment and risk management, at Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or "Superfund") sites. -
Benchmark Dose
A quantitative approach for defining the point of departure in a dose-response assessment for non-cancer health effects.Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS)
EPA has released the BMDS Version 2.1, a tool which is used to facilitate the application of benchmark dose methods to EPA hazardous pollutant risk assessments.Benchmark Dose Technical Support Document External Review Draft (PDF)
(96 pp, 812K, About PDF) NCEA-F-0000, October 2000
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for the Agency and the outside community on the application of the benchmark dose approach to determining the point of departure (POD) for linear or nonlinear extrapolation of health effects data.Use of the Benchmark Dose Approach in Health Risk Assessment
EPA/630/R-94/007, 1995
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) frequently calculates a reference dose (RfD) or reference concentration (RfC), which is used along with other scientific information in setting standards for noncancer human health effects. -
Bioavailability of Soil
Bioavailability is the amount of a contaminant that is absorbed into the body following skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Relative bioavailability is how much of a contaminant is absorbed from soil as compared to how much of that contaminant is absorbed from food or water.Assessing Relative Bioavailability in Soil at Superfund Sites
Report of Bioavailability on Chemical Wastes with Respect to the Potential for Soil Bioavailability (PDF)
(131 pp, 739K About PDF)Passive Sampling Devices (PSDs) for Bioavailability Screening of Soils Containing Petrochemicals
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Biokinetic Model for Lead (IEUBK)
A dose-response model that uses children's environmental lead exposures to estimate risk of elevated blood lead through estimation of lead body burdens in a mass balance framework. -
Biological Technical Assistance Group (BTAG)
A group of scientists established by EPA Regions to advise and assist Superfund site managers with studies and assessments for determining ecological effects and protective remedial and removal actions.Briefing the BTAG: Initial Description of Setting, History and Ecology of a Site (PDF)
(11 pp, 289K, About PDF) Eco Update, August 1992
This EcoUpdate bulletin focuses on the first meeting between a Remedial Project Manager and the BTAG, during which there is an initial exchange of information and guidance.
Role
of BTAGs in Ecological Assessment (PDF)
(4 pp, 364K,
About PDF) Eco Update, September 1991
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the responsibilities and activities
of the BTAG: a group of scientists established to aid remedial project
managers.
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Cancer Risk Assessment
Handbook for Implementing the Supplemental Cancer Guidance at Waste and Cleanup Sites
Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment
2005
The Guidelines provide a framework to EPA scientists for assessing possible cancer risks from exposures to pollutants or other agents in the environment. They will also inform Agency decision makers and the public about these recommended procedures. -
Chemical Mixtures
The simultaneous existence in environmental media at a given location of more than one hazardous substance. EPA is interested in the assessment of health risks from chemical mixtures because most exposures to released substances occur that way. The assessment of the health risk from chemical mixtures is much more complex than single-chemical assessments.Guidelines for the Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Mixtures (PDF)
(38 pp, 300K, About PDF) Federal Register 51(185):34014-34025, 1986
The guidelines are intended to guide Agency analysis of information relating to health effects data on chemical mixtures in line with the policies and procedures established in the statues administered by the EPA.Supplementary Guidance for Conducting Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Mixtures (PDF)
(209pp, 1.29MB, About PDF) EPA630-R-00-002, August 2001
This document is a supplement to the EPA Guidelines for the Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Mixtures of 1986. -
Children's Health
Since children have biological and behavior factors different from adults that relate to chemical exposure and toxicity, their health is given special consideration in EPA guidance and risk assessments.Indoor Air Quality Children's Health Resources
America's Children and the Environment (ACE)
Policy on Evaluating Health Risks to Children
EPA policy to consider the risks to infants and children consistently and explicitly as a part of risk assessments generated during decision making process, including the setting of standards to protect public health and the environment. -
Clean-Up Levels
The concentrations of substances in environmental media projected and/or achieved by remedial and removal actions that are protective of human health and the environment.Establishment of Clean-up Levels for CERCLA Sites with Radioactive Contamination (PDF)
(20 pp, 1.12MB, About PDF) August 1997
This memorandum presents clarifying guidance for establishing protective clean-up levels for radioactive contamination at Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980.Soil Clean-up Criteria in 40 CFR Part 192 Uranium Mine Tailings Radiation Control Act
OSWER Directive 9200.4-25, February 1998 -
Community Guides
Documents prepared by EPA for communities explaining the Superfund process and how citizens can become involved.A Community Guide to Superfund Risk Assessment
December 1999A Community Guide to Superfund Risk Assessment, Spanish Version
December 1999 -
Cumulative Risk Assessment
The developing EPA process for assessing the combined risks from exposure to multiple chemicals and other stressors from a variety of sources to individuals as wells as communities and populations.Guidance on Cumulative Risk Assessment. Part 1. Planning and Scoping (PDF)
(11 pp, 123K, About PDF) July 1997
This guidance directs each office to take into account cumulative risk issues in scoping and planning major risk assessments and to consider a broader scope that integrates multiple sources, effects, pathways, stressors and populations for cumulative risk analyses in all cases for which relevant data are available.
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Data Usability Guidance
Guidance for Data Usability in Risk Assessment
These guidance documenst are designed to provide data users with a nationally consistent basis for making decisions about the minimum quality and quantity of environmental analytical data that are sufficient to support Superfund risk assessment decisions -
Dioxin
A group of related chlorinated compounds with varying degrees of toxicity and no know beneficial use. They are inadvertent products of certain commercial processes and incineration that have contaminated environmental media and many life forms including humans.Approach for Addressing Dioxin in Soil and CERCLA and RCRA Sites (PDF)
(6 pp, 24K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9200.4-26, April 1998
The purpose of this document is to recommend preliminary remediation goals (PRGs), or starting points for cleaning up dioxin in soil. -
Drinking Water
Any fresh water that is consumed by humans whether treated or untreated.Current Drinking Water Standards
List of regulated contaminants with links for more details.Use of Uranium Drinking Water Standards under 40 CFR 141 and 40 CFR 192 as Remediation Goals for Groundwater at CERCLA Sites (PDF) (11 pp, 420K, About PDF) November 2001
Memo addressing the use of uranium standards when establishing remediation goals in groundwater in CERCLA (Superfund) sites that may be current or future sources of drinking water.
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Ecological: Planning and Scoping
This is the stage in the Ecological Risk Assessment process where it is determined what the extent of the problem is likely to be. The scope of US EPA risk assessments describes what is currently known about the environmental risk at a particular site that will (or can) be analyzed. The scope is defined according to who or what is at risk of adverse effects from identifiable sources and stressors through several routes of exposure over varied time frames.Role of BTAGs in Ecological Assessment
(PDF, 4 pp, 364K, About PDF) Eco Update, September 1991
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the responsibilities and activities of the BTAG: a group of scientists established to aid remedial project managers.Briefing the BTAG: Initial Description of Setting, History and Ecology of a Site
(PDF, 11 pp, 289K, About PDF) Eco Update August 1992
This EcoUpdate bulletin focuses on the first meeting between a Remedial Project Manager and the BTAG, during which there is an initial exchange of information and guidance.Cumulative Risk Assessment Guidance-Phase I Planning and Scoping
Memo introducing guidance for all EPA offices on cumulative risk assessment.Developing a Scope of Work for Ecological Assessments
(PDF, 13 pp, 100K, About PDF) Eco Update, May 1992
This EcoUpdate bulletin helps Remedial Project Managers to plan and manage ecological assessments as part of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility process.Ecological Assessment of Superfund Sites: An Overview
(PDF, 8 pp, 67K, About PDF) Eco Update, December 1991
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the components of the ecological risk assessment process and how they fit into the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study process.Ecological Risk Assessment and Risk Management Principles for Superfund Sites
(PDF, 9 pp, 1MB, About PDF) October 1999
Guidance intended to help Superfund project managers to make ecological assessment decisions that are consistent across the United States and are transparent to the public.Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund: Process for Designing and Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments
EPA 540-R-97-006, June 1997
These proposed guidelines are EPA's first Agency-Wide Ecological Risk Assessment Guidelines. They are broad in scope, providing general principles and providing numerous examples to show how ecological risk assessment can be applied to a wide range of systems, stressors, and biological spatial/temporal scales.Data Usability in Risk Assessment
Guidelines for Characterizing Background Chemicals in Soil at Superfund Sites (External Peer Review Draft (PDF))
(89 pp, 1.3MB, About PDF) June 2001
This document provides guidance to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regions concerning how the Agency intends to exercise its discretion in implementing one aspect of the CERCLA remedy selection process. The guidance is designed to implement national policy on these issues.Guidelines for Ecological Risk Assessment
These Agency-wide guidelines are provided to improve the quality and consistency of EPA's ecological risk assessments. The Guidelines expand on and replace the 1992 report Framework for Ecological Risk Assessment.National Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria
Planning for Ecological Risk Assessment: Developing Management Objectives, External Review Draft
EPA/630/R-01/001A.(Revised) Policy on Performance of Risk Assessments During RI/FSs Conducted by PRPs (PDF)
( 3 pp, 44K, About PDF)
As part of the recently announced administrative reforms to the Superfund program, the Administrator stated that EPA would reaffirm its commitment to "allow PRP's to conduct risk assessments under proper circumstances as part of the overall site study (RI/FS)." This memorandum announces EPA's revised policy on allowing PRP's to conduct the risk assessment portion of the RI/FS.Role of Background in the CERCLA Clean-up Program (PDF)
(3 pp, 40K, About PDF) April 2002
This document clarifies the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) preferred approach for the consideration of background constituent concentrations of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants in certain steps of the remedy selection process, such as risk assessment and risk management, at Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or "Superfund") sites.Role of Screening Level Risk Assessment and Refining COCs (Chemicals or Contaminants of Concern) in Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (PDF)
(4 pp, 364K, About PDF) 2001
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the process and purpose of the screening level ecological risk assessment, which is the first steps in a ecological risk assessment at a site, and how the list of COCs can be refined to include only those contaminants that may pose a risk.The Role of Natural Resource Trustees in the Superfund Process (PDF)
(10 pp, 191K, About PDF) Eco Update, March 1992
This EcoUpdate bulletin is intended to help project managers to work with Natural Resource Trustees, explaining the responsibilities and authorities of those trustees and those of the Remedial Project Managers and On-Scene Coordinators with respect to those trustees. -
Ecological: Problem Formulation
Problem Formulation includes the development of a conceptual model: a representation of how the particular contaminants at a site are expected to behave in the environment. The purpose of the problem formulation and the conceptual model is used to narrow attention to the animals and/or plants likely to be exposed to the contaminants at the site.Ecological Assessment of Superfund Sites: An Overview (PDF)
(8 pp, 67K, About PDF ) Eco Update, December 1991
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the components of the ecological risk assessment process and how they fit into the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study process.Ecological Risk Assessment and Risk Management Principles for Superfund Sites, (Issuance of Final Guidance) (PDF)
(9 pp, 1MB, About PDF) October 1999
Guidance intended to help Superfund project managers to make ecological assessment decisions that are consistent across the United States and are transparent to the public.Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund: Process for Designing and Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments - Interim Final
EPA 540-R-97-006, June 1997
These proposed guidelines are EPA's first Agency-Wide Ecological Risk Assessment Guidelines. They are broad in scope, providing general principles and providing numerous examples to show how ecological risk assessment can be applied to a wide range of systems, stressors, and biological spatial/temporal scales.Guidelines for Ecological Risk Assessment
These Agency-wide guidelines are provided to improve the quality and consistency of EPA's ecological risk assessments. The Guidelines expand on and replace the 1992 report Framework for Ecological Risk Assessment.Role of Screening Level Risk Assessment and Refining COCs (Chemicals or Contaminants of Concern) in Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (PDF)
(4 pp, 364K, About PDF) 2001
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the process and purpose of the screening level ecological risk assessment, which is the first steps in a ecological risk assessment at a site, and how the list of COCs can be refined to include only those contaminants that may pose a risk.Role of the Ecological Risk Assessment in the Baseline Risk Assessment (PDF)
(2 pp, 180K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9285.7-17, August 1994
Describes the process and purpose of baseline ecological risk assessments, which, if required, come after screening level risk assessments.Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment Protocol
1999
This is a guidance document that describes the process used in conducting ecological risk assessments at Hazardous Waste Combustion Facilities.Greenbook Pesticide Labels and MSDS, EPA's Pesticide Program, PPIS Data, Biopesticides, and RED Pesticide Summaries
EPA pesticide news stories, summaries, and featured sites.SW-846, Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods
SW-846 contains over 200 documents, including the Table of Contents, Disclaimer, Preface, Chapters One through Thirteen, and many different methods for the sampling and analysis of wastes. All of the documents found in the Third Edition of SW-846, as updated by Updates I, II, IIA, IIB, III and IIIA, are located at this site.ATSDR's Toxicological Profiles
Link to information on toxicological effects caused by hazardous chemicals found at National Priorities List site.DEQ Information
Link to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Division of Environmental Quality.The DOE Technical Standard, A Graded Approach for Evaluating Radiation Doses to Aquatic and Terrestrial Biota and the RAD-BCG Calculator
Link to Department of Energy's procedure for investigating radiation exposure to aquatic and land plants and animals.EC Info and Literature From Region 2 EC Program
Link to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Environmental Contaminants program.Guidelines for Interpretation of Residues in Biota, Water, and Sediments from USGS-BRD
National Irrigation Water Quality Program, Department of the InteriorNational Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
A cooperative effort of Oregon State University and the U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyOak Ridge National Laboratory - Ecological Risk Analysis: Tools and Applications
Link to guidance, screening benchmarks for various categories of plants and wildlife, and examples of completed ecological risk assessments.Oak Ridge National Laboratory: Toxicology and Risk Analysis Section
The Risk Information Web Server is part of the Toxicology and Risk Analysis Section, in the Life Sciences Division, at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Page lists several information resources.PCB Review by Heidi Fieldler
A general overview of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs).TOXNET (including TRI), Extoxnet and Extoxnet-pesticides
Provides a variety of information about pesticides.USDA Pesticide Info
Each fact sheet (issued by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service) provides information on forest and land management uses, environmental and human health effects, and safety precautions for various pesticides and their formulations.USGS - Contaminant Reviews
Contains the 35 reports in the Contaminant Hazard Reviews (CHR) originally published between 1985 and 1999 in the U.S. Dept. of the Interior Biological Report series, which include information on selected inorganic and organic chemicals and ionizing radiation.USGS Acute Toxicity Database
This database summarizes the results from aquatic acute toxicity tests conducted by the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center located in Columbia, Missouri. The acute toxicity test provides a relative starting point for hazard assessment of contaminants and is required for federal chemical registration programs. -
Ecological Risk Assessment
An ecological risk assessment is a process in which to evaluate the adverse effects that human activities and pollutants have on the plants and animals that make up our ecosystems, the information gathered is used to help make environmental decisionhs.Notification and Coordination with Natural Resource Trustees Ecological Risk Assessment
This information is provided for Natural Resource Trustees and the general public to facilitate their understanding of the Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) process.Developing a Scope of Work for Ecological Assessments (PDF)
(13 pp, 100K, About PDF) Eco Update, May 1992
This EcoUpdate bulletin helps Remedial Project Managers to plan and manage ecological assessments as part of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility process.Ecological Assessment of Superfund Sites: An Overview (PDF)
(8 pp, 67K, About PDF) Eco Update, December 1991
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the components of the ecological risk assessment process and how they fit into the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study process.Ecological Risk Assessment and Risk Management Principles for Superfund Sites (PDF)
(9 pp, 1MB, About PDF)
Guidance intended to help Superfund project managers to make ecological assessment decisions that are consistent across the United States and are transparent to the public.Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund: Process for Designing and Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments - Interim Final
EPA 540-R-97-006, June 1997
This document provides guidance on how to design and conduct consistent and technically defensible ecological risk assessments for the Superfund program.Guidelines for Ecological Risk Assessment
These Agency-wide guidelines are provided to improve the quality and consistency of EPA's ecological risk assessments. The Guidelines expand on and replace the 1992 report Framework for Ecological Risk AssessmentPreliminary Remediation Goals for Ecological Endpoints (PDF)
(41 pp, 140K, About PDF), August 2000
Eco Update, Preliminary Remediation Goals are upper concentration limits of specific chemicals that are expected to be protective of human health or the environment and are useful in risk assessment and decision making at Superfund sites.Role of the Ecological Risk Assessment in the Baseline Risk Assessment (PDF)
(2 pp, 180MB, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9285.7-17, August 1994
Describes the process and purpose of baseline ecological risk assessments, which, if required, come after screening level risk assessments.NESHAPS - Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Standards
1999
This is a guidance document that describes the process used in conducting ecological risk assessments at Hazardous Waste Combustion Facilities.The Role of Screening-Level Risk Assessments and Refining Contaminants of Concern in Baseline Ecological Risk Assessments (PDF)
(4 pp, 364K, About PDF) June 2001 -
Ecological Risk Characterization
Risk characterization is the final step of the ecological risk assessment process and includes two major components: risk estimation and risk description. Risk estimation combines exposure profiles and exposure-effects. Risk description provides information important for interpreting the risk results and identifies a level for harmful effects on the plants and animals that may have been affected.Ecological Risk Assessment and Risk Management Principles for Superfund Sites (PDF)
(9 pp, 1MB, About PDF), October 1999Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund: Process for Designing and Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments - Interim Final
EPA 540-R-97-006, June 1997
These proposed guidelines are EPA's first Agency-Wide Ecological Risk Assessment Guidelines. They are broad in scope, providing general principles and providing numerous examples to show how ecological risk assessment can be applied to a wide range of systems, stressors, and biological spatial/temporal scales.Ecological Assessment of Superfund Sites: An Overview (PDF)
(8 pp, 67K, About PDF) Eco Update December, 1991
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the components of the ecological risk assessment process and how they fit into the Remedial Investigation/Feasibilit Study process.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Risk Characterization Program
1995Guidanceon Cumulative Risk Assessment. Part 1. Planning and Scoping
July 1997
Science Policy Council. U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyGuidance on Risk Characterization for Risk Managers and Risk Assessors
1992Guidelines for Ecological Risk Assessment
EPA/630/R-95/002F, April 1998
These Agency-wide guidelines are provided to improve the quality and consistency of EPA's ecological risk assessments. The Guidelines expand on and replace the 1992 report Framework for Ecological Risk Assessment.Policy for Use of Probabilistic Analysis in Risk Assessment
Guiding Principles for Monte Carlo Analysis
Science Policy Council Handbook: Risk Characterization (PDF)
(189 pp, 9MB, About PDF)Supplement to Part A: Community Involvement in Superfund Risk Assessments
1999
The purpose of this guidance document is to provide the site team--risk assessor, remedial project manager (RPM), and community involvement coordinator--with information to improve community involvement in the Superfund risk assessment process.Role of the Ecological Risk Assessment in the Baseline Risk Assessment (PDF)
(2 pp, 180K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9285.7-17, August 1994
Describes the process and purpose of baseline ecological risk assessments, which, if required, come after screening level risk assessments.Role of Screening Level Risk Assessment and Refining COCs (Chemicals or Contaminants of Concern) in Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (PDF)
(4 pp, 364K, About PDF) 2001
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the process and purpose of the screening level ecological risk assessment, which is the first steps in a ecological risk assessment at a site, and how the list of COCs can be refined to include only those contaminants that may pose a risk.EPA Region 5 Ecology Technical Center Ecological Risk Assessment
Overview of ecological risk assessment process in Superfund, regional case studies, toxicity profiles, and regional contacts.Oak Ridge National Laboratory - Ecological Risk Analysis Guidance, Tools and Applications
Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance
Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance is a freeware program developed at the University of Tennessee with funding from EPA, NRC, and DOE that provides comprehensive risk assessment tools in a spatial modeling environment. Risk assessors can use SADA to perform traditional risk assessment PRG calculations, PRG screens, and forward human health calculations for one or more contaminants. Users have complete control over all toxicological data, physical properties, and landuse/pathway exposure parameters to create site specific risk assessments. In addition, the risk models are integrated with SADA's spatial analysis tools, decision frameworks,and sample design strategies allowing users drive a risk based characterization from a preliminary initial sample design through a final feasibility study. In addition, SADA allows users to import their own site or region specific screening or decision threshold values separately from SADA's own risk modeling tools. -
Ecological: Stressor Response and Exposure Analysis
Stressor Response and Exposure Analysis is the quantitative (statistical) determination of what plants and animals are exposed and to what degree they are exposed and if that level of exposure is likely or not to cause harmful ecological effects.Ecological Assessment of Superfund Sites: An Overview (PDF)
(8 pp, 67K, About PDF) Eco Update, December 1991
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the components of the ecological risk assessment process and how they fit into the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study process.Ecological Risk Assessment and Risk Management Principles for Superfund Sites (PDF)
(9 pp, 1MB, About PDF) October 1999
Guidance intended to help Superfund project managers to make ecological assessment decisions that are consistent across the United States and are transparent to the public.Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund: Process for Designing and Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments - Interim Final
EPA 540-R-97-006, June 1997
These proposed guidelines are EPA's first Agency-Wide Ecological Risk Assessment Guidelines. They are broad in scope, providing general principles and providing numerous examples to show how ecological risk assessment can be applied to a wide range of systems, stressors, and biological spatial/temporal scales.Guidelines for Ecological Risk Assessment
These Agency-wide guidelines are provided to improve the quality and consistency of EPA's ecological risk assessments. The Guidelines expand on and replace the 1992 report Framework for Ecological Risk Assessment.NOAA Screening Quick Reference Tables
NOAA has developed a set of Screening Quick Reference Tables, or Squirts, that present screening concentrations for inorganic and organic contaminants in various environmental media (water, sediment, and soil). The Squirts also include guidelines for preserving samples and analytical technique options.Peer Review Workshop Report on Ecological Soil Screening Levels (PDF)
(52 pp, 103K, About PDF)
This document is a summary of the Peer Review Workshop on Ecological Soil Screening Levels.Region 5 RCRA Corrective Action Ecological Data Quality Levels
These are concentration levels that can be used in screening level ecological risk assessments.Role of Screening Level Risk Assessment and Refining COCs (Chemicals or Contaminants of Concern) in Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (PDF)
(4 pp, 364K, About PDF) 2001
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the process and purpose of the screening level ecological risk assessment, which is the first steps in a ecological risk assessment at a site, and how the list of COCs can be refined to include only those contaminants that may pose a risk.Role of the Ecological Risk Assessment in the Baseline Risk Assessment (PDF)
(2 pp, 180K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9285.7-17, August 1994
Describes the process and purpose of baseline ecological risk assessments, which, if required, come after screening level risk assessments.NESHAPS - Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Standards
1999
This is a guidance document that describes the process used in conducting ecological risk assessments at Hazardous Waste Combustion Facilities.Using Toxicity Tests in Ecological Risk Assessment (PDF)
(12 pp, 455K, About PDF) Eco Update, March 1994
An EcoUpdate Bulletin that describes the purpose and process of toxicity testing in ecological risk assessments.Wildlife Exposure Factors Handbook (PDF)
(43 pp, 388K, About PDF) EPA/600/R-93/187, December 1993
The bulk of this document summarizes literature information on exposure factors for wildlife, including homerange sizes, food and water intake rates, types of food consumed, body weights, etc.ECOTOX Database System
The ECOTOX (ECOTOXicology) database provides single chemical toxicity information for aquatic and terrestrial life. ECOTOX is a useful tool for examining impacts of chemicals on the environment.ECOTOX Thresholds
EPA 540/F-95/038, Eco Update, Jan 1996
Web site containing information on EPA's Ecotox Thresholds, which are benchmark values for chemicals commonly found in surface water, sediments, and soil.EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment, Guide to Current Literature on Exposure Factors
Web site summarizing sources of latest information on exposure factors.EPA Region 3 RBCs
Website with information on cancer risk, and screening for human health risk assessment.EPA Region 4 Supplements to RAGS
Information on regional risk assessment (human health and ecological) as well as regional contacts and screening values.EPA Region 5 Ecological Risk Assessment & the Ecological Technical Center
Overview of ecological risk assessment process in Superfund, regional case studies, toxicity profiles, and regional contacts.USGS Wildlife and Contaminants
Summary information in the database includes species, collection date, site coordinates, estuary name, hydrologic unit catalog code, sample matrix, contaminant concentrations, biomarker and bioindicator responses, and reference source.U.S. Department of the Interior National Irrigation Water Quality Program
Oak Ridge National Laboratory:Guidance, Toxicology and Risk Analysis Section
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the components of the ecological risk assessment process and how they fit into the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study process.Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistant
A software (freeware) tool designed to aid in ecological risk assessments with a spatial component.USACE Environmental Residue Effects Database
A compilation of data, taken from the literature, where biological effects (e.g., reduced survival, growth, etc.) and tissue contaminant concentrations were simultaneously measured in the same organism.USGS Acute Toxicity Database
This database summarizes the results from aquatic acute toxicity tests conducted by the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center located in Columbia, Missouri. The acute toxicity test provides a relative starting point for hazard assessment of contaminants and is required for federal chemical registration programs.USGS - Contaminant Reviews
Contains the 35 reports in the Contaminant Hazard Reviews (CHR) originally published between 1985 and 1999 in the U.S. Dept. of the Interior Biological Report series, which include information on selected inorganic and organic chemicals and ionizing radiation.USGS Upper Miss/IL Sediment Database
Contains sediment-contaminant data (44 data sets from a total of 3950 analyzed sediment samples collected from 1974 through 2000 from the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and their tributaries) of known quality in a readily accessible formatWildlife Exposure and Toxicity Factors for California Wildlife (searchable)
A compilation of exposure factors (i.e., ecological and physiological data) and toxicity data for a number of California mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles. -
ECO Update Bulletin Series
EcoUpdates are a series of bulletins which provide information on various aspects of Ecological Risk Assessments, including toxicity testing, the role of the Biological Technical Assistance Group (BTAG), field studies, and screening level risk assessments. -
Exposure Factor
The numerical variables in assumptions and measurements utilized in arriving at exposure doses to substances from all pathways and routes of exposure considered in a risk assessment.Exposure Factor Handbook
The Exposure Factors Handbook provides a summary of the available statistical data on various factors used in assessing human exposure. This Handbook is addressed to exposure assessors inside the Agency as well as outside, who need to obtain data on standard factors to calculate human exposure to toxic chemicals.Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) Part A
Children’s Exposure Assessment
Toxicity and Exposure Assessment for Children’s Health (TEACH)
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Human Health: Acute Hazards
Human Health Acute Hazards are conditions that create the potential for injury or damage to occur as a result of an instantaneous or short duration exposure to the effects of an accidental release.NESHAPS - Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Standards
National Library of Medicine (NLM) Hazardous Substances Data Bank
Broad scope in human and animal toxicity, safety and handling, environmental fate, and more. Scientifically peer-reviewed. -
Human Health: Exposure Assessment
Exposure Assessment is the estimation (qualitative or quantitative) of the magnitude, frequency, duration, and route of exposure. Exposure occurs when there are complete pathways between a chemical or physical agent and humans. Exposure assessments may consider past, present, and future exposures using varying assessment techniques.Cumulative Risk Assessment Program
First link is to memo directing use of this guidance and second link is directly to the guidance. This guidance directs each office to take into account cumulative risk issues in scoping and planning major risk assessments and to consider a broader scope that integrates multiple sources, effects, pathways, stressors and populations for cumulative risk analyses in all cases for which relevant data are available.The EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics Exposure Assessment Tools and Models
Estimation Program Interface ("EPI") software which provides physical and chemical properties on contaminants.Exposure Factor Handbook
The Handbook provides a summary of the available statistical data on various factors used in assessing human exposure.The EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment's 2008 Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook
Summary Report of a Peer Involvement Workshop on the Development of an Exposure Factors Handbook for the Aging
February 2007Human Health Evaluation Manual (PDF)
(14 pp, 75K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9285.6-03, June 1991
Supplemental Guidance, Standard Default Exposure FactorsAddressing Lead at Superfund Sites
Lead contamination at Superfund sites presents a threat to human health and the environment. This Web site describes EPA’s approach to addressing those risks, and the challenges of remediating lead contamination at Superfund sites.Policy on Evaluating Health Risks to Children
October 20, 1995
From Administrator Carole Browner to: Assistant Administrators, General Counsel, Inspector General, Associate Administrators and Regional AdministratorsRadiation Risk Assessment Guidance (PDF)
(37 pp, 1MB, About PDF)
This chapter provides supplemental baseline risk assessment guidance for use at sites contaminated with radioactive substances that are included on the National Priorities List (NPL).Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume I
Part A 1989
Part B 1991
Part C 1991
Part D 2001
Part E 2004
Part F 2009
Supplement to Part A: Community Involvement in Superfund Risk Assessments 1999
The purpose of this guidance document is to provide the site team--risk assessor, remedial project manager (RPM), and community involvement coordinator --with information to improve community involvement in the Superfund risk assessment process.Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume I: Human Health Evaluation Manual (PDF)
(28 pp, 133K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9285.6-03, March 1991
Supplemental Guidance, Standard Default Exposure FactorsVapor Intrusion Guidance
OSWER Draft Guidance for Evaluating the Vapor Intrusion to Indoor Air Pathway from Groundwater and Soils (Subsurface Vapor Intrusion Guidance). Provides current technical and policy recommendations on determining if the vapor intrusion pathway poses an unacceptable risk to human health at clean-up sites.Region/ORD Workshop on Inhalation Risk Assessment: A Superfund Focus, Summary Report, September 9-12, 2003 (PDF)
(68 pp, 618K, About PDF)EPA Superfund's "Process for Conducting Probabilistic Risk Assessment, RAGS Volume III, Part A
EPA 540-R-02-002, December 2001EPA Radiation Risk Assessment Guidance for CERCLA Sites
US EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment, Guide to Current Literature on Exposure Factors
Web site summarizing sources of latest information on exposure factors. -
Human Health: Planning and Scoping
This is the stage in the Risk Assessment process where it is determined what the extent of the problem is likely to be. The scope of ssessments describes what is currently known about the environmental risk at a particular site that will (or can) be analyzed. The scope is defined according to who or what is at risk of adverse effects from identifiable sources and stressors through several routes of exposure over varied time frames.Approach for Addressing Dioxin in Soil and CERCLA and RCRA Sites (PDF)
(6 pp, 43K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9200.4-26, April 1998
The purpose of this document is to recommend preliminary remediation goals (PRGs), or starting points for cleaning up dioxin in soil.Addressing Lead at Superfund Sites
Lead contamination at Superfund sites presents a threat to human health and the environment. This Web site describes EPA’s approach to addressing those risks, and the challenges of remediating lead contamination at Superfund sites.Current Drinking Water Standards
List of regulated contaminants with links for more details.Establishment of Clean-up Levels for CERCLA Sites with Radioactive Contamination (PDF)
(20 pp, 1.12MB, About PDF) August 1997
This memorandum presents clarifying guidance for establishing protective clean-up levels for radioactive contamination at Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) sites.Evaluation of Facilities Currently or Previously Licensed NRC Sites under CERCLA (PDF)
(9 pp, 1MB, About PDF) February 2000Analytical Methods
The following EPA Forum on Environmental Measurements link provides information on the collection and analysis of environmental samples.Guidance for Data Usability in Risk Assessment
Calculating the Concentration Term (PDF)
(10 pp, 1.4MB, About PDF)Guidelines for Characterizing Background Chemicals in Soil at Superfund Sites (PDF)
(89 pp, 1.3MB, About PDF) September 2002
This document provides guidance to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regions concerning how the Agency intends to exercise its discretion in implementing one aspect of the CERCLA remedy selection process. The guidance is designed to implement national policy on these issues.National Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria
Superfund’s Soil Screening Guidance
1996 and 2002Calculator for site-specific chemical soil screening levels
Policy on Evaluating Health Risks to Children
EPA policy to consider the risks to infants and children consistently and explicitly as a part of risk assessments generated during decision making process, including the setting of standards to protect public health and the environment.Radiation Preliminary Remedial Goals for Superfund
February 2002
The purpose of this database is to provide a PRG calculation tool to assist risk assessors, remedial project managers, and others involved with risk assessment and decision-making at CERCLA sites in developing PRGs.Radiation Risk Assessment at CERCLA Sites, Q&A (PDF)
(23 pp, 2.2MB, About PDF) December 1999
The guidance provides answers to several common questions about radiation risk assessments at CERCLA sites.
Part 1 (PDF) (23 pp, 2.2MB, About PDF)
Part 2 (PDF) (5 pp, 800K, About PDF)
Part 3 (PDF) (6 pp, 1MB, About PDF)
Part 4 (PDF) (6 pp, 708K, About PDF)Radiation Risk Assessment Guidance (PDF)
(37 pp, 1MB, About PDF)
This chapter provides supplemental baseline risk assessment guidance for use at sites contaminated with radioactive substances that are included on the National Priorities List (NPL).(Revised) Policy on Performance of Risk Assessments During RI/FSs Conducted by PRPs (PDF)
(3 pp, 44K, About PDF)
As part of the recently announced administrative reforms to the Superfund program, the Administrator stated that EPA would reaffirm its commitment to "allow PRP's to conduct risk assessments under proper circumstances as part of the overall site study (RI/FS)." This memorandum announces EPA's revised policy on allowing PRP's to conduct the risk assessment portion of the RI/FS.Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume I, Part D
2001
This document provides guidance on standardized planning, reporting and review of Superfund Risk Assessments.Role of Background in the CERCLA clean-up Program (PDF)
(15 pp, 40K, About PDF) April 2002
This document clarifies the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) preferred approach for the consideration of background constituent concentrations of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants in certain steps of the remedy selection process, such as risk assessment and risk management, at Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or "Superfund") sites.The EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
This office has developed software in its Estimation Program Interface ("EPI") which provides physical and chemical properties on contaminants.Role of BTAGs in Ecological Assessment (PDF)
(4 pp, 364K, About PDF) Eco Update, September 1991
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the responsibilities and activities of the Biological Technical Assistance Group: a group of scientists established to aid remedial project managers.Role of Screening Level Risk Assessment and Refining COCs (Chemicals or Contaminants of Concern) in Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (PDF)
(8 pp, 650K, About PDF) 2001
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the process and purpose of the screening level ecological risk assessment, which is the first steps in a ecological risk assessment at a site, and how the list of COCs can be refined to include only those contaminants that may pose a risk.Soil clean-up Criteria in 40 CFR Part 192 (PDF)
(6 pp, 728K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9200.4-25, February 1998
Uranium Mine Tailings Radiation Control ActSoil Screening Guidance
July 1996
The Soil Screening Guidance (SSG) presents a framework for developing risk-based, soil screening levels (SSLs) for protection of human health.Soil Screening Guidance for Radionuclides
November 2000
date of the transmittal of *Standards, Advisories and Guidance for the Management of Radioactive Waste, July 1989, Chapter 5 of CERCLA Compliance with other Laws Manual: Part IIThe Role of Natural Resource Trustees in the Superfund Process (PDF)
(10 pp, 191K, About PDF) Eco Update, March 1992
This EcoUpdate bulletin is intended to help project managers to work with Natural Resource Trustees, explaining the responsibilities and authorities of those trustees and those of the Remedial Project Managers and On-Scene Coordinators with respect to those trustees.Use of Uranium Drinking Water Standards under 40 CFR 141 and 40 CFR 192 as Remediation Goals for Groundwater at CERCLA Sites (PDF)
(11 pp, 420K, About PDF) November 2001
Memo addressing the use of uranium standards when establishing remediation goals in groundwater in CERCLA (Superfund) sites that may be current or future sources of drinking water.Vapor Intrusion Guidance
OSWER Draft Guidance for Evaluating the Vapor Intrusion to Indoor Air Pathway from Groundwater and Soils (Subsurface Vapor Intrusion Guidance). Provides current technical and policy recommendations on determining if the vapor intrusion pathway poses an unacceptable risk to human health at clean-up sites. -
Human Health: Risk Characterization
In Risk Characterization, the information from Hazard Identification, Exposure Assessment, Dose-Response Assessment are summarized and integrated into quantitative and qualitative expressions of risk. Major assumptions, scientific judgments, and to the extent possible, estimates of the uncertainties embodied in the assessment are also presented.Addressing Lead at Superfund Sites
Lead contamination at Superfund sites presents a threat to human health and the environment. This Web site describes EPA’s approach to addressing those risks, and the challenges of remediating lead contamination at Superfund sites.EPA Science Policy Risk Characterization Program
EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment Risk Characterization
Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance
Spatial Analysis and Decision Assistance is a freeware program developed at the University of Tennessee with funding from EPA, NRC, and DOE that provides comprehensive risk assessment tools in a spatial modeling environment. Risk assessors can use SADA to perform traditional risk assessment PRG calculations, PRG screens, and forward human health calculations for one or more contaminants. Users have complete control over all toxicological data, physical properties, and landuse/pathway exposure parameters to create site specific risk assessments. In addition, the risk models are integrated with SADA's spatial analysis tools, decision frameworks,and sample design strategies allowing users drive a risk based characterization from a preliminary initial sample design through a final feasibility study. In addition, SADA allows users to import their own site or region specific screening or decision threshold values separately from SADA's own risk modeling tools. -
Human Health: Toxicity (Hazard Identification and Dose Response)
Dose-Response Assessment is the process of quantitatively evaluating the toxicity of a given chemical agent as a function of human exposure to that chemical agent. The relationship between the dose of the contaminant administered or received and the incidence of adverse health effects in the exposed population forms the basis for the quantitative dose-response relationship. Hazard Identification is the process of determining whether exposure to a chemical agent can cause an increase in the incidence of a particular adverse health effect and whether the adverse health effect is likely to occur in humans.Benchmark Dose Technical Support Document External Review Draft (PDF)
(96 pp, 812K, About PDF) NCEA-F-0000, October 2000
Risk Assessment Forum, Washington, DC
The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for the Agency and the outside community on the application of the benchmark dose approach to determining the point of departure (POD) for linear or nonlinear extrapolation of health effects data.Lead Risk Assessment
Lead contamination at Superfund sites presents a threat to human health and the environment. This Web site describes EPA’s approach to addressing those risks, and the challenges of remediating lead contamination at Superfund sites.Handbook for Implementing the Supplemental Cancer Guidance at Waste and clean-up Sites
This online handbook contains information and resources for use in applying EPA's Supplemental Guidance for Assessing Susceptibility from Early-Life Exposure to Carcinogens (Supplemental Guidance) to cancer risk assessments at waste and clean-up sites.Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment (PDF)
(211 pp, 1MB, About PDF) Review Draft, NCEA-F-0644 July 1999
Risk Assessment Forum, Washington, DCGuidelines for Developmental Toxicity Risk Assessment (PDF)
(83 pp, 192K, About PDF) Federal Register 56(234):63798-63826, 1991
These guidelines outline principles and methods for evaluating data from animal and human studies, exposure data, and other information to characterize risk to human development, growth, survival, and function because of exposure prior to conception, prenatally, or to infants and children.Guidelines for the Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Mixtures (PDF)
(38 pp, 300K, About PDF) Federal Register 51(185):34014-34025, 1986
The guidelines are intended to guide Agency analysis of information relating to health effects data on chemical mixtures in line with the policies and procedures established in the statues administered by the EPA.Supplementary Guidance for Conducting Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Mixtures (PDF)
(209pp, 1.19MB, About PDF) EPA630-R-00-002, August, 2001
This document is a supplement to the EPA Guidelines for the Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Mixtures of 1986. The 1986 Guidelines represent the Agency's science policy and are a procedural guide for evaluating data on the health risks from exposures to chemical mixtures.Guidelines for Mutagenicity Risk Assessment (PDF)
(23 pp, 256K, About PDF) Federal Register 51(185):34006-34012, 1986
The Guidelines for Mutagenicity Risk Assessment are intended to guide Agency analysis of mutagenicity data in line with the policies and procedures established in the statutes administered by EPA.Guidelines for Neurotoxicity Risk Assessment (PDF)
(89 pp, 184K, About PDF) Federal Register 63(93):26926-26954, 1998
These Guidelines are intended to guide Agency evaluation of agents that are suspected to cause neurotoxicity, in line with the policies and procedures established in the statutes administered by the Agency.Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment (PDF)
(143 pp, 324K, About PDF) Federal Register 61(212):56274-56322, 1996
This notice describes the scientific basis for concern about exposure to agents that cause reproductive toxicity, outlines the general process for assessing potential risk to humans from exposure to environmental agents, and addresses Science Advisory Board and public comments on the 1994 Proposed Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables (HEAST),
The document provides the latest information and guidance on using radionuclide slope factors from the Health Effects Assessment Summary Tables (HEAST) - Radionuclides Table (formerly Table 4).Interim Policy for Particle Size and Limit Concentration Issues in Inhalation Toxicity: Notice of Availability
Federal Register 59(206):53799 1994
EPA is making available to all interested parties, an Interim Policy for Particle Size and Limit Concentration Issues in Inhalation Toxicity Studies which deals with several of the most controversial issues encountered in inhalation toxicity studies.Methods for Derivation of Inhalation Reference Concentrations and Application of Inhalation Dosimetry
EPA/600/8-90/066F, 1994
This document describes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methodology for estimation of inhalation reference concentrations (RfCs) (earlier terminology was "inhalation reference dose" or RfDi") as benchmark estimates of the quantitative dose-response assessment of chronic noncancer toxicity for individual inhaled chemicals.Proposed Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment
Federal Register 61(79):17960-18011, 1996Provisional Guidance for Quantitative Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PDF)
(26 pp, 5.8MB, About PDF) EPA/600/R-93/089, July, 1993Radiation Risk Assessment Guidance (PDF)
(37 pp, 1MB, About PDF)
This chapter provides supplemental baseline risk assessment guidance for use at sites contaminated with radioactive substances that are included on the National Priorities List (NPL).Radionuclide Table Slope Factors (Table 4 of HEAST) (PDF)
(72 pp, 1.4MB, About PDF) April 2001Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume I
Part A 1989
Part B 1991
Part C 1991
Part D 1998
Part E 2004
Part F 2009
Supplement to Part A: Community Involvement in Superfund Risk Assessments 1999
The purpose of this guidance document is to provide the site team--risk assessor, remedial project manager (RPM), and community involvement coordinator-- with information to improve community involvement in the Superfund risk assessment process.Science Policy Council Peer Review Program and Handbook
Science Policy Council Handbook: Risk Characterization (PDF)
(189 pp, 8.9MB, About PDF) EPA 100-B-00-002, 2000Use of the Benchmark Dose Approach in Health Risk Assessment
EPA/630/R-94/007, 1995
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) frequently calculates a reference dose (RfD) or reference concentration (RfC), which is used along with other scientific information in setting standards for noncancer human health effects.Hazard Assessment (HA) for Munitions and Explosives of Concern (MEC)
EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
IRIS is a database of human health effects that may result from exposure to various substances found in the environment.EPA National Center for Environmental Assessment, Guide to Current Literature on Exposure Factors
Web site summarizing sources of latest information on exposure factors.EPA Region 3: Hazardous Waste clean-up Division
HSCD is responsible for all clean-up activity in Region III at sites contaminated by hazardous waste, including oil spills. Document contains links to Superfund Sites and Superfund Program Information.EPA Region 9 PRGs
Preliminary Remediation Goals (PRGs) are tools for evaluating and cleaning up contaminated sites. The PRGs contained in the Region 9 PRG Table in this document are generic; they are calculated without site specific information. However, they may be re-calculated using site specific data.Federal Drinking Water Standards
Drinking Water Regulations and Health AdvisoriesJohnson and Ettinger Model for Subsurface Vapor Intrusion into Buildings
1991
Concerns have been raised about the potential for subsurface contamination in either soil or ground water adversely impacting indoor air quality. In September 1998, EPA developed a series of models for estimating indoor air concentrations and associated health risks from subsurface vapor intrusion into buildings.Policy on Evaluating Health Risks to Children
October 1995
From Administrator Carole Browner to: Assistant Administrators, General Counsel, Inspector General, Associate Administrators and Regional Administrators.
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Inhalation Toxicity
Interim Policy for Particle Size and Limit Concentration Issues in Inhalation Toxicity: Notice of Availability
Federal Register 59(206):53799, 1994
EPA is making available to all interested parties, an Interim Policy for Particle Size and Limit Concentration Issues in Inhalation Toxicity Studies which deals with several of the most controversial issues encountered in inhalation toxicity studies.Methods for Derivation of Inhalation Reference Concentrations and Application of Inhalation Dosimetry
EPA/600/8-90/066F, 1994 -
Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
A compilation of electronic reports on specific substances found in the environment and their potential to cause human health effects.Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
Use of IRIS Values in Superfund Risk Assessment (PDF)
(3 pp, 213K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9285.7-16, December 1993
This memorandum clarifies the policy stated at section 7.4.1 of the December 1988 Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (Volume I) Human Health Evaluation Manual (Part A) (RAGS) on the use of Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) values in performing health risk assessments.
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Lead
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from motor vehicles and industrial sources, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death.Lead Risk Assessment
Lead contamination at Superfund sites presents a threat to human health and the environment. This Web site describes EPA’s approach to addressing those risks, and the challenges of remediating lead contamination at Superfund sites.Clarification to the 1994 Revised Interim Soil Lead Guidance for CERCLA Sites and RCRA Corrective Action Facilities (PDF)
(16 pp, 132K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9200.4-27, EPA/540/F-98/030 PB98-963244, 1998
This document provides an approach for determining protective levels of lead in soil, including recommended screening levels, how to develop preliminary remediation goals, and a description of a clean-up plan for CERCLA (Superfund) and RCRA sites with multiple sources of lead.Recommendations of the Technical Review Workgroup for Lead for an Approach to Assessing Risks Associated with Adult Exposures to Lead in Soils
This report describes a methodology for assessing risks associated with non-residential adult exposures to lead in soil.
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Mercury
Mercury is a heavy, silvery-white metal.Mercury
This mercury site provides a broad range of information: actions by EPA and others, including international actions; effects on people and the environment; and how to protect you and your family.Task Force on Ritualistic Uses of Mercury
(111 pp, 979K, About PDF) -
Metals
A metal is an element, compound, or alloy characterized by high electrical conductivity.Framework for Metals Risk Assessment
March 2007
The Framework seeks to advance our understanding of the impact of metals in a consistent manner across the Agency's programs since inorganic metals and metal compounds present unique issues for risk assessors.
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Natural Resource Trustees
Trustees often have information and technical expertise about the biological effects of hazardous substances, as well as the location of sensitive species and habitats that can assist EPA in characterizing the nature and extent of site-related contamination and impacts.Role of Natural Resource Trustees in the Superfund Process (PDF)
(10 pp, 191K, About PDF) Eco Update, March 1992
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Peer Review
The evaluation of a product by experts in that field who were not involved in that product's development, is a critical tool used by EPA to ensure that only high-quality, sound science is released and/or used by the Agency. -
Pesticides
A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest.Indoor Air Quality and Pesticides
Pesticide Ecological Risk Assessments
TOXNET (including TRI), Extoxnet and Extoxnet-pesticides
Provides a variety of information about pesticides.USDA Pesticide Info
Each fact sheet (issued by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service) provides information on forest and land management uses, environmental and human health effects, and safety precautions for various pesticides and their formulations. -
Petroleum Release Sites
Standard Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action Applied at Petroleum Release Sites
E1739-95e1, September 1995
This is an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) guide to risk-based corrective action (RBCA), which is a consistent decision-making process for the assessment and response to a petroleum release, based on the protection of human health and the environment. The decision process described in this guide integrates risk and exposure assessment practices, as suggested by the U.S. EPA, with site assessment activities and remedial measure selection to ensure that the chosen action is protective of human health and the environment. -
Policy Guidance Documents
Key policy and guidance documents for EPA waste and clean-up risk assessment programs
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Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)
are a class of organic compounds with 1 to 10 chlorine atoms attached to biphenyl, which is a molecule composed of two benzene rings. PCBs were widely used for many applications, especially as dielectric fluids in transformers and capacitors and coolants.Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
This site focuses on the management, clean-up and disposal of PCB wastes and the management of PCB-containing materials and equipment still in use. -
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
PAH are chemical compounds that consist of fused aromatic rings and do not contain heteroatoms or carry substituents. PAHs occur in oil, coal, and tar deposits, and are produced as byproducts of fuel burning.Mechanism of Carcinogenesis of Thia-PAHs
Health Effects Assessment for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Provisional Guidance for Quantitative Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Ecological Soil Screening Levels for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PDF)
(446 pp, 1.72M, About PDF) -
Probabilistic Analysis
In a Probabilistic Analysis, you can define statistical distributions for input parameters, to account for uncertainty in the values of input parameters. When the analysis is computed, this results in a safety factor distribution from which a probability of failure (PF) is calculated.Policy for Use of Probabilistic Analysis in Risk Assessment
Guiding Principles for Monte Carlo Analysis
Science Policy Council Handbook: Risk Characterization (PDF)
(189 pp, 8.9MB, About PDF) -
PRP Risk Assessments
(Revised) Policy on Performance of Risk Assessments During RI/FSs Conducted by PRPs (PDF)
(3 pp, 43K, About PDF)
As part of the recently announced administrative reforms to the Superfund program, the Administrator stated that EPA would reaffirm its commitment to "allow PRP's to conduct risk assessments under proper circumstances as part of the overall site study (RI/FS)." This memorandum announces EPA's revised policy on allowing PRP's to conduct the risk assessment portion of the RI/FS.
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Radiation Risk Assessment
Radiation risk assessment is the systematic, scientific characterization of potential adverse effects of exposure of human or environmental receptors to the hazardors of radiationEPA Radiation Guidance for CERCLA: Risk Assessment
Radiation Protection Risk Assessment
Evaluation of Facilities Currently or Previously Licensed NRC Sites under CERCLA (PDF)
(9 pp, 1MB, About PDF) February 2000Headquarters Consultation for Radioactively Contaminated Sites (PDF)
(4 pp, 420K, About PDF) July 2000
Memo documenting a request by EPA Headquarters that EPA Regional offices consult with HQ in certain circumstances when dealing with radioactively-contaminated sites.Radiation Preliminary Remedial Goals for Superfund
February 2002
The purpose of this database is to provide a PRG calculation tool to assist risk assessors, remedial project managers, and others involved with risk assessment and decision-making at CERCLA sites in developing PRGs.Radiation Risk Assessment at CERCLA Sites, Q&A (PDF)
(23 pp, 2.2MB, About PDF) December 1999
Guidance to risk assessment at radioactively-contaminated CERCLA (Superfund) sites. All parts comprise a Q & A memo concerning radiation risk assessment at CERCLA sites.
Part 1 (PDF) (23 pp, 2.2MB, About PDF)
Part 2 (PDF) (5 pp, 798K, About PDF)
Part 3 (PDF) (6 pp, 1.02MB, About PDF)
Part 4 (PDF) (6 pp, 708K, About PDF)
Radiation Risk Assessment Guidance (PDF)
(37 pp, 1MB, About PDF)
This chapter provides supplemental baseline risk assessment guidance for use at sites contaminated with radioactive substances that are included on the National Priorities List (NPL).Radionuclide Table Slope Factors (Table 4 of HEAST) (PDF)
(72 pp, 1.4MB, About PDF) -
RBCA Fate and Transport Models
RBCA Fate and Transport Models: Compendium and Selection Guidance (PDF)
(104 pp, 1MB, About PDF) November 1998
This guidance document provides a compendium of readily available and commonly used models for RBCA applications and includes useful comparison tables, matrices and flowcharts that may aid the user in the selection of models by pathway. The document was funded wholly by US EPA-OUST under an assistance agreement to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and received extensive review from States, U.S. EPA and the National Partnership in RBCA Implementation (PIRI). -
Risk Assessment Guidance (RAGs)
Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume I
Part A 1989
Part B 1991
Part C 1991
Part D 2001
Part E 2004
Part F 2009
Supplement to Part A: Community Involvement in Superfund Risk Assessments 1999
The purpose of this guidance document is to provide the site team--risk assessor, remedial project manager (RPM), and community involvement coordinator-- with information to improve community involvement in the Superfund risk assessment process. -
Risk-based Decision Making
A process that utilizes risk and exposure methodology to help implementing agencies make determinations about the extent and urgency of corrective action and about the scope and intensity of their oversight of corrective action by UST owner/operators. The process is flexible to allow for varying implementation concerns of the implementing program.Risk-Based Decision-Making Performance Assessment Study Bulletin #1 (PDF)
(6 pp, 68K, About PDF) March 1999
This bulletin describes the Risk-Based Decision-Making (RBDM) Performance Assessment Study, provides an overview of potential performance criteria that may be useful for states evaluating RBDM-based Leaking Underground Storage Tank corrective action programs, and details preliminary study findings.Risk-Based Decision-Making Performance Assessment Study Bulletin #2 (PDF)
(11 pp, 252K, About PDF) March 2000
This bulletin describes EPA's and ASTM's efforts to assist state and territorial environmental regulatory agencies with the evaluation their RBDM corrective action programs performance for Leaking Underground Storage Tanks. The effort reviewed five individual state programs which have augmented their existing programs with RBDM and evaluated the impact RBDM has made on overall program performance. Bulletin # 2 presents the results of the study, evaluates the findings and provides general recommendations for other state and territorial agencies interested in tracking the performance of their RBDM programs.
Two-page flyer describing Bulletin #2 (PDF)
(2 pp, 2.2MB, About PDF)
Memo from Sammy Ng about Bulletin #2 (PDF)
(2 pp, 12K, About PDF)Use Of Risk-Based Decision-Making In UST Corrective Action Programs
OSWER Directive 9610.17, March 1995
The primary purpose of this policy statement is to encourage the use of risk-based decision-making as an integral part of the corrective action process at sites where leaking underground storage tank (UST) systems have released petroleum products into the environment and thus created risks to human health and the environment. In addition, this policy statement provides guidelines to help UST implementing agencies develop and use risk-based decision-making in a manner consistent with the Federal law and regulations applicable to UST corrective action. -
Risk Characterization
In Risk Characterization, the information from Hazard Identification, Exposure Assessment, Dose-Response Assessment are summarized and integrated into quantitative and qualitative expressions of risk. Major assumptions, scientific judgments, and to the extent possible, estimates of the uncertainties embodied in the assessment are also presented.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Risk Characterization Program
1995Guidance on Risk Characterization for Risk Managers and Risk Assessors
1992Science Policy Council Handbook: Risk Characterization (PDF)
(189 pp, 8.9MB, About PDF) EPA 100-B-00-002, 2000 -
Risk Communication
Comprises the formal and informal processes of communication among various parties who are potentially at risk from or are otherwise interested in the site.Superfund Risk Assessment: Risk Communication
Briefing the BTAG: Initial Description of Setting, History and Ecology of a Sit (PDF)
(11 pp, 289K, About PDF)
This EcoUpdate bulletin focuses on the first meeting between a Remedial Project Manager and the Biological Technical Assistance Group, during which there is an initial exchange of information and guidance.A Community Guide to Superfund Risk Assessment
December 1999
A basic overview of the risk assessment process in Superfund.A Community Guide to Superfund Risk Assessment, Spanish Version,
December 1999
EVALUACIÓN DE LOS RIESGOS DEL SUPERFUND: De Qué Se Trata La Evaluación De Los Rriesgos Y Cómo Nos Puede Ayudar.Ecological Assessment of Superfund Sites: An Overview (PDF)
(8 pp, 68K, About PDF) Eco Update December 1991
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the components of the ecological risk assessment process and how they fit into the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study process. -
Risk Management
Environmental Risk Management seeks to determine what environmental risks exist and then determine how to manage those risk in a way best suited to protect human health and the environment.Risk Management Research
National Risk Management Research Laboratory is focused on integrated, multidisciplinary research that reflects national priorities, scientific requirements, and implementation realities.Ecological Risk Assessment and Risk Management Principles for Superfund Sites, (Issuance of Final Guidance) (PDF)
(9 pp, 1MB, About PDF) October 1999
Guidance intended to help Superfund project managers to make ecological assessment decisions that are consistent across the United States and are transparent to the public.
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Science Policy Council
The Science Policy Council (SPC) serves as a mechanism for addressing EPA's many significant science policy issues that go beyond regional and program boundaries.Science Policy Council Peer Review Program and Handbook
Science Policy Council Handbook: Risk Characterization (PDF)
(189 pp, 8.9MB, About PDF) EPA 100-B-00-002, 2000 -
Soil Screening
The process of collecting and analyzing samples to identify the scope and boundaries of contaminated sites.Soil Screening Guidance
July 1996
The Soil Screening Guidance (SSG) presents a framework for developing risk-based, soil screening levels (SSLs) for protection of human health.Soil Screening Guidance for Radionuclides
November 20, 2000
Standards, Advisories and Guidance for the Management of Radioactive Waste, July 1989, Chapter 5 of CERCLA Compliance with other Laws Manual: Part II)Supplemental Guidance for Developing Soil Screening Levels for Superfund Sites (PDF)
(106 pp, 1.9MB, About PDF) OSWER 9355.4-24, December 2002
This document is intended as companion guidance to the 1996 SSG for residential use scenarios at NPL sites. -
Superfund Guidance
Guidance documents designed specifically for Superfund SitesA Community Guide to Superfund Risk Assessment
December 1999A Community Guide to Superfund Risk Assessment, Spanish Version
December 1999Distribution of OSWER of Radionuclide Preliminary Remediation Goals (PRGs) for Superfund Electronic Calculator (PDF)
(4 pp, 100K, About PDF)Ecological Assessment of Superfund Sites: An Overview (PDF)
(8 pp, 67K, About PDF) Eco Update, December 1991
This EcoUpdate bulletin describes the components of the ecological risk assessment process and how they fit into the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study process.Ecological Risk Assessment and Risk Management Principles for Superfund Sites, (Issuance of Final Guidance) (PDF)
(9 pp, 1MB, About PDF)
Guidance intended to help Superfund project managers to make ecological assessment decisions that are consistent across the United States and are transparent to the public.*Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund: Process for Designing and Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments
EPA 540-R-97-006 June 1997
This document provides guidance on how to design and conduct consistent and technically defensible ecological risk assessments for the Superfund program.Preliminary Remediation Goals for Ecological Endpoints (PDF)
(41 pp, 140K, About PDF) Eco Update, August 2000
Preliminary Remediation Goals are upper concentration limits of specific chemicals that are expected to be protective of human health or the environment and are useful in risk assessment and decision making at Superfund sites.Presenters' Manual for: Superfund Risk and Assessment and How You Can Help (PDF)
(77 pp, 1MB, About PDF)
EPA developed the 40-minute videotape "Superfund Risk Assessment and How You Can Help" to help explain in plain terms the Superfund human health risk assessment process and how communities can be involved.Provisional Guidance for Quantitative Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
EPA/600/R-93/C89, July 1993.
The Office of Health and Environmental Assessment (OHEA) recently completed an extensive document entitled "Drinking Water Criteria Document (DWCD) for Polycyclick Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume I
Part A 1989
Part B 1991
Part C 1991
Part D 1998
Part E 2000 Supplement to Part A: Community Involvement in Superfund Risk Assessments 1999
The purpose of this guidance document is to provide the site team--risk assessor, remedial project manager (RPM), and community involvement coordinator--with information to improve community involvement in the Superfund risk assessment process.Supplemental Guidance for Developing Soil Screening Levels for Superfund Sites (PDF)
(106 pp, 1.9MB, About PDF) OSWER 9355.4-24, December 2002
This document is intended as companion guidance to the 1996 SSG for residential use scenarios at NPL sites.Use of IRIS Values in Superfund Risk Assessment (PDF)
(3 pp, 213K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9285.7-16, December 1993
This memorandum clarifies the policy stated at section 7.4.1 of the December 1988 Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (Volume I) Human Health Evaluation Manual (Part A) (RAGS) on the use of Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) values in performing health risk assessments.
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Technical Assistance Grants (TAGs)
Provide money for activities that help your community participate in decision making at eligible Superfund sites. -
Toxicity Values
The numerical values in units of exposure that relate to specific toxic risk level considering all know toxic effects of a substance.Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
IRIS is a compilation of electronic reports on specific substances found in the environment and their potential to cause human health effects.Human Health Toxicity Values in Superfund Risk Assessments
(4 pp, 228K, About PDF) OSWER Directive 9285.7-53, December 2003 -
Toxicological Guidance (ORD)
Guidance documents that provide EPA’s recommendations to Agency risk assessors on preparing risk assessments that consider specific toxicological effects.Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment
2005
The Guidelines provide a framework to EPA scientists for assessing possible cancer risks from exposures to pollutants or other agents in the environment. They will also inform Agency decision makers and the public about these recommended procedures.Guidelines for Developmental Toxicity Risk Assessment (PDF)
(83 pp, 192K, About PDF) Federal Register 56(234):63798-63826, 1991
These guidelines outline principles and methods for evaluating data from animal and human studies, exposure data, and other information to characterize risk to human development, growth, survival, and function because of exposure prior to conception, prenatally, or to infants and children.Guidelines for Mutagenicity Risk Assessment (PDF)
(23 pp, 256K, About PDF) Federal Register 51(185):34006-34012, 1986
The Guidelines for Mutagenicity Risk Assessment are intended to guide Agency analysis of mutagenicity data in line with the policies and procedures established in the statutes administered by EPA.Guidelines for Neurotoxicity Risk Assessment (PDF)
(89 pp, 184K, About PDF) Federal Register 63(93):26926-26954, 1998
These Guidelines are intended to guide Agency evaluation of agents that are suspected to cause neurotoxicity, in line with the policies and procedures established in the statutes administered by the Agency.Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment (PDF)
(143 pp, 324K, About PDF) Federal Register 61(212):56274-56322, 1996
This notice describes the scientific basis for concern about exposure to agents that cause reproductive toxicity, outlines the general process for assessing potential risk to humans from exposure to environmental agents, and addresses Science Advisory Board and public comments on the 1994 Proposed Guidelines for Reproductive Toxicity Risk Assessment.
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Underground Storage Tanks
An underground storage tank system is a tank, or a combination of tanks, and connected piping having at least 10 percent of their combined volume underground.Office of Uderground Storage Tanks (OUST)
Risk-Based Decision-Making and Underground Storage Tanks
The U.S. EPA, Office of Underground Storage Tanks (OUST) is working with its regional offices and with State and Local underground storage tank (UST) programs to encourage the use of risk-based decision-making (RBDM) in their corrective action programs.Expedited Site Assessment Tools for Underground Storage Tank Sites: A Guide for Regulators
EPA 510-B-97-001, March 1997
The expedited site assessment (ESA) process is a framework for rapidly characterizing UST site conditions for corrective action decisions. This concept has been described with other names including: accelerated site characterization, rapid site characterization, and expedited site investigation.
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Vapor Intrusion
Tthe migration of volatile chemicals from the subsurface into overlying buildingsVapor Intrusion Guidance (PDF)
(178 pp, 1.9MB, About PDF)
OSWER Draft Guidance for Evaluating the Vapor Intrusion to Indoor Air Pathway from Groundwater and Soils (Subsurface Vapor Intrusion Guidance). Provides current technical and policy recommendations on determining if the vapor intrusion pathway poses an unacceptable risk to human health at clean-up sites.Johnson and Ettinger Model for Subsurface Vapor Intrusion into Buildings
1991
Concerns have been raised about the potential for subsurface contamination in either soil or ground water adversely impacting indoor air quality. In September 1998, EPA developed a series of models for estimating indoor air concentrations and associated health risks from subsurface vapor intrusion into buildings.
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Volatiles
Group of elements and compounds that evaporate or vaporize readily under normal conditions.An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality - Organic Gases (Volatile Organic Compounds - VOCs)
Dispersion Modeling of Volatile Organic Emissions from Ground-Level Treatment Systems
Source Apportionment of Exposure to Toxic Volatile Organic Compounds