Risk Assessment

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What is the difference between a screening risk assessment and a baseline risk assessment?

A Screening Risk Assessment utilizes predetermined human health and/or ecological screening values to determine if a more detailed-site risk assessment is needed before adequate risk management decisions can be made.

A Baseline risk assessment describes the source of contamination, how the contamination reaches people and the environment, the amount of contamination to which people or the ecological environment may be exposed, and the health or ecological effects that could result from exposure.

When do I have to conduct a human health and/ or an ecological risk assessment?

If no remedial action is planned and contaminant levels are above the applicable screening levels or at levels that may pose a risk to human health or the environment a site-specific Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment should be conducted.

Which screening levels do I use for a human health risk assessment?

The most current EPA Regions 3, 6, and 9 Regional Screening Levels.

Note: These screening levels are available for viewing or downloading under the EPA Regions 3,6, and 9 Regional Screening Levels for Chemical Contaminants at Superfund Sites.

Which screening levels do I use for an ecological risk assessment?

NOAA Screening Quick Reference Tables, USEPA Region 4 Ecological Screening Values, Savanah River Site Ecological Screening Values and Preliminary Remediation Goals for Ecological Endpoints. Click on each of these links separately for viewing and downloading.

Where can I get the guidance document for human health risk assessment?

Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS): Vol. I B Human Health Evaluation Manual, RAGS Vol. I, Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D can be viewed or downloaded.