Exposure/risk-based corrective action approach for petroleum-contaminated sites

A practical and easy to use exposure/risk-based methodology for guiding corrective action activities at petroleum contaminated sites has been developed. In this approach, site characterization, assessment of potential beneficial uses, exposure/risk characterization, site prioritization, and selection of corrective action alternatives are integrated into a series of worksheets. These worksheets guide the user through the necessary steps to derive site-specific target clean-up levels and the corresponding appropriate corrective action. The risk characterization activities discussed here focus on exposure to groundwater, which is expected to be the pathway of greatest concern at the majority of petroleum contaminated sites. However, it is not difficult to see how this worksheet based approach can be extended to other pathways. The worksheets comprise a final document that is a valuable tool for regulators, contractors, and responsible parties to consistently prioritize sites and develop corrective action plans. This approach is currently being reviewed by several state agencies. In addition, the approach has been presented to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American Society for Testing in Materials (ASTM).