From preliminary remediation goals to final remediation levels: Waltzing down a tortuous path

The development of cleanup criteria is one of the major objectives of the risk assessment process at a Superfund site. The process begins at scoping, with the development of preliminary remediation goals (PRGs); continues into the baseline risk assessment and feasibility study, during which the significant contaminants of concern and pathways are identified and modifying factors applied to the PRGs; and is completed with the determination of the final remediation levels, set out in the record of decision. This process is described for the chemical plant operable unit of the Weldon Spring site, for which soil cleanup criteria were finalized in the record of decision, signed in September of 1993