Risk assessment remediation decisions based

The requirement to use ecological risk assessment under the new contaminated land regulations will encourage practical and scientifically-based decision-making regarding the need for and scope of remedial action. This is to be welcomed since it will ensure that remediation will occur on the basis of risk, rather than hazard. 

When required by the results of the risk assessment, alternate proposals for the design and operational changes necessary to achieve an acceptable risk level would be recommended. In their order of effectiveness, the action listing shown in The Safety Decision Hierarchy mentioned in Chapter 15, Acceptable Risk, would be the base upon which remedial proposals are made. For each proposal, remediation cost would be determined and an estimate of its effectiveness in achieving risk reduction would be given. 

NCRP emphasizes, however, that waste classification does not provide a substitute for establishing requirements on treatment and disposal of specific wastes at specific sites, requirements on remediation of contaminated sites, or decisions by regulatory authorities about the acceptability of any such activities. The acceptability of particular waste management or disposal activities must be based on site-specific assessments of risks posed by well characterized wastes. Waste classification, although useful, can only inform the process of... 

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