5. Advances in Risk Assessment in Support of Sediment Risk Management

Over the past few decades, risk assessments have become an important component of remedial investigations (RI) and feasibility studies (FS) for contaminated sediment sites. In the United States, the National Contingency Plan (NCP) requires that risk assessments be conducted to address the threat posed by the release of contamination to the environment. Risk assessment is typically viewed as an important early step in the process of determining whether remediation of contaminated sediment is necessary. Risk assessments have, however, become increasingly process oriented, with more emphasis on how to do the risk assessment and less on how to ensure that the assessment is useful for decision-making. Although following a defined process that is supported by guidance is advantageous, a process-dominated approach that lacks consideration of other important factors for managing contaminated sediments has shortcomings. The risk assessment needs to include early and explicit consideration of potential risk management options.