A risk-based approach to soil remediation modeling

A new cost-efficient approach to modeling cleanup of contaminated sites is described. The technique involves linkage of accepted computer models to form a risk-based remediation (RBR) package that analyzes site remediation via iterative fate and transport modeling. Significant savings are realized through use of this strategy compared with current practices that are not cost-efficient and are tantamount to over-remediation. Application of this RBR strategy to a soil cleanup task at a Superfund site in the southeastern United States resulted in a reduction of the soil volume requiring remediation from 17,600 m(3) to 5350 m(3) while meeting risk-based groundwater criteria at downgradient exposure points. The RBR approach also focuses attention on the questionable cost-benefit value associated with marginal increments in risk reduction.