Risk Characterization

The evaluation, determination, and management of “risk” is a critical component for most regulatory programs. Therefore, a thorough and scientifically-based risk assessment is essential. Hydro-GeoChemical has the experience to assist clients with evaluating current and future risks posed by a wide variety contaminants to human health, safety, public welfare and the environment. A key component of the risk assessment is in the development of the conceptual site model (CSM) and during the site characterization process. As information is obtained and evaluated, the CSM and direction of the risk assessment may by modified/revised.

The risk assessment process typically involves: identifying impacted environmental media; identifying the contaminants of concern (COCs) and evaluating their physical and chemical properties, potential preferential pathways, and routes of exposure (contaminant fate and transport assessment); identifying potential hot spots; assessing potential effects of COCs on human health, safety, public welfare, and the environment in accordance with applicable state and federal rules and regulations; identifying current and reasonably foreseeable future uses of the impacted property; determining sensitive human and ecological receptors; assessing whether the current site conditions may pose an Imminent Hazard; quantifying risk levels for receptors; and summarizing the results of the risk assessment in a concise and straightforward report.