vv EPA
              United States
              Environmental Protection
              Agency
           Office of
           Solid Waste and
           Emergency Response
DIRECTIVE NUMBER: 9285.4-02

TITLE:  GUIDANCE FOR COORDINATING ATSDR HEALTH
   • _ASSESSSMENT ACTIVITIES INTO THE SUFERrUND
            REMEDIAL PROCESS

APPROVAL DATE:  3/11/87

EFFECTIVE DATE:  3/11/87

ORIGINATING OFFICE:

0 FINAL

D DRAFT

 STATUS:
              REFERENCE (other documents):
                                of Solid Waste
 OS WER      OS WER      OS WER
/£   DIRECTIVE   DIRECTIVE    Di

-------
*CPA un«eo ^SSSSfo^f^ **** ji8i~.Nw.-ir- 	 •
ocm OSWER Directive Initiation Request 9235.4-02
. . 1. Qrlqlnalar Information
Name at Contact Person . Man Cage
n. Bennett ' OS23&
0lf!c*HSED Teieonore Caae ^K ™
idlnce for Coordinating ATSDR Health Assessment Activities with
iperfund Remedial Process
citizen petitions.
5. Keyword* Superfund.CEHCLA.SAFA
6a_ Does This Oireenve Supersede Previous Direcovets)? i i
1 	 |N°-
B. Ooea It Suoplement Previous Oirecnve
-------
                                                       9285 .4-02
             GUIDANCE  FOR COORDINATING ATSDR HEALTH
            ASSESSSMENT ACTIVITIES INTO THE SUPERFUND
           I~         REMEDIAL  PROCESS

           	         TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                     Page Number

          INTRODUCTION                                     1

          Purpose of Document	    1
          Outline of Document  	    1
SECTION


1.0       EPA"RISK ASSESSMENTS                             2

2.0   .    ATSDR HEALTH ASSESSMENTS                         2

3.0       EPA/ATSDR COORDINATION IN THE REMEDIAL PROCESS   2

          3.1  Overview of the ATSDR Health Assessment         -:
                Process	*  -f
          3.2  Prioritization of Sites	6   *
          3.3  Procedures for EPA/ATSDR Coordination
                (Federal/PRP-lead)	 7
          3.4  Procedures for EPA/ATSDR Coordination
              (State-lead)	   9


4.0       ATSDR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT/CONSULTATION
          ACTIVITIES                                       9

5.0       CITIZEN PETITION FOR HEALTH ASSESSMENTS          10

          5.1  Notification Process	10
          5.2  Management of Petitions	11

APPENDIX

1.0    -iff* Bflo*di*l Process

2.0    *JBJfea* Health Assessment Format

3.0       JHMDK Regional Representatives

4.0       ATSOR Data Requirements for Health Assessments

-------
                                                       9285.4-02


                           INTRODUCTION
    The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)
mandates that the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR) perform specific public health activities
associated with actual or potential exposure to toxic
substances identified at hazardous waste sites.  Although this
mandate covers a wide range of health-related activities, this
document focuses on the specific requirement that ATSDR conduct
a health assessment for each site on, or proposed for inclusion
to, the National Priorities List (NPL). (5110(6) (a)).   Health
assessments are to be completed by December 10, 1988 for those
facilities proposed for inclusion prior to October 17, 1986 and
within a year of the date of proposal for those facilities
proposed for inclusion after October 17, 1986.  Furthermore,
SARA directs ATSDR to consider NPL schedules and the needs of
EPA pursuant to remedial investigations and feasibility studies
(RI/FS) when determining its priorities, and to complete health
assessments "promptly" and to the "maximum extent practicable"
before completion of the RI/FS.

Purpose of Document                                           J$
                                                              '.
    The purpose of this document is to (1) provide guidance to*T
support ATSDR in meeting its health assessment requirements as
outlined in Section 110 under SARA, (2)  summarize the various
EPA response activities for which consultation with ATSDR may
be requested and (3) outline ATSDR1s management process for
citizen petitions.  The new health assessment requirements will
necessitate the exchange of information and data on sites
between ATSDR and EPA and will require continual coordination
to address priorities and to clarify schedules for performing
health assessments.  The procedures outlined in this document
are intended to facilitate the completion of health assessments
in a timely fashion and to minimize potential delays in the
remedial process (see Appendix 1.0 for a summary of this
process).  This document is intended for use by EPA Remedial
Project Managers (RPMs), ATSDR Regional Representatives (RRs)
and other parties participating in the health assessment
process.

Out1ins
                  sections of this document briefly describe
EPA risk assessments and ATSDR health assessments.  Section 3.0
outlines the procedures for coordinating EPA's remedial
activities with ATSDR's health assessment activities and
clarifies the roles and responsibilities of each agency.
Section 4.0 summarizes those additional support activities
provided by ATSDR upon request from EPA.  The last section
outlines ATSDR's management process for citizen petitions.


-------
                                                       9285.4-02
 1.0 EPA RISK ASSESSMENTS
     EPA is responsible for  conducting quantitative risk
 assessments (i.e.,  the public  health evaluation and
 endangerment assessment)  which characterize the nature and
 magnitude of potential risks to human health and the
 environment from exposure to hazardous substances, pollutants
 or  contaminants  released  from  specific sites.  This process is
 initiated during the RI and consists of an evaluation of the
 nature  and extent of contamination, the potential pathways of
 human exposure,  and a comparison of expected human exposure
 levels  with recommended exposure levels.  The results of the
 public  health evaluation  are reported in the feasibility study
 and the analysis of remedial alternatives.  EPA risk
 assessments are  prepared  by scientists from a variety of fields
.(e.g.,  toxicology,  hydrology,  chemistry); the complexity of an
 assessment depends  upon site-specific factors such as the
 number  and type  of  chemicals present; the number and complexity
 of  exposure pathways;  and the  availability of appropriate
 standards and/or toxicity information.

 2.0  ATSDR HEALTH ASSESSMENTS                                  J
                                                              -i
     ATSDR health assessments are qualitative assessments of the
 potential risks  to  human  health posed by individual sites.  The
 ATSDR health assessment is  performed by a multi-disciplinary
 team (e.g.,  physicians, toxicologists, public health
 specialists,  etc.)  and consists of reviewing environmental
 sampling  data and other site-related information (e.g.,
 remedial  investigation reports,  risk assessments) available
 from EPA.   These data are evaluated to (1) assess whether any
 current or potential health threat exists; (2) to develop
 health  advisories as necessary;  and (3) to identify studies
 needed  to evaluate  human  health effects.  The ATSDR assessment
 will  serve to assist EPA  in determining whether immediate
 actions (e.g., provision  of alternate water supply, relocation
 of  individuals)  are necessary  to reduce human exposure.  The
 format  for  ATSDR health assessments is provided in Appendix 2.0.

 3.0  EPA/AT8PR COORDINATION  IN  THE REMEDIAL PROCESS
                of this section is to outline the health
assessastocess and discuss the procedures by which ATSDR
will obtWuTth* necessary  information to complete health
assessments for HPL sites.  Under these procedures, ATSDR is to
review information and participate in technical project
briefings at specified points in the RI/FS procese (Figure 1).
ATSDR has assigned personnel to each of the ten EPA Regional
Offices to facilitate interaction with EPA.  (See Appendix 3.0
for a listing of the current assignees and telephone numbers.)
                               -2-

-------
                        FIGURE 1

               ATSDR/EPA INTERFACE
EPA RI/FS ACTIVITIES
   SITE DISCOVERY
   SITE INSPECTION
         i.

PROPOSAL TO NPL
i
>
ASSIGN PRIORITY
FOR RI/FS
1
FEASJBOJTe
STUDY m


• 1


<
REMEDIAL
INVESTIGATION
.t
•"*.'•
i. x-
1^. »
r — .
>
RI/FS PUBLIC MEETING
   ROD SIGNATURE
        ATSDR HEALTH ASSESSMENT
                ACTIVITIES
 PA/SI
REPORT
                                         ATSDR REVIEW
                                             1
                                            SITE VISIT
                                         AS APPROPRIATE
                                             I
                                        HEALTH ASSESSMENT
                                      BASED ON AVAILABLE INFO.
                                        IDENTIFY SPECIAL DATA
                                        NEEDS AND DISCUSS
                                        SAMPLING STRATEGY
                       DRAFT Rl REPORT
                                         ATSDR REVIEW
                                    ISSUE HEALTH ASSESSMENT
                                      ATSDR PARTICIPATION
                                        AS APPROPRIATE
                            -3-

-------
                                                       9235.4-02


 3.1  Overview of  the  Health  Assessment Process

     In  determining the  priority  in which to conduct health
 assessments,  SARA directs ATSDR,  in consultation with EPA, to
 give priority to those  facilities at which there is documented
 evidence- of  the  release of  hazardous substances and where the
 potential  risk to human health appears highest.  Furthermore,
 Congress has  directed ATSDR to complete health assessments
 promptly,  and to the maximum extent practicable, before
 completion of the RI/FS, and to  consider NPL schedules and EPA
 needs pursuant to RI/FS schedules.

     Because  of the need to  consider the congressionally
 mandated schedules for  completing health assessments and EPA
 remediation  schedules,  the  first task in the process will be to
 establish  priorities among  sites.  This prioritization process
 consists of  two  concurrent  acivities: (1) an ATSOR review of
 all  NPL  sites to identify those  that have no prior ATSOR
 review/recommendation;  and  (2) EPA orderly submission of sites
 to ATSDR based on EPA remediation schedules (discussed in the
 following  section).  EPA and ATSDR will work together to
 establish  priorities for all sites.  Sites posing an imminent
 health threat (i.e., evidence of significant acute or chronic^
 exposure presently occurring) will receive the highest       'I
 priority.  Sites not posing an imminent health threat will be
 prioritized  according to EPA remediation schedules.

     Due  to the scheduling requirements for completing health
 assessments  (refer to Table 1.0) and the number of sites in the
 various  stages of the remedial process, there will be varying
 amounts  of data  available for specific sites on which to base
 the  health assessment.   For sites where only preliminary
 assessment (PA)  and  site inspection (SI) data are available, a
 subsequent assessment may be performed once the remedial
 investigation report is completed.  Therefore, coordination
 between  the RR and RPM  will be needed to assure that data and
 information are  provided at appropriate times and arrangements
 made to  procure  and  transmit new information when necessary.

    Due  to the large number of sites presently on the NPL and
 the  short.time frame allotted to complete health assessments,
 the  statna^ of health assessments will be tracked and updated
 through  CBKLIS, a national database that contains information
 on all pdOBtial hazardous  waste sites including information on
 Superfund  removal, remedial, and enforcement activities.  These
updates  are intended to serve both a managerial and tracking
 function and  to  assure  that health assessments are completed in
 a timely fashion while  avoiding  unnecessary delays in the
 remedial process.  Updates  to CERCLIS should indicate
 specifically  whether a  health assessment has been completed or
whether  additional data/information is needed.  The RPM and RR
will coordinate  and  track the statue of ATSDR data requests.
                               -4-

-------
                                                 9285 . 4-02.,
                        Table 1


     INITIAL ATSDR HEALTH ASSESSMENT DEADLINES
                       •


NPL PROPOSAL                          ATSDR HEALTH
    DATE                           ASSESSMENT DEADLINE


Update 6 - January 1987                        January 1988


Update 7 • September 1987 (planned)               September 1988

NPL Sites Proposed prior                       December 1988
 to October 17,1986
                        -5-

-------
                                                        3235.4-02
 3.2 Prioritization of Sites

     The prioritization approach presented below reflects  EPA's
 desire to have health assessments completed at  sites  prior  to
 the signing of RODs and to assure that all health concerns  are
 adequately addressed prior to initiating last operable unit
 response actions.   Although this approach should be followed to
 the extent practicable, sites posing an imminent health threat
 (i.e.,  evidence of significant acute or chronic exposure
 presently occurring), regardless of their stage in the remedial
 process, constitute the highest priority and therefore, would
 require a more expeditious response.   The priorities  are  as
 follows:

 First      Ongoing  Projects — includes those projects which
 Priority  have an  approved workplan and the RI/FS is  currently
           underway or has been completed:

     (a)    ROD or FS expected within 3-6 months

     (b)    RD/RA stage (only if last operable unit)

     (c)    On-going RI/FS                                    '.".

     (d)    RD/RA stage (other than last operable unit).

 Second     New Start Projects — includes those  projects which
 Priority  have not yet begun and/or do not have a finalized
           workplan:

     (a)    New RI/FS

     (b)    No  RI/FS (i.e.,  may not be initiated  within the time
           frame requirement for health assessment).

 Third      Completed Projects — includes those  projects where
 Priority  all  response actions have been completed other  than a
           long-term response (e.g.,  20-year ground water
           pumping  and treatment)  and those sites  eligible for
           deletion:

               leted sites  eligible for deletion

             ,g-term response actions  (LTRAs)

           Deleted  sites.

    NPL  sites  should be prioritized in each upcoming  quarter by
the appropriate RPMs,  their Branch Chiefs,  and  the RR.  The RR
will then  transmit the priority list  to ATSDR's office of
Health Assessment  for a comparison of priorities  among all
                               -6-

-------
                                                       9285.4-02


Regional submissions.  Once sites posing an imminent health
threat have been identified, the remaining sites will be ranked
according to EPA remediation schedules.   Because actual
exposure situations are rarely documented upfront, most health
assessment priorities will likely be established by remediation
schedules.

3.3 Procedures for EPA/ATSDR Coordination (Federal/PRP-lead)

    Mechanisms by which ATSDR may interface with the process
may vary depending on which organization (EPA, State, PRP,  or
COE) has lead responsibility for the RI/FS.   The primary
participants in the coordination process are the ATSOR RR and
the EPA RPM.  The RPM is the prime coordinator for projects and
is responsible for arranging the transfer of information and
identifying appropriate contacts in other agencies.  The RRs
serve as liaisons between ATSDR and EPA and are the principal
contact on all ATSDR-related matters.

    Because the procedures for addressing a new-start Federal-
lead RI/FS offer the most complete scenario and serve as a
model applicable to most other situations, they will be       X
discussed first.                                             .-.

New Start Projects — The appropriate EPA Regional Branch Chief
will supply the ATSDR RR with copies of the integrated
Superfund Comprehensive Accomplishments Plan (SCAP) on a
quarterly basis consistent with the Regional quarterly update.
RRs will be responsible for contacting the appropriate EPA RPMs
to obtain information on those projects that have been selected
for ATSDR action (based upon the prioritization process
described in section 3.2).

    ATSDR has previously identified the general types of data
that will be needed to complete health assessments (see
Appendix 4.0).  These data should be adequate for the majority
of sites investigated/ however, both agencies recognize that
some sites will require additional data beyond that described
in Appendix 4.0.  It is important that ATSDR identify such
sites and the nature of any additional data required, as early
in the proc««» as possible.  Therefore the RPM should supply
the RR wit%.atcopy of the SI report and the Hazard Ranking
System iaBtepation for all sites proposed for inclusion to the
NFL.  Thc^Kvill then be responsible for notifying the RPM of
any special data requirements anticipated after reviewing the
SI report.  This notification should be accomplished by
memorandum in a timely manner following receipt of the SI
report so the appropriate administrative procedures can be
implemented to obtain contract assistance.  The memorandum
should address the nature of the data required as well as the
rationale for justifying the collection of these additional
                               -7-

-------
                                                       9285.4-02


 data;  for'potential  responsible  party  lead  sites, the
 additional data would be collected by  the PRPs and the RPM
 would  serve as  the coordinator between ATSDR and the PRPs.

    Through discussions  with  the RPM,  any additional contractor
 efforts to address these needs should  be identified and
 categorized as  a separate task within  the RI/FS work
 assignment.   This will allow  EPA to  identify contract resources
 expended  at the request  of ATSDR that  are not typically
 collected in an RI/FS effort.  The RPM will manage all
 contractor efforts and supply the RR with copies of sampling
 and work  plans.for informational purposes.

    The RPM will issue a copy of the draft RI (when available)
 to the RR for use in the development of the health assessment.
 To the extent that they  are available  at this time/ EPA will
 also provide to  ATSDR copies  of  any  site-related risk
 assessment documents for their use in  developing a health
 assessment.   Following review of the RI, a discussion meeting
 should be held between the RPM and the RR to raise any issues
 regarding the site.

    When  feasible and appropriate, the RR will participate in *
 the pre-FS meeting which will cover  initial sampling results;'"
 proposed  remedies to be  considered in  the FS, and strategies
 for addressing  site  remediation.  (In  the cases where a RI/FS
 is being  conducted by a  PRP or Federal agency, the RPM will
 coordinate meetings.)  These  discussions will focus on those
 operable  units comprising the final  remedy and plans for their
 implementation.   This meeting provides a forum for raising any
 additional  issues or concerns associated with the project and
 serves as  a planning session  to  update timeframes for future
 project milestones (including ATSDR  schedules for preparing
 health assessments).   Health  assessments are to be completed by
 ATSDR, to  the maximum extent practicable, prior to the release
 of the RI/FS for  public  comment.

Ongoing Projects  —  To ensure that ATSDR is informed of all
 current RI/FS efforts and projected  ROD signatures for that
 year, EPA. Branch- Chiefs  will  provide RRs with a list of all
 ongoing OMdial  projects with estimated completion dates
 (final jj^Kf*0**? > •   Subsequent to  receiving this project
 list, tl^^KllllX notify appropriate RPMs (in conjunction with
 the BraMHSl«£}L;|o identify and prioritize projects for
health atf*l«bMB*«v. Depending upon  the stage of the project,
 an appropriate schedule  for supplying  required documents should
be arranged between  the  RPM and  the  RR.  Although health
 assessments  should be completed  prior  to completion of the
RI/FS, in  some situations this will  not be possible.  In such
 cases EPA  and ATSDR  should discuss preliminary findings of the
health assessment prior  to ROD signature.  Health assessments
 are desirable as  early as possible and should precede* the
 initial ROD  whenever possible.   However, the ROD should not

-------
                                                       9285.4-02"


be delayed  solely because the health assessment is not
complete.   RODs  for  limited site actions  (e.g., alternate water
supply) may be signed  prior to obtaining  the health assessment.

     If additional data needs are identified by ATSDR, the RPM
should issue  a work  assignment amendment  to incorporate the
required contractor  efforts.  This amendment will constitute a
separate work task.  PRP-lead RI/FSs should be addressed as
discussed for newstart projects. . In addition, ATSOR will
coordinate  with  the  RPM so that qualified persons are hired to
supplement  ATSDR for oversight of PR? activities.

Completed Projects —  Because ATSDR must  complete health
assessments for  all  NPL sites by December 10, 1988, Regional
Branch Chiefs are to assemble the appropriate documentation for
all  completed projects and make it available to the RR in a
timely manner. The appropriate Regional staff person to serve
as a contact  for each  respective project  should be identified.

3.4  Procedures for EPA/ATSDR Coordination (State-lead)

     State-lead projects are administered  under different
procedures  than  Federal-Lead projects, however, the same      '
priority approach discussed earlier will  be followed. The RPBC';
will serve  as the liaison and will arrange for the RR to work 7
with their  State agency counterparts.  The State will supply
all  necessary information to the RPM and  the ATSDR RR.  The RPM
will be advised  on the progress of health assessments, and
notified in the  event  that additional data are needed.  Where
contractor  support is  needed to collect additional data, the
State must  submit budget and scope amendments to EPA for the
cooperative agreement.  The RPM and the State will establish
procedures  for State-lead enforcement sites on a site-by-site
basis.
4.0 ATSDR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT/CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES

    In addition to the health assessments required by SARA,
ATSDR assessments and consultation may be requested for a
variety of other remedial-related activities.  Other types of
consultation* that nay be requested of ATSDR include, but are
not liiiiiqjfr te, the following:
              ev and comment on remedial and removal
          alternatives. This doe* not include selection of the
          remedial action (an EPA risk management decision) but
          can include a review of such action to ensure it
          adequately addresses public health concerns.


-------
                                                       9285.4-02


           Review  and  comment on various documents or papers
           (e.g.,  risk assessments, health reports, etc.),
           prepared by EPA or other involved parties.

           Review  and  comment on worker health issues.  ATSDR,
           with technical assistance from the National Institute
           for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), may
           review  site safety plans or address additional
           concerns such as evaluation criteria.

    ATSDR  consultation concerning these EPA response-related
activities may be requested by Regions in separate memoranda.
Because ATSDR responses relevant to selection of response
action will become part of the Administrative Record, memoranda
should state clearly  the type and extent of review that is
desired and the time  frame in which the response is needed.
These requests should be made through the ATSDR RR.

5.0 CITIZEN PETITION  FOR HEALTH ASSESSMENTS

    SARA permits  a private citizen to petition ATSDR to perform
a health assessment of a site or an incident.  A complete     i
health assessment may not be necessary to address the citizen>V
concerns/  i.e./ an ATSDR health consultation may be sufficiehtf-
to answer  the inquiry.  It must also be anticipated/ however/
that sufficient environmental data may not be currently
available  to provide  either a consultation or to perform a
health assessment.

    The procedures for petitioning ATSDR and the process for
responding to petitions will be developed by ATSDR as Federal
regulations and promulgated in the Federal Register.  This
section provides  an overview of the process which may be
subject to change as  the regulations are developed.

5.1 Notification  Process

    ATSDR's policy is to require petitioners for a health
assessment to do  so in writing to the Associate Administrator
of ATSDR.  It is  likely that petitioners who are not aware of
the formal petitioning procedure may contact the Regional
Office*. -^Tbe ATSDR RRs will inform the petitioner to submit
their rerffert'for « health assessment in writing to the
AssociatJI*teinistrator of ATSDR.

    Citizen inquiries for assistance and/or information may be
addressed  at the  regional level by the ATSDR RR.  If such
inquiries  evolve  into a formal petition for a health assessment
the petitioner will be advised to submit their petition in
writing to the Associate Administrator of ATSDR.  Citizens with
health concerns who contact the RPMs should be referred to the
RR.
                              -10-

-------
                                                       9233.. 4-02
 5.2.  Management of Petitions
    Based upon a review of the citizen petition, and any
accompanying data, as well as current ATSDR priorities and
activities, ATSDR will determine whether 1) a health assessment
is warranted at the particular site; or 2) the petition can be
addressed through some ATSDR activity other than a health
assessment; or 3) additional information is required to
determine whether a health assessment is warranted.  If ATSDR
determines that a health assessment is not warranted, it will
notify the petitioner of this fact in writing.  Should ATSDR
determine that additional information is required to decide
whether a health assessment is warranted, it will notify in
writing the petitioner and seek the additional data from other
sources.

    If ATSDR decides to conduct a health assessment, it will
notify the petitioner and will request data relevant to the
site in question from the petitioner, EPA, state or local
agencies, or other appropriate parties.  In the event that the
data necessary to perform a health assessment is not available
from other sources, ATSDR may arrange for sampling or
additional data gathering at a site for the sole purpose of
determining the existence of current or potential health
problems at the site.  Handling of all additional data
requirements will be coordinated by ATSDR's RR (on NPL sites
ATSDR's RR will coordinate with the RPM).

    If additional environmental sampling is required and/or a
full health assessment is warranted, the citizen's petition may
not be completely addressed for several months;  ATSDR will
respond to the citizen in writing/ notifying the citizen of
what course of action will be followed and when a full response
to their request may be anticipated.  Other consultation and
advice will be provided that could help alleviate their
concerns.  If ATSDR concludes that a health problem does exist
at a site or incident.(i.e., actual exposure and/or health
effects have been documented), ATSDR will advise the citizen in
writing about other public health actions if any are
appropriate.

-------
                            9285.4-02
APPENDICES
                                    /

-------
                                                       9285.4-02


                          APPENDIX 1.0

            OVERVIEW OF THE REMEDIAL  RESPONSE PROCESS


    The National Contingency Plan (NCP), the "blueprint" for
 implementing the Superfund program under CERCLA, defines two
 specific types of action to respond to releases of hazardous
 substances.

 (1) Removal Action -  prompt response to prevent or mitigate
    harm to human health or the environment.  Removals usually
    must be completed in twelve months or after expenditure of
    $2 million.

 (2) Remedial Response -  generally involves a more extensive
    response than removals with additional outlays of time and
    money and is intended to achieve a permanent solution to
    the maximum extent practicable.

    Removal actions will, by definition, be accomplished within
 a short time frame.  The remedial response process, however, -is
more extensive and involves a series of steps.  Each of the  '-.-
 steps in the process is briefly described below.             * -

 Site Identification

    Hazardous waste sites are generally identified in one of
 two ways.  Sites come to EPA's attention following the report
of a release.  These reports may be directed to the National
Response Center or the Emergency and Remedial Response
 Information System which maintains a current listing of those
 facilities at which hazardous wastes are located.  Sites may
 also be identified as part of ongoing State or Federal
hazardous waste site discovery programs.

Site Evaluation

    Once a site has been identified, a preliminary assessment
 is performed to determine the extent of potential release.
This preliminary assessment includes the collection and review.
of all arMEiltble information regarding the source and nature of
the hassjlpui"substances present.  A site inspection, is then
performaJFiBfctfL includes sampling, surveying, monitoring and
other field activities required to characterize the problem.
Data gathered during the site evaluation serves as the basis
for the ranking of sites on the NPL.

Initial Planning

    The information generated through the site evaluation
process is reviewed during the initial planning phase to

-------
                                                        9285.4-02


 determine the scope of prospective remedial  activities.  The
 decision as to who will"take the lead (?RP,  State  or EPA) for
 the remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) is
 made at this stage.

 Remedial Investigation (RI)

     The purpose of the RI  is to collect  and  analyze those data
 necessary to define the nature and extent  of threats to human
 health and the environment,  and to support development  and
 evaluation of alternatives in the feasibility study.  During
 this phase of the process, the initial scope may be revised as
 additional information is  gathered.   Typical RI  activities
 include:  waste analysis and development  of profiles,
 hydrogeologic investigations,  surface/ground water analyses and
 air monitoring.

     EPA's public health assessment and risk  assessment  are
 usually initiated during the RI stage.   These quantitative
 evaluations of the potential health threats  posed by specific
 sites  are utilized by decision-makers in the final selection of
 an  alternative and to guide  them in making risk-management
 decisions.                                                   ..'
                                                            »

 Feasibility Study (FS)

     The purpose  of the FS  is to identify and assess those
 remedial  alternatives that would be appropriate  for application
 at  a site.   Typically an FS  involves  several steps:
 development of alternatives,  initial  screening of alternatives
 (based  on health/environmental,  technical  feasibility,  and cost
 impacts),  detailed analyses  of remaining alternatives,
 recommendation of  an  alternative and development of a
 preliminary conceptual  design.

 Remedy  Selection

     In  selecting remedial  alternatives,  EPA  must consider which
 remedies  are protective of human health  and  the  environment,
 cost effective,  and utilize  permanent solutions  and alternative
 technologies to  the maximum  extent  practicable.  Remedies must
 also mneftf^ppplicable  or relevant and appropriate Federal and
 State stdHpid*..   Once  all requirements  are  satisfied,  a Record
of DecisJwMBQ&Jt  is  signed  to formalize the remedy selection
process.

Remedial Design/Remedial Action

    The last step  in  the process is to clearly define the
 selected remedy  and outline  the necessary  plans  and
 specifications in  a bid package (remedial  design).  After the
 award of a contract,  construction activities necessary  to
 implement the  selected  remedy begin (remedial action).

-------
                                                       9235.4-22


Completion/Deletion


fcu  2££e a11 of ^he re<5uired response actions as described in
the ROD are completed, a site may be classified as a coraDlet^on
(i.e., receives a "C" cleanup status on the NPL).   Completed"
sites undergo a technical evaluation to assure they satisfy the
necessary deletion criteria as delineated in the NCP and
related guidance before they are deleted from the NPL.

-------
                                                       9285.4-02


                           APPENDIX  2.0

                  ATSDR HEALTH ASSESSMENT FORMAT

     Depending on the individual  sites, and the extensiveness of
 the  material  being reviewed,  and the report prepared, the
 actual  health assessment  may  or  may not contain the formal
 sections  presented below,  but will  usually cover material which
 would be  appropriate in each  section.

 I.        Executive Summary:   A one  paragraph summary of the
          report  should be provided  if the report exceeds
          several pages.

 II.       Statement of the Problem
          A.    Questions asked by EPA.
          B.    Background  and  history of.the project.

 III.      List of Documents Reviewed

 IV.      .List of Principal Contaminants

 V.        Environmental Pathways                              -_Z
                                                             • *
 VI.       Human Exposure Pathways

 VII.      Health  Evaluation (Include information on human
          complaints.)

 VIII.     Health  Effects (lexicological information on the
          principal contaminants.  Include this if it is a
          specific guestion.   Otherwise, put it in the
          discussion.)

 IX.       Discussion of the Presence of a Health Hazard
          A.    Imminent
          B.    Chronic.
          C.    Potential

X.        Conclusions

XI.     jMEpbendfations  (In  numbered, "bullet" format.)
                    for immediate action
                   .for long-term action
                     >nal  data needs

XII.      References

XIII.     Attachments (Optional)

XIV.      Signature Block
          A.    Office Director
          B.    Copy to 6.  Buynoski and H. Longest

-------
                                                      9285.4-02
                          APPENDIX 3.0

            ATSDR Field Office Public Health Advisors
Ms. Marilyn DiSirio
EPA Superfund Office
Region  I - Room  1903
Waste Management Division
John F. Kennedy  Building
Boston, MA  02203
FTS 835-3639
Comm. (617) 565-3639
Tues. & Thurs. -
  Lexington, MA  (617) 861-6700

Mr. William Q. Nelson (Bill) Nelson
Emergency & Remedial Response
EPA Region II/ Room 737
26 Federal Plaza
New York, New York 10007
FTS 264-8676
Comm. (212) 264-8676
Tues.  - Edison, NY FTS 340-6657/8

Mr. Charles J. (Bucky) Walters
EPA Superfund Office
Region III
841 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA  19107
FTS 597-7291
Comm. (215) 597-7291

Mr. Casimer V. (Chuck) Pietrosewicz
Air & Waste Management Division
EPA Region IV
345 Court land Street, HE
Atlanta, GA
FTS 257-3931
Comm. (404)

Ms. Louise A. Fabinski
Emergency & Remedial Branch (5HR)
EPA Region V
230 South Dearborn
Chicago, IL  60604
FTS 886-0398
Comm. (312) 886-0398
Mr. Carl R. Hickam
Region VI
1201 Elm Street
Dallas, TX  75270
FTS 729-9872
Comm. (214) 767-9872

Mr. Edward J.  (Ed) Skowronski
Waste Management Branch
EPA Region VII
726 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS  66101
FTS 757-2856
Comm. (913) 236-2856

Mr. Michael A. (Mike) McGeehin
Waste Management Division
EPA Region VIII, Suite 1300
999 18th Street
Denver, CO  80202-2413
FTS 564-1526
Comm. (303) 293-1526

Mr. Donald W.  (Don) Hawkins*
Toxics & Waste Management Division
EPA Region. IX
215 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA  94105
FTS 454-7742
Comm. (415) 974-7742

Mr. Joel D. Mulder
Hazardous Waste
EPA Region X (M/S 525)
1200 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA  98101
FTS 399-2711
Comm. (206) 442-2711
•Address mail to:  P.O. Box 2453, Daly City, CA  94017
                                                                 vO

-------
Relationship  to Nearby Community

    Activities on  the site  (estimated number of people involved
    in each activity)
 ^ Records of environmental and health complaints by public
    about sites
    Estimated frequency of  activities on-site (e.g., dirt
    biking, camping, hunting, fishing, etc.)
    Log of actions taken by State/county health unit at/near
    site regarding health issues, concerns, complaints, etc.

Data on Environmental Pathways

    Ground water
         Geologic Profile
         Map  of water table contours and monitoring wells, if
         any
         Map  showing locations and uses of wells within 2 miles
         of site
         Map  showing locations and uses of wells within 2 miles
         of site (within +/- 60 degrees of ground water
         direction if flow  direction is constant)
         Approximate number of users as source of potable water
         Average net rainfall and evaporation rate
         Hydraulic conductivity of saturated zone (estimated or
         measured)
         Sampling data and  description of sampling survey with
         summary table
              Locations of  contaminated monitoring wells
              Contaminant concentrations over time
    Surface Water
         Indication on site map of 100 year flood plain
         Stream classifications and water uses downstream from
         site
         Sampling data and  description of sampling strategy
         with summary table
    Soil and Sediment
         Sampling data and  description of sampling strategy
         with summary table
    Ait 
-------
Site History

    Dates of operation and significant events
    Description of prior release and actions taken by EPA to
    remedy
    Description of physical barriers to prevent pollutant
    transport (i.e-.,  liners, slurry, walls,  fences,  dikes)
    Current CERCLA/RCRA status of site

Information on oruality control/crualitv assurance

    Data Review Summary prepared by EPA Regional staff.  This
    documents the validation of sample holding times,
    instrument, performance, calibration,  blanks,  surrogate
    recovery, matrix spike recovery, and compound
    identification.  It includes documentation of actions taken
    to resolve data quality problems and an  overall case
    assessment.

    For non-CLP data, equivalent information should be provided
    (see Guidelines for Providing Laboratory Data and Qualitym
    Control Information, CEH, CDC)
                                                             V

-------