Decision Model Systems
ESD researchers have developed the Risk Assessment Information System which provides tools that are essential for conducting risk assessments, such as preliminary remediation goals, toxicity values and profiles, Federal and State Guidelines, human health risk models, and ecological benchmarks. Use of this system reduces the cost of risk assessment activities and provides a platform for standardizing basic environmental cleanup techniques for hazardous and radioactive waste sites. Spatial Analysis Decision Assistance (SADA) is software that incorporates tools from environmental assessment fields into an effective problem solving environment. These tools include integrated modules for visualization, geospatial analysis, statistical analysis, human health risk assessment, ecological risk assessment, cost/benefit analysis, sampling design, and decision analysis. The capabilities of SADA can be used independently or collectively to address site specific concerns when characterizing a contaminated site, assessing risk, determining the location of future samples, and when designing remedial action. The Management Evaluation Matrix (MEM) has been employed by Department of Energy to determine the relative benefit of activities (projects) for any number of attributes such as public health and safety, environmental protection, and site personnel safety and health. This process provides a consistent, systematic framework for evaluating and quantifying the estimated risk reduction achieved by the completion of each project and was the basis for ranking, sequencing, and distribution of funding for projects totaling approximately $700M.
