This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Developing Soil Cleanup Guidelines Based on Historical Sampling Data

Hypothetical sampling transect through a spill site.

Can historical data, not collected specifically for determination of background concentrations, be used to develop soil cleanup guidelines?

Historical data from the Department of Energy's Kansas City Plant were evaluated with log-probability plots to determine background concentrations of naturally-occurring metals that were also site contaminants. The background values determined by this method were consistent with those reported in the literature for the region. Moreover, it was also possible to clearly separate the contaminant population from the background population.

This approach was accepted by the State of Missouri and the Environmental Protection Agency, Region VII. It has been used in numerous documents supporting site cleanup efforts.

Fleischauer, H. L. and N. Korte. 1990. Formulation of cleanup standards for trace elements with probability plots. Environmental Management 14(1):95-105.

Where To?

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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.