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John Samuelian, Ph.D.

John Samuelian, Ph.D.
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John Samuelian, Ph.D.
Associate of Integral

John Samuelian, Ph.D.

Associate of Integral (207) 800-3802 Portland, ME jsamuelian@integral-corp.com

Dr. John Samuelian brings 37 years of experience in environmental consulting, environmental and analytical chemistry, database development and management, human and ecological risk assessments, quality assurance, site investigation design, and remedial alternatives evaluation. He has served as environmental chemist, senior task leader, project manager, senior technical reviewer, or QA/QC officer for a number of RI/FSs; remedial designs; remedial action construction projects; human and ecological risk assessments, which have included streamlined, baseline, and residual risk assessments in support of feasibility study projects; commercial product risk assessments; aquatic ecology studies; manufactured gas plant (MGP) sites; mining sites; private well surveys; and U.S. Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), risk-based corrective action (RBCA), and RCRA site investigations. Projects have included PCB and dioxin sites, building investigations, municipal and industrial landfills, arsenals, a lead shot site, pulp and paper mill sites, contaminated sediment sites, radiological sites, and solvent waste sites. These projects have ranged from several-thousand- to multimillion-dollar efforts. He has also served as QA/QC officer, auditor, and assessor of overall data quality for similar projects. Dr. Samuelian has provided support for projects throughout the U.S., for public and private sector clients.

Risk Assessment for Extended Phase-Out of Pentachlorophenol

Case Study

November 19 2024

Residual Ecological Risk Assessment to Support Landfill Feasibility Study

Case Study

December 13 2019

Litigation Support

Litigation Support Regarding PCBs, Multiple Locations Providing technical support for data management and analysis, performing deterministic and probabilistic human health risk assessments (HHRAs), guiding strategy development, and preparing expert reports for multiple litigation projects related to PCBs in the environment. Primary focus of the human health risk assessments is exposure to PCBs in ambient air, surface water, and sediment and from consumption of seafood. This project is ongoing.
Desalination Facility, Gulf of Mexico Provided senior technical review for an expert report that evaluated potential impingement and entrainment impacts of the water intake to a proposed desalination facility in the Gulf of Mexico.
Pentachlorophenol Phase-out for Utility Pole Wood Treatment, Canada Prepared an affidavit that evaluated the potential worker and general population risks related to extending the phase-out period for pentachlorophenol treatment of utility poles in Canada.  Health Canada originally proposed an accelerated (less than 1 year) phase-out period for pentachlorophenol use for utility pole treatment.  The affidavit showed that there were comparable risks to workers and general population when the phase-out period was extended to 5 years, which was in-line with the U.S. phase-out period.  Health Canada agreed to the latter phase-out period.
Litigation Support Regarding Assessment of Metals Bioavailability from Gowanus Canal Sediments, New York Provided technical support for the preparation of an expert report regarding the bioavailability assessment of metals from Gowanus Canal sediments. The primary focus was on evaluating AVS/SEM/TOC (i.e., total organic carbon–normalized acid-volatile sulfide/simultaneously extracted metals ratios) results and reported metals concentrations to determine whether the residual metals should be included in the overall sediment remediation program.
Litigation Support Regarding Global PCBs, Nationwide Reviewed the literature regarding global distribution and cycling of PCBs, in support of a litigation project related to PCBs in the environment. The emphasis was on determining regional background levels of PCBs and how PCB mixtures vary globally.
Litigation Support Regarding Need for Placing Warning Signs on Utility Poles, New York Prepared an affidavit to address a case regarding the need to post a warning sign on utility poles treated with pesticides as well as the potential human health impacts from pesticide use for utility poles. The affidavit reviewed the available risk assessments developed by EPA for evaluating pesticides used in utility pole treatment.
Litigation Support Regarding Assessment of Human Health and Ecological Risks in the Penobscot River, Maine Serving on a team that is providing technical support for the preparation of an expert report, pre-filed direct testimony, pre-filed rebuttal testimony, hearing demonstratives, and testimony support regarding potential impacts on human health and ecological receptors from historical mercury from a former chlor-alkali manufacturing facility in Orrington, Maine. Primary focus was on assessing potential ecological impacts on fish, assessment and critique of expert and technical reports, data assessment, and preparation of reports and demonstratives.
Litigation Support Regarding Potential Thermal Effects of Nuclear Power Facility, Vermont Reviewed reports from trustees regarding potential thermal effects from the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant on migratory fish species (American shad) and provided supporting testimony. Review focused on additional studies that have become available since the date of the prior permit.
Litigation Support Regarding Residues in Fish and Crabs from Historical Petroleum Operations, Louisiana Provided technical support to counsel and litigation defense team regarding a lawsuit involving southern parishes of Louisiana that have undergone petroleum and gas exploration for many years. The property that was the focus of this litigation case was subject to oil and gas development, and historical handling of associated waste materials, since the 1940s and is currently active. Plaintiffs alleged that groundwater, sediments, and nearby fish and crabs from this site were contaminated by petroleum waste products. Principal roles included review of analytical results, review of plaintiff and defendant expert reports, and recommendations for field sampling and overall project strategy.
Litigation Support Regarding Alleged Releases of Dioxins and PAHs from an Active Wood Products Facility, Confidential Location Prepared expert technical reports and supported the expert testimony for a case regarding alleged releases of dioxins, PAHs, and other chemicals from an active wood products facility. Plaintiff's arguments were based upon attic dust measurements in several residences. Our efforts included examining assumptions used for the air modeling, conducting chemical fingerprinting (ranging from simple graphical tools to more complex methods such as principal components analysis and cluster analysis), comparing the PCDD/F and PAH emission patterns from the facility (as well as other industrial and regional sources) to the attic dust patterns, and reviewing analytical data quality and plaintiff's expert reports. The case was tried in federal court, and based in part on our expert reports and testimony, the jury concluded that the plaintiffs had not shown that the facility contributed to the PCDD/F and PAH levels in the attic dusts and further that the facility operator had no financial obligations to the plaintiffs.
Developed a Microexposure Event Risk Model to Assess Potential Residential Risks near an Industrial Site, Confidential Location Developed a 2-dimensional microexposure event risk model that concurrently quantifies uncertainty and variability and estimates potential human health risks for residents near an active industrial facility. Exposure routes included incidental soil ingestion, soil dermal contact, and dust inhalation. Developed age- and gender-specific exposure assumptions. Census data were used to define the gender-specific age distribution of the local population and to calculate location-specific exposure durations based on net migration and mortality rates. Both site-specific and generic exposure assumptions were incorporated into the model.
Litigation Support to Assess PCBs in Sediments, Connecticut Provided technical support for a litigation project regarding residual PCBs in sediments at a golf course. The golf course filed a lawsuit against the owner of the adjoining property alleging that the PCBs detected in the sediments from a water hazard at the golf course was attributable to the adjoining property. The technical support for the defendant primarily focused on the types of Aroclor PCBs that were detected, history of uses of the adjoining property, and analytical quality control. The case was dismissed by the court after this and other information was provided by the defendant.
Litigation Support to Assess PCB Blood Serum Level, Massachusetts— Applied chemical forensic tools (principal components analysis and cluster analysis) to assess PCB congener blood serum levels. The serum congener patterns were compared to Aroclor mixtures, background levels, and levels reported in work-related exposure to individuals to assess whether the patterns were indicative of chronic exposure to PCBs.
Quality Control of Lead-Based Paint Residential Survey Database, Litigation Support Project, New England Provided quality control review of a specially developed database (using Microsoft Excel) that compiled and summarized results from lead paint surveys of residences in a New England state. The focus of the effort was a review of the lookups, summary calculations (spot checks), some limited data validation, and following a result from the source datasheet to the summary calculations.
Expert Testimony and Technical Support, Former Gas Plant Site, Michigan Provided expert testimony and technical support to evaluate compliance with CERCLA RI/FS protocols and the National Contingency Plan for a former MGP site case. The case involved a major mid-western utility and Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company. Remnants from the former MGP site were identified during construction of an expansion for the pharmaceutical company. The results of the testimony were ultimately used as part of the settlement between the two parties.
Expert Testimony on Aquatic Ecological Impacts, Proposed Cogeneration Plant, New York Provided expert testimony for the assessment of potential aquatic ecological impacts of a proposed 200-megawatt, coal-powered cogeneration project, along the Hudson River in upstate New York. Included oversight of the fisheries field collections, fisheries data evaluation, and preparation of the Clean Water Act 316(b) demonstration. Wedge-wire intake screens were proposed for the facility, but an assessment of alternate intake screen designs was also performed. The 316(b) demonstration, in combination with the use of wedge-wire screens, showed that there would be minimal impacts to all life stages of fish during facility operation. Because of issues unrelated to the 316(b) demonstration, the facility was not built.
Litigation Support, Pulp and Paper Client, North Carolina Provided litigation support for the evaluation of potential impacts of discharge from a pulp and paper mill located in North Carolina. Principal environmental concern was the impact of the colored discharge on the epibenthic community. The results were used to determine the suitability of the discharge permit renewal.
Litigation Support, Cost Recovery Action, Municipal Landfill, New Windsor, New York Provided litigation support for cost recovery action at a municipal landfill containing hazardous industrial wastes. PRP waste allocation was performed as part of this cost recovery suit. This effort included providing consultation services to the prime contractor responsible for the expert testimony.

Risk Assessment

HHRA and Ecological Risk Evaluation (ERA) of a Closed Landfill, New Jersey Served as project manager and technical director for an HHRA and ERA for Operable Unit 2 of the Helen Kramer Landfill in Mantua Township, New Jersey.  EPA is the lead agency.  The chemicals of concern are volatile organic compounds (VOCs); semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs); 1,4‑dioxane; per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); metals; and pesticides in the surface water, sediment, and soil in areas adjoining the landfill.  This project is ongoing.      
HHRA of Former Industrial Site, New Jersey Served as project manager and technical director of an HHRA to assess potential risks from exposure to residual VOCs and other chemicals (e.g., PFAS) in offsite groundwater at the Chemsol Site (Piscataway, New Jersey). This site has an active groundwater pump and treatment system. The residential communities within the area are served by city water and there are no private supply wells in the area. The objective of the HHRA was to assess potential risks to human health from hypothetical future-use exposure to chemicals from unauthorized use of groundwater. The results of the HHRA will be used to support the feasibility study and risk management decisions for the project.
Streamlined Ecological Risk Evaluation near a Closed Landfill, New Jersey Served as project manager and technical director for a streamlined ecological risk evaluation of a stream adjoining the Helen Kramer Landfill in Mantua Township, New Jersey. The screening level ecological risk assessment (SLERA) was prepared in accordance with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) guidance and evaluated potential impacts to aquatic biota related to VOCs, SVOCs, PFAS, metals and pesticides in the surface water and sediments of Edwards Run. Continued routine monitoring is recommended to ensure that media concentrations are stable over time or decline by natural attenuation. Additional field investigations continue at the request of EPA consistent with Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund guidance.
Radiological Risk Assessments of Former Uranium Mine Site, Arizona Served as project manager and technical lead for the development of a work plan and the streamlined human health and ecological risk assessment to support the assessment of a former uranium mining area near Cameron, Arizona. Radium and non-radiological metals were evaluated as part of these risk assessments, which will then be used to support the engineering evaluation and cost analysis (EE/CA) for this project. This work is ongoing.
Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (BERA) of Rolling Knolls Landfill, New Jersey— Served as project technical manager and principal author of the BERA work plan (fieldwork) and report for the Rolling Knolls Landfill. This large (~200-acre) landfill received both municipal and industrial waste and is located partially in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. A remedial investigation has been ongoing for several years, and Integral was retained to complete the BERA. Multiple receptors and a large suite of chemicals were evaluated. The work plan and report were prepared on an expedited (approximately 8 month) schedule. The results were incorporated into the remedial investigation for the site. Subsequent to the submission of the remedial investigation report, a residual ecological risk assessment was developed for the potential remedial alternatives to be evaluated in the feasibility study for this project. This work focused on small mammals and avian species for which there was a potential ecological risk. Reductions in the chemical concentrations of the exposure media were used to quantify the potential ecological benefits for the different remedial measures evaluated in the feasibility study. These results were also used to support risk management for this site.
Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) Review and Related Technical Support, Former Vermiculite Mine Site, Montana Providing technical support for the review of EPA HHRA and data interpretation activities at a large, former vermiculate mine site. The vermiculate source material contains asbestos, which is the primary focus of these activities. This is an ongoing project.
Proposition 65 Risk Assessment and Support, Manufacturer of Cell Phone Covers, California Provided technical support (analytical chemistry and bioavailability evaluation) of residual monomers and other chemicals present in cell phone covers and related materials. This assessment will aid in determining final product labeling, in accordance with California Proposition 65 regulations.
Risk Assessment Technical Support to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Wyoming Provided technical support for human health and ecological risk assessment issues related to Atlas missile site projects. The primary objectives were to determine whether the risk assessments prepared by USACE were consistent with regulatory guidance and to assist the DEQ by providing negotiation points for additional evaluation efforts.
Strategic Risk Assessment and Environmental Consulting, Lower Passaic River Superfund Site, New Jersey Provided technical support to the Integral senior lead working on behalf of certain parties engaged in the Lower Passaic River study area. This work includes technical support in developing and critiquing the human health and ecological risk assessments and methods, and reviewing environmental chemistry, toxicity, bioaccumulation, and related test results.
Development of Cleanup Goals for Perchlorinated Naphthalenes, Confidential Location Provided technical support during the review of toxicology literature used in the development of sediment cleanup goals for perchlorinated naphthalenes.
Proposition 65 Risk Assessment and Support, Major U.S. Carpet Manufacturer, California Provided technical support for a human health risk assessment and bioavailability assessment of phthalates and other chemicals present in new and recycled carpets. These assessments will aid in determining final product labeling, in accordance with California Proposition 65 regulations.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Waterways near a Remediated Landfill, New Jersey Served as project manager and principal author of an Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund Step 3 assessment of a stream and lake located near a remediated landfill in New Jersey. Work was prompted by results of a screening-level ecological risk assessment (SLERA) prepared by EPA that suggested some metals may pose an ecological risk in these water bodies. As part of this effort, developed a field sampling program that included a bioavailability assessment of metals within sediments.
Stage III Ecological Risk Characterization of an Urban Waterway, Watertown, Massachusetts Provided technical support for the development of the field sampling program and scope development for two urban water bodies that were impacted by historical releases from a PCB spill and disposal of rubber wastes in an adjoining landfill. Performed sediment toxicity testing (life cycle chironomid test and 28- and 42-day Hyalella tests) and bioavailability testing to support this assessment. The ecological risk characterization report will be prepared in accordance with Massachusetts Contingency Plan guidance. This is an ongoing project.
San Jacinto River Waste Pits RI/FS, Harris County, Texas Served as task leader and principal author of the baseline ecological risk assessment for the former south impoundment portion of the San Jacinto River Waste Pits site. The site is a closed storage facility of bleached, kraft pulp mill waste, which was deposited in the estuarine marsh environment in the 1960s. The waste was contaminated with dioxins and furans. Potentially affected environments included the estuarine and riparian areas as well as the adjacent uplands. Residues in the former south impoundment area primarily consisted of VOCs, metals, and PCBs. The presence of VOCs prompted the evaluation of potential ecological risks due to vapor inhalation by burrowing mammals. Our analysis showed that risks were de minimis for this pathway and receptor group, based on a comparison to screening benchmarks. Therefore, the baseline ecological risk assessment primarily focused on potential effects of metals and PCBs on terrestrial receptors.
Streamlined Ecological Risk Evaluation to Support Landfill Closure, Lisbon Falls, Maine Prepared a streamlined ecological risk evaluation to assess the potential impacts of residual VOCs, metals, and PCBs as part of a landfill closure. The landfill is located adjacent to the Sabattus River. Therefore, surface water, sediments, and porewater samples were collected to assess potential ecological risks, based on comparisons to existing benchmarks. Rock baskets were also placed in the water column to assess potential impacts to aquatic invertebrates. VOCs and PCBs were present at isolated locations near the landfill and were not deemed to represent a waterway-wide ecological risk.
Ecological Risk Assessment for an Estuarine Watershed, New Jersey Provided technical support for the human health and ecological risk assessment of the Berry’s Creek watershed, a Superfund site located in the New Jersey Meadowlands. Chemicals of interest include mercury and other metals and PCBs. Activities have included development and oversight of a sediment toxicity testing program using Hyalella (10-, 28- and 42-day tests) to support the sediment triad assessment. Porewater collected from the field, and during the toxicity testing, will be used to assess whether this media is a good predictor of potential risks to benthic organisms. Responsible for data interpretation and sampling design, including characterization of fish and invertebrate communities, terrestrial (marsh) invertebrate communities, and avian communities.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Chemical Residues in a Pond, Horseheads, New York Prepared an ecological risk assessment for a small pond located in New York that had received historical treated wastewater discharges from an electrical manufacturing facility and runoff from other adjoining industrial sites. The primary chemicals of concern were heavy metals, PAHs, and PCBs. The candidate ecological receptors were developed on the basis of observations made during prior field surveys of the pond. They included aquatic receptors (fish, benthic invertebrates), avian receptors (mallard duck and great blue heron) and mammalian receptors (mink and muskrat). A supplemental field program was developed to fill data gaps from prior fieldwork, which included the selection and sampling of a suitable nearby reference pond and collection of sediments for toxicity testing and benthic community assessments. Tissue levels in fish for PCBs were below those purported to elicit toxicity. Benthic toxicity results were inconclusive, and were not related to chemical concentrations. There were no risks identified above regulatory levels for the avian or mammalian receptors, except for the muskrat. The risks to the muskrat were likely overestimated because of the need to estimate chemical concentrations in some of their forage items, which did not account for site-specific reduction in bioavailability. Results from the ecological risk assessment were used in conjunction with the human health risk assessment to develop an appropriate remedial measure for this site. Integral science and engineering staff also provided technical support for the preparation of the feasibility study for this project.
Screening Ecological Risk Evaluation to Support Corrective Measures Study, Middleport, New York Prepared screening ecological risk evaluations to support the assessment of alternative remedial measures performed as part of a corrective measures study (CMS) for a facility that formerly manufactured arsenical pesticides. The estimated soils concentrations for the different CMS alternatives were evaluated against the EcoSSL soil benchmarks and state ecological soil benchmarks to determine whether the human health-based CMS alternatives would be sufficiently protective of ecological resources. This evaluation also included an evaluation of the current environmental setting to determine whether it represents suitable habitat for ecological resources. The overall conclusion was that the ecological resources would be adequately protected under any of the CMS alternatives.
Stages I and II Ecological Risk Characterization of an Industrial Landfill, Ashland, Massachusetts Performed a field survey to assess potential impacts to vegetation from an adjoining industrial (monofill) landfill. The landfill contained filter cake material from a former plastics manufacturer. Vegetation was evaluated for percent cover, species types, robustness, and related parameters to assess whether the filter cake that had sloughed from the landfill footprint to the adjoining areas represented a potential ecological risk. Also provided technical support for the Stages I and II ecological risk characterization report that was prepared in accordance with Massachusetts Contingency Plan guidance.
Probabilistic Risk Assessment of PCB Residues at a Former Natural Gas Facility, Texas Provided technical support of the probabilistic risk assessment of PCBs in soils at a former natural gas facility in Texas. Soils from the former facility had migrated to an adjoining ranch land that was actively used for grazing. The focus of the risk assessment was to assess whether the PCBs could be taken up by vegetation and enter the food chain of the grazing cattle and native species. The probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) included input distributions for chemical uptake by plants, forage and soil consumption by cattle and native species, and potential human exposures. The risk assessment showed only a slight potential for risk above the lower regulatory limit, and the PRA using current site data showed with 95 percent certainty that contamination at 2 ppm (original remediation target) was less than one-in-a-million.
Risk Assessment from Exposure to Vapors Released from Soils and Groundwater, Phoenix, Arizona Providing senior review and strategic support for an assessment of potential human health risks associated with exposure to residual chlorinated organic compounds from contaminated soils and groundwater and an active facility. The Johnson & Ettinger vapor intrusion model was used to estimate worker exposures based on measured soil vapor concentrations. An indoor air sampling program is under development to confirm the estimated indoor air concentrations from the Johnson & Ettinger model.
Monte Carlo Assessment of Potential Nasal Tumor Incidence Rates, Nationwide Used Monte Carlo probabilistic modeling to estimate bounds on nasal tumor rates to the general U.S. population attributable to historical “background” exposure to naphthalene. Exposure routes included estimating naphthalene exposure attributable to residential mothball use, side-stream cigarette smoke, use of wood-burning stoves and other common applications. This was part of a manuscript published in Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology that shows that the proposed naphthalene unit risk factor was too conservative and will overestimate the potential tumor rates in the general population.
Microexposure Risk Model to Assess Wood Treatment Site, Florida Developed a microexposure event risk model that estimates potential human health risks for workers at an active wood treatment facility. Exposure routes included incidental soil ingestion, soil dermal contact, and dust inhalation. Both site-specific and generic exposure assumptions were incorporated into the model. Soil concentrations were based on distributions of potential, spatially averaged mean concentrations of arsenic, benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalents, pentachlorophenol, and PCDD/F toxic equivalents. This is a 2-dimensional model that concurrently quantifies uncertainty and variability in estimated future risks and also has the flexibility to assess the residual risks from different remedial alternatives.
Screening-Level Ecological Risk Assessment of VOCs from Contaminated Groundwater, South Portland, Maine Prepared a SLERA to assess the potential impacts of VOCS from groundwater originated from an active semiconductor plant. Historical spills and releases of VOCs from prior to the mid-1980s have resulted in the contamination of a portion of the overburden and the bedrock groundwater at the facility. A groundwater interception system was installed in the mid-1980s, which effectively intercepted most of the VOCs from the facility. After review of empirical data and related studies that assessed the biotic integrity of the nearby stream, it was concluded that there were no significant ecological impacts from the groundwater originating from this facility.
Human Health Risk Evaluations to Support EE/CA of a Former Uranium Mine, Southwestern U.S. Developed a human health risk assessment work plan to support the evaluation of multiple remedial alternatives developed as part of an EE/CA at a former uranium mine. Both radionuclides and nonradionuclides (predominantly metals) were included in these assessments. Potential risks associated with transportation of materials offsite was also assessed as part of this effort. The results were used to evaluate suitability of the remedial alternatives. It was concluded that offsite transport of mine waste solids would result in undue risks; therefore, the alternatives that excluded offsite transportation were retained for the site remediation.
Environmental Chemistry, Field Investigation, and Risk Assessments, Centredale Manor Site, North Providence, Rhode Island Provided environmental chemistry support for sediment and surface water investigation of residual dioxins/furans, PCBs, and other recalcitrant chemicals in the Woonasquatucket River in Rhode Island. Chemical residues were derived from discharges of diverse former operations, which included herbicide formulations, drum recycling operations, and other chemical handling operations. Primary roles were to perform statistical analyses of the analytical results to identify spatial and temporal trends, and apply chemical fingerprinting methods (principal components and cluster analysis) to identify unique chemical signatures that may be attributable to different sources. Currently evaluating potential methods to distinguish the sources. This is an active project.
Assessment of Emerging Chemicals and Wastewater Treatment, Nationwide Ecological impact technical lead for the preparation of a technical brief for member companies of Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) and other interested parties, concerning the issues and implications of trace organic compounds (TOrCs) for wastewater treatment. The technical brief summarized the scientific data related to how TOrCs are identified and measured in the environment and wastewater streams; described the removal of TOrC in typical wastewater treatment processes; and then discussed the potential human health and ecological effects of TOrC that may be discharged to surface waters and/or taken up in public water supplies. The brief identified management strategies along with future research needs. This technical brief was published by WERF (stock no. CEC3R07) in 2008.
Enhancements to Model to Predict Environmental Concentrations of Pharmaceuticals, Nationwide Part of the technical team that developed a fate model that predicted environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals and compare them to probable no effect concentrations based on human and ecological health. The model was capable of using use of alternate xQy flows to be more representative of chronic exposures to aquatic organisms. Model enhancements that were planned included the addition of a biosolids module, which assesses the fate and disposition of pharmaceuticals that may accumulate in POTW sludge and then be used as organic material for biosolids application.
Streamlined Human and Ecological Risk Evaluations, Former Uranium Mine, Grand Canyon, Arizona Developed human and ecological streamline risk evaluation work plans in support of the development of an EE/CA work plan for a former copper and uranium mine on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Both radionuclides and non-radionuclides (predominantly metal) were included in these assessments. Human health radionuclide risks were evaluated using the RESRAD model, while non-radionuclide risks and all ecological risks were evaluated using conventional EPA Superfund approaches.
Remediation Health and Safety Evaluation, Georgia Prepared a health and safety evaluation for remediation workers, transportation, and receiving landfill workers for a proposed soil remediation project. The active industrial site had inadvertent releases of phthalate compounds to subsurface soils and sediments due to an improper functioning containment system at their loading dock. The health and safety evaluation included a determination of potential risks associated with removal and handling of phthalate containing soils at the facility, potential transportation risks (which were de minimis) and special handling requirements for landfill staff that received the contaminated soils.
Derivation of Regional Background Phthalate Concentrations for Ditch Sediments, Georgia Assessed an active industrial site that had inadvertent releases of phthalate compounds to subsurface soils and sediments due to an improper functioning containment system at the loading dock. Evaluated resulting phthalate concentrations in conjunction with sediment collected from nearby streams and ditches to derive appropriate regional background concentrations for these compounds. This assessment was done in lieu of a formal risk assessment due to the comparatively small areal coverage of the phthalate impacted sediments. This value was then used to develop a remediation plan for these sediments.
Remedial Alternatives Human Health Risk Assessment, New Jersey Developed a human health risk assessment to assess residual risks of different remedial alternatives for a brownfields site. The principal chemicals of concern were PAHs, metals, PCBs, and dioxins. Based on the proposed remediation (a combination of excavation, consolidation and capping), showed that potential human health risks were within EPA tolerance for likely end uses, and potential emergency breaches, of the cap.
Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment, Wilmington, North Carolina Provided technical oversight for the preparation of a baseline ecological risk assessment of a creek and adjoining wetlands at a former wood treatment facility. Receptors of interest included benthic invertebrates, several fish species, great blue heron, mink, and the red-tailed hawk. Chemicals of concern included several pesticides, metals, PAHs, and dioxins/furans. A hazard quotient-based approach was used, and toxicity testing of sediments was also performed. The baseline ecological risk assessment was later supplemented with an evaluation of potential risks to insectivorous birds, whose exposure was estimated on the basis of emergent insects collected in 2005 and 2006. The results of this evaluation showed no significant risks to this receptor. The emergent insect results were also used to derive biota transfer factors, which were used to support the remedial alternatives assessment for this project.
Human and Ecological Risk Assessments, Gulf, North Carolina Prepared work plans to perform the human and ecological risk assessments of a creek at a former wood treatment facility in Gulf, North Carolina. Receptors of interest included benthic invertebrates, great blue heron, mink, deer, eastern kingbird, and the red-tailed hawk. Chemicals of concern included pentachlorophenol, metals, PAHs, and dioxins/furans. Following submission of the work plan, a SLERA consistent with the first two steps of the EPA eight-step process and the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) SLERA guidance was developed. Several of the sediment sample results exceeded the conservative screening values. The subsequent ecological risk assessment Step 3 report included use of more refined screening criteria and site-specific information (e.g., naturally depauperate benthic invertebrate population due to ephemeral conditions of the creek). In addition, a chemical fingerprinting assessment was performed, which assessed the potential contributions of the site to dioxin/furan and PAH levels downstream of the site. A small number of the sediment samples exhibiting concentrations greater than the refined screening criteria were localized to the drainage ditch and the junction of the ditch and creek. This document was submitted to NCDENR in March 2008 and approved in January 2009. Based on the information presented in this report, the agency concluded that no further ecological risk assessment work was needed, and the client was authorized to proceed to remedial action plan development for this site.
Comments to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB’s) Proposed Risk Assessment Bulletin, Nationwide Provided technical support to the development of comments to the OMB’s January 9, 2006, Proposed Risk Assessment Bulletin. The focus of the comments was both to commend the OMB for its recommendations where appropriate and to identify areas where further clarification would be useful to meet the primary objective of harmonizing the risk assessment process across different regulatory disciplines.
Third-Party Quality Control, Vapor Intrusion Assessment for Commercial Laundry, North Carolina Provided third party quality control support for the assessment of vapor intrusion into an operating commercial laundry. Residual VOCs (perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride) from historical operation spills were present in the soil vapor underlying a portion of the building. EPA’s Johnson & Ettinger model were used to estimate potential building air concentrations. Default model assumptions were adjusted to reflect less than daily exposure in the rooms overlying the affected areas in order to achieve a more realistic exposure estimate.
Third-Party Quality Control, Vapor Intrusion Assessment for School, Vermont Provided third party quality control support for the assessment of vapor intrusion into a school. The client’s primary consultant estimated potential risks of a building expansion using the Johnson & Ettinger vapor intrusion model. A review showed that some alternate assumptions could have been used but that they would not have changed the overall conclusion that there were no potential cancer or non-cancer risks from the residual VOCs present in the soils.
Assess Inter- and Intra-Individual Variability for Mercury Exposure, Canada As part of a project to reexamine the permissible exposure limit for mercury in Canada, assessed multiple human health studies to develop an uncertainty factor that addresses inter- and intra-individual variability. This effort included review of relevant literature on industrial exposure to mercury (predominantly from former chlor-alkali plant workers). Statistical methods such as the jackknife were used to quantify the variability.
Probabilistic Model to Assess MTBE Exposure, Canada Updated an existing probabilistic exposure model that was used to estimate exposures to MTBE for different age groups of human receptors in Canada. Model refinement, including refinement of exposure assumptions, was accomplished by developing Visual Basic for Applications code to provide a more usable interface and by updating the model to use @RISK 4.5.
Sediment PAH and Metals Bioavailability, Ohio Developed a focused work plan to assess the potential bioavailability of PAHs and metals from sediments near a former manufacturing facility discharge. Observed results exceeded screening “consensus” sediment criteria for some parameters. Focus of this effort was to demonstrate that the bioavailability of the PAHs and metals was reduced in these sediments to the extent that the screening sediment criteria were not a relevant benchmark.
Reassessment of Sediment Remediation Goals for PCBs, Pennsylvania Provided risk assessment support to engineers for the reassessment of acceptable soil and sediment remediation goals of PCBs at a site in Pennsylvania adjacent to the Delaware River. The original remediation goal was based on Aroclor PCB analysis and was established in the record of decision for the project. Following subsequent collection and assessment of PCB congener and dioxin congener data, EPA attempted to reduce the remediation goals while the remedial design was in progress.
Model to Predict Environmental Concentrations of Pharmaceuticals, Nationwide Participated on the technical team that developed a fate model to predict environmental concentrations of pharmaceuticals. Information concerning the hydrology of multiple watersheds throughout the United States was obtained from the EPA database BASINS. Loadings to the watersheds from POTWs were calculated based on per capita usage of the different compounds, and the population served by the different watersheds. The model was designed to include degradation by various pathways, including human metabolism, treatment at the POTWs, loss during transport in the rivers and reservoirs, and loss from treatment by the drinking water purveyor. Predicted water concentrations were also compared to back-calculated acceptable drinking water concentrations to assess potential risks to individuals exposed to these chemicals via drinking water. This study was published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.
Assessment of Suitability of the Toxicity Equivalency (TEQ) Method for PCB Human Health Risk Assessments, Nationwide Provided technical support for the evaluation of the suitability of the TEQ approach to assess potential human health risks associated with PCB exposure from fish ingestion. Methodology was based on the comparison of the TEQ derived from PCB congener analysis and comparison to TEQ content of Aroclor PCBs. Evaluation of different fish studies showed that the Aroclor PCB-based risk assessment was adequately protective.
Development of Site-Specific Uptake Factors for an Ecological Risk Assessment, Former Munitions Demolition Area, Massachusetts Provided technical support for the development of site-specific soil-to-biota uptake factors in support of an ecological risk assessment of a former munitions demolition area at a military site in Massachusetts. Focus was on collection of empirical data of dyes, explosives, and metals in plants, earthworms, and small mammal and comparison to co-located soil samples. Results of the evaluation showed that existing models conservatively overestimate the uptake that may occur.
Screening Ecological Risk Assessment, Massachusetts Military Reservation, Cape Cod, Massachusetts Provided senior technical review of a screening ecological risk assessment, performed in accordance with EPA and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection guidance, for a former explosives demolition pit. The assessment included the development of appropriate assessment and measurement endpoints, screening of a large suite of chemicals identified during prior field investigations, and development of the work scope for a more detailed quantitative ecological risk assessment.
Human and Ecological Risk Assessments, Mill Operation, North Carolina Served as project manager for human and ecological risk assessments performed at a former wastewater treatment plant associated with an operating mill in North Carolina. The facility is located adjacent to a river system. The key chemicals of concern were chlorinated solvents, particularly trichloroethane. The project site was addressed as a brownfields redevelopment site because the wastewater treatment plant was being transferred to the municipality following completion of the risk-based remedial action.
Peer Review Panel Recommendations, Massachusetts Provided technical support for the development of recommendations for peer review panel of a human health risk assessment of a river system in Massachusetts. Focus was on issues related to exposure point concentration development, exposure assumptions, and data quality assessment.
Development of Guidance for Risk-Based Corrective Actions for Petroleum Releases at U.S. Military Sites, Europe Provided technical support and review for the development of supplemental guidance for the U.S. military to address petroleum spills in Europe. Methodology was based on ASTM International (ASTM) RBCA guidance and included the development of an analytical method decision tree for use at these spill sites.
Ecological Risks from Alternate Sludge Management Methods, Nationwide Reevaluated the Meyn model to assess potential ecological risks associated with exposure to pulp and paper mill sludges from different land-farming methods. This evaluation showed that the earlier work had overestimated the risks to shrews.
Microexposure Risk Model, Wisconsin Assisted in the parameterization, code development, and quality control for a microexposure event risk model that estimated human health risks from the ingestion of fish containing PCBs for a large river system in Wisconsin. This is a 2 dimensional model that concurrently quantifies uncertainty and variability in estimated future risks, and also has the flexibility to assess the residual risks from different remedial alternatives.
Development of Spatial-Weighted Exposure Point Concentrations, Nationwide Co-developed an approach to provide an upper 95 percent confidence limit estimate of the spatial-weighted average concentrations. This method has direct application to both human and ecological risk assessments where biased sampling indicates that spatial statistical approaches to deriving exposure point concentrations is required.
Evaluation of Alternative Approaches to Exposure Point Concentration Calculations, Massachusetts and California For two projects, evaluated the suitability and representativeness of alternative approaches to calculate exposure point concentrations, based on those published by Singh et al. (1997). Alternative approaches were required because EPA’s approach using the H-statistic yielded results that were not representative of the actual distribution of chemical concentrations at these two sites.
Geostatistical Evaluation in Support of Sediment Mass Estimate, Wisconsin Evaluated the suitability of a PCB mass load estimate for sediments in a river system based on alternative geostatistical techniques. Kriging and inverse distance squared averaging methods were used to estimate mass load. Results of the evaluation led to identification of data gaps that were used to develop a future field sampling program.
Microexposure Risk Model, New York Assisted in the parameterization, code development, and quality control for a microexposure event risk model that estimated human health risks from the ingestion of fish containing PCBs. This model concurrently quantified uncertainty and variability in the risk estimates, and therefore serves as a useful tool for risk management decisions.
Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessments, Coastal Swamp, New Jersey Prepared a human health and ecological risk assessments for an upland area and swamp impacted from a historical release from an adjoining waste oil lagoon. The ecological risk assessment was prepared in accordance with EPA guidance, under EPA Region 2. Principal chemicals of potential ecological concern included PCBs, waste oil, and certain heavy metals. Portions of the swamp are tidally influenced, while other areas are influenced by local hydrology. For the ecological risk assessment, a wide variety of assessment and measurement endpoints was assessed because of the large areal extent (more than 400 acres) of the swamp. Receptors included vegetation, small mammals, aquatic birds and raptors, and large mammals. The focus of the human health risk assessment was the upland area. Key receptor pathways included incidental dermal contact of soils and sediments, ingestion of groundwater, and vapor inhalation. The Johnson & Ettinger vapor intrusion model was used to assess potential vapor exposures using different exposure scenarios. Results from both risk assessments were used to support the RI/FS for the site.
Derivation of Ecological Risk-Based Cleanup Levels, Georgia Developed risk-based cleanup goals for ecological receptors at a property impacted by releases from an adjoining manufacturing facility in Georgia. Cleanup levels were derived for PCBs, phthalates, and select metals for the most sensitive avian receptor (American robin). In addition, a statistical analysis was performed to estimate the number of samples at concentrations above the cleanup level that could remain and still achieve the cleanup level, both property-wide and in the remediated area.
Review of Human Health Risk Assessment (2), New York Assisted with the technical review of an agency human health risk assessment for a river system in New York. Efforts included review of the suitability of the exposure point concentrations, evaluation of the suitability of the angler survey(s) used in the risk assessment, and evaluation of the risk modeling that was performed.
Review of Human Health Risk Assessment (1), New York Assisted with the technical review of an agency human health risk assessment of chemical residues at residential properties located on an island downstream of a former manufacturing facility that used PCBs.
Derivation of Human Health-Based Cleanup Levels, New Jersey Assisted in the development of exposure assumptions to derive human health risk-based cleanup levels (HBCLs) for chemical residues at an active chemical manufacturing facility in New Jersey. Chief chemicals of concern included PCBs, and a variety of lower and higher molecular weight PAHs. Facility has been active for more than 50 years and had multiple areas of environmental concern (AECs). To derive the HBCLs, realistic exposure assumptions based upon the use of the facility area and its physical features were developed, and back-calculations were computed from an assumed potential carcinogenic risk of 1x10–5 and a potential noncarcinogenic hazard quotient of 1. Limited air modeling conducted with the ISCT3D model was used to estimate the amount of entrainment of exposed soils. HBCLs were also evaluated using the VLEACH model to determine whether the predicted concentrations would also be protective of groundwater quality. HBCLs were used as part of the feasibility study to identify appropriate corrective actions for each of the AECs.
Screening-Level Ecological Risk Assessment, Georgia Prepared a SLERA for a property impacted by releases from an adjoining manufacturing facility in Georgia. The risk assessment was prepared in accordance with Georgia Environmental Protection Division guidance and EPA Region 4 guidance. Principal chemicals of potential concern included PAHs, PCBs, and certain heavy metals. Evaluated receptors included shrews, robins, raccoons, and deer. The evaluation showed that only PCBs were driving the risk, with hazard quotients greater than 1 calculated for food-chain transfer to the shrew and robin. Results were used to develop remediation levels and an appropriate work scope for post-remediation confirmatory risk assessment.
Derivation of Risk-Based Cleanup Levels, New York Served as task manager and assisted in the development of exposure assumptions to derive human health risk-based cleanup levels for chemical residues at residential properties located on an island downstream of a former manufacturing facility that used PCBs. Soils present on several of the properties were spoils from historical maintenance dredging operations of nearby channels. The risk-based cleanup levels were used in a feasibility study to identify appropriate corrective actions at these properties.
Risk Assessment Work Plan, Massachusetts Provided technical support to prepare comments to an agency-prepared work plan for a river system impacted by PCBs in Massachusetts. Effort included evaluation of the suitability of the analytical program, sampling design, and exposure media for appropriateness in developing a human health risk assessment and providing input to risk management decisions.
Screening-Level Ecological Risk Assessment, Various Locations Nationwide Prepared a SLERA for properties that may be used for land farming of pulp and paper mill sludge and waste. Various land farming methods were evaluated for six surrogate receptors (three avian, three mammalian) that may inhabit these areas. The principal chemical of concern was 2,3,7,8-TCDD. Risks were initially calculated based upon a 1 ng/kg soil concentration, from which unit risks (i.e., the soil concentration which yields a hazard quotient of 1) were derived. The unit risk values were then used to estimate the typical land farming assumptions and techniques over a 20-year span that would not result in a risk in excess of 1 to the evaluated receptors.
Uncertainty Analysis for a Human Health Risk Assessment, Ohio Assisted in the development of a model and interpretation of the model results for a residential human health risk assessment. The residential properties had received soils contaminated with PAHs from an industrial facility. The model was developed to separate uncertainty from variability, was coded in Visual Basic, and included an innovative approach to determining exposure concentrations.
Ecological Risk Assessment Work Plan, Georgia Co-authored an ecological risk assessment work plan for a manufacturing facility in Georgia that included multiple operable units. Principal chemicals of potential concern included PAHs, PCBs, and certain heavy metals. The work plan was prepared in accordance with Georgia Environmental Protection Division guidance.
Ecological Risk Assessment Work Plan, North Carolina Provided technical support for an ecological risk assessment work plan for an active pulp and paper mill in North Carolina. The site consisted of three operable units, including a creek, onsite landfill, and former chlor-alkali plant. Principal chemicals of potential concern included dioxins/furans, mercury, PAHs, PCBs, and chromium. The work plan was prepared in accordance with EPA Environmental Response Team guidance.
Screening-Level Ecological Risk Assessment of a Pulp and Paper Mill, North Carolina Provided technical support for the SLERA of a creek which received discharges from treatment ponds at an active pulp and paper mill in North Carolina. The mink, wood duck, and belted kingfisher were evaluated as sensitive receptors for this screen. Based upon this evaluation, the principal chemicals of potential concern included dioxins/furans, mercury, PAHs, PCBs, and chromium. The results were used to develop the detailed ecological risk assessment work plan for this site.
Supplemental Risk Assessment and Feasibility Study Support, Manufacturing Facility, Maine Prepared a supplemental risk assessment for an active plastic product manufacturing facility in Auburn, Maine. Historical operations from a prior site operator resulted in contamination of subsurface soils and shallow groundwater with VOCs and cresols. Exposure pathways evaluated include dermal contact, inhalation of vapors from soils and groundwater, non-potable incidental ingestion of groundwater, and ingestion of groundwater by residences. Planned approach is to also provide risk assessment support for a feasibility study of the facility, which may include the design of a focused, risk-based sampling program to support the feasibility study, evaluation of supplemental field data against risk assessment performed as part of the remedial investigation, and determination of “residual risk” as part of the feasibility study alternatives assessment.
Risk Assessment Support, Commercial Product Manufacturer, Nationwide Evaluated a commercial product for a new use as recycled paper. Pathways evaluated included worker exposure and human and animal exposure to finished product. This effort included evaluation of Aroclor PCB, PCB congener, and dioxin data collected on the raw recycled material, as well as determination of the appropriate use of the analytical data for the risk assessment.
Risk Assessment Support, California Provided risk assessment support for evaluation of chemical residues in food product. Assisted in the design, implementation, oversight, and interpretation of a project that quantified the phthalate content of commercial cheeses. This lawsuit was brought under California Proposition 65, which requires that manufacturers and vendors label their products if they contain chemicals listed within the proposition at concentrations in excess of a permitted exposure limit. This project included collection of a wide variety of cheeses from supermarkets in California, processed under “phthalate free” conditions, and analysis using the high-resolution EPA Method 1625c.
Risk Assessment, California Provided risk assessment support for evaluation of chemical residues in commercial hair dye. Assisted in the design of an analytical program to speciate the organolead compounds in commercial hair dye. The program included chemical analysis for lead and anions, as well as visual analysis using scanning electron microscopy of crystals associated with treated hair. This lawsuit was brought under California Proposition 65, which requires that manufacturers and vendors label their products if they contain chemicals listed within the proposition at concentrations in excess of a permitted exposure limit.
Risk Assessment Support, Landfill Site, New York Evaluated off-landfill risks in streams, minor stream tributaries, and a recreational lake. This effort included integration of multiple investigation phases into a single database, exposure assessment for trespassers, residents, campers, and other potential receptors that may use the stream environs for recreational use.
Risk Assessment, Active Manufacturing Facility, Chicago, Illinois For an active apparatus service center with historical PCB contamination in soils adjacent to the operations area, integrated multiple investigation phases into a single database; performed data evaluation; conducted an exposure assessment for onsite workers, construction workers, and trespassers; and calculated potential risks to these receptors.
Risk Assessment in Support of a Tier I RBCA Site Assessment, Petroleum Facility, Pennsylvania Assessed chemicals of concern and exposure pathways and conducted related site assessment activities. Used the ASTM guideline for RBCA assessments to perform the Tier I assessment. Results of this evaluation identified data gaps for further evaluation as part of the Tier II assessment.
Human Health Risk Assessments, Petroleum Bulk Storage Facilities, New York Prepared human health risk assessments for three petroleum bulk storage facilities located in New York City. Results were used to support the property transfer of two of these facilities, and the design of the remedial measures at the remaining facility.
Multiphase Site Investigation and Human and Environmental Risk Assessments, U.S. Army, New York Served as project manager of a multiphase site investigation and human and environmental risk assessments of a lead shot disposal site (skeet and trap range) located at a U.S. Army site in New York State. Field program included collection of shallow and subsurface soils, sediments, biota, plants, and exposure indicators (i.e., guano, egg shells). Lead shot was segregated from soil/sediment samples, enumerated, and weighed to determine the extent of mass of shot present in the deposition area. An IEUBK model developed by EPA was used to assess potential human health risks. Results of the investigation and risk assessment were used to develop a limited interim remedial measure (IRM) at the site, which did not significantly disturb the wetland habitat.
Human Health Risk Assessment, New York Prepared human health risk assessment for a site in upstate New York that led to the site’s removal (delisting) from the New York State Hazardous Waste Site Registry. Principal chemicals of concern were VOCs, including TCE and vinyl chloride. Exposure to site soils, surface water and sediments in a drainage swale, chemicals volatilizing from the subsurface, and site groundwater were used to assess site risks. The subsequent phase of the project included providing technical support for transfer of the site to new owners.
Human and Ecological Risk Assessments, New York Prepared human health and ecological risk assessments for municipal and industrial landfill remedial investigation projects in upstate New York. Exposures to landfill soils, leachate, surface water and sediments, chemicals volatilizing from the subsurface, and site groundwater were used to assess site risks. Principal chemicals of concern included VOCs, metals, PAHs, and PCBs. This effort included derivation of a reference dose for a site-specific chemical (toluic acid).
Screening-Level Risk Assessment and Data Evaluation, New Jersey Performed the data evaluation and screening-level risk assessment for a road expansion in New Jersey. Under contract with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, evaluated the results from perimeter soil boring samples collected for the expansion of Routes 1 & 9. Also prepared a screening-level risk assessment of the chemical results.
Human Health Risk Assessment, Proposed Coal-Burning Power Station, Halfmoon, New York Provided technical support for the preparation of a human health risk assessment for a proposed coal-burning power station in New York. Effort included design of field sampling program, review of air modeling results, and exposure assessment/pathway development.
Human Health Risk Assessment Technical Quality Review, Westchester County, New York Prepared technical quality review of a human health risk assessment prepared for a waste-to-energy facility. Effort included review of analytical database for appropriateness and completeness, review of air modeling results, review of ecological modeling results, exposure assessment/pathway development, and risk calculations and conclusions.
Toxicological Data Analysis, Nationwide Interpreted toxicology data for herbicides used for right-of-way management for electrical transmission lines. Results were used to determine potential alternate herbicides and requirements for worker health and safety training.
Ecotoxicological Study, Tennessee Performed an ecotoxicological study to determine the potential fitness effects of allelochemical exposure to insect larvae. Test organism was the southern armyworm larvae. Larvae were exposed to cyanide or pulegone (extracted from the pennyroyal mint, Mentha pulegium) and reproductive success, histopathology, and growth were evaluated. Cyanide was determined to potentiate growth and reproductive fitness, while pulegone (which is a natural insect repellent) significantly reduced growth and reproductive fitness.

Regulatory Compliance

RCRA Facility Investigation (RFI), North Carolina Provided technical support for an ongoing RFI at an active facility in North Carolina. Evaluated the need to include arsenic as an analyte of concern for the facility’s RCRA permit. Arsenic levels in soils from a remediated unit were statistically compared to soils collected from non-impacted areas onsite and in an adjoining cotton field. Using the non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum test, it was determined that the arsenic concentrations in the solid waste management unit were comparable to that in the local environs and that there was no need to include this analyte in the permit.
RCRA Facility Investigation, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York Served as project manager for an RFI of four landfills. Field program included the installation of monitoring wells, soil gas and soil vapor sampling, test pit excavations, and surface water and sediment collections. The results were used to show that no further investigation or corrective actions were required at the landfills.
Phase II Remedial Investigation and Interim Remedial Measures, U.S. Army, West Point, New York Project manager for a Phase II remedial investigation and IRM design of six landfills at a U.S. Army facility. Field program included confirmatory groundwater sampling, leachate sampling, soil gas and soil vapor sampling, unexploded ordnance (UXO) survey, test pit excavations, and surface water and sediment collections. Results of the investigation were used to develop a limited IRM at two of the landfills to intercept leachate and convey to treatment works.
RCRA Facility Assessment, Drum Storage Facility, New Windsor, New York Implemented a RCRA facility assessment of a drum storage facility. Facility manufactured flooring tiles that required staging and storage of drums containing VOCs. A focused soil, groundwater, and surface water program was implemented to determine the extent of contamination. Results of the investigation were used to develop an appropriate closure of the storage area.
Sludge Land-Treatment Regulations, Nationwide Compiled and reviewed the land treatment regulations of 19 states to identify issues relevant to the land spreading of industrial sludge.
Risk Assessment Algorithm Review, Nationwide Provided technical support to review risk assessment algorithms for EPA Part 503 indirect risk assessment. This project included a detailed assessment of the risk assessment algorithms used to predict risk from land disposal of pulp and paper mill sludge and evaluation of the fate and transport assumptions used to build the model.
EPA Model Review, American Petroleum Institute, Nationwide Provided technical support to review EPA model for transport of refinery residuals. This project included a detailed assessment of the suitability of the soil transport model used for an indirect risk assessment of refinery residuals. Provided comments to EPA in support of the American Petroleum Institute.

Remedial Design

Feasibility Study Technical Support, Chemical Residues in a Pond, Horseheads, New York Providing ongoing technical support for a feasibility study of a small pond located in New York that had received treated wastewater discharges from an electrical manufacturing facility. This work is a follow-up to the risk assessments that were prepared for this site. Integral's engineering and chemistry staff performed an assessment of the potential water column PCB concentrations based upon observed sediment concentrations. Assessed whether there was the potential to exceed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation bioaccumulation-based surface water criterion based on fish consumption (1 × 10-6 μg/L). Two approaches were used to estimate the surface water concentration based on estimated porewater concentrations: a simple dilution approach that represented an upper-bound estimate of the potential surface water concentration, based on the calculated porewater concentration; and a diffusion/dilution model. The analysis showed that passive diffusion of PCBs from the porewater is unlikely to result in surface water concentrations in excess of the NYSDEC criterion.
RI/FS, Remedial Design, and Construction Management, Municipal Landfill, New York Served as project manager for an RI/FS, remedial design, and construction management phases for a municipal landfill in New York State that received industrial waste. Chemicals of concern included VOCs, PAHs, PCBs, and metals. Field program included the installation of monitoring wells, soil vapor sampling, test pit excavations, leachate collections, ambient air sampling, surface water and sediment collections, and drum content waste characterization. Also performed the data evaluation and prepared human and environmental health risk assessments for this project. The results of the investigation and risk assessments showed that a 6 NYCRR Part 360 landfill closure was appropriate for the site, even though drummed industrial waste was present in the landfill.
RI/FS, Chemical Industrial Landfill, New York Served as project manager for an RI/FS of a chemical industrial landfill site in upstate New York. Field program included the installation of monitoring wells, soil vapor sampling, test pit excavations, leachate collections, ambient air sampling, and surface water and sediment collections. Chemicals of concern included VOCs, PAHs, PCBs, metals, and a site-specific chemical (toluic acid). Responsible for cost management and control and oversight of technical subcontractors. Principal author of the project plans, data quality assessment, data evaluation, and human and environmental health risk assessments, and was the speaker at three public meetings.
Large-Scale RI/FS of Passaic River, New Jersey Served as senior environmental chemist for a large scale RI/FS of the Passaic River in New Jersey. Sediments were collected using a vibracorer and were analyzed for a variety of contaminants, included dioxins/furans, PCBs, VOCs, SVOCs, metals, and radionuclides. The latter were used to date the sediments and make a determination of sedimentation and erosion rates. Roles included field sample tracking and laboratory oversight, technical contact for data validation contractor, and database design and maintenance. Also assisted in the development of an ecological sampling plan for the Passaic River, which targeted resident species for contaminant analysis, caged bivalve bioaccumulation study, and amphipod and polychaete sediment toxicity studies.
Fate and Transport Assessment, U.S. Navy, Rhode Island Provided senior technical review and assisted in the fate and transport assessment of volatile compounds released from a landfill into an estuary at a U.S. Navy site. The landfill received municipal waste and some industrial waste from the naval facility. Toluene and several chlorinated hydrocarbon organics were the key chemicals of concern. Groundwater within the fill mass was partially tidally influenced, complicating the development and application of the site groundwater model. The model was ultimately used to determine whether capping and leachate interception would be a viable remedial alternative. This effort included participation in agency meetings and negotiation of work scopes.
Public Communications, Various Clients, New York As part of RI/FS projects, served as principal speaker at public information meetings and public hearings to discuss results of studies and proposed remedial actions. These efforts included working with client and agency community relations staff, as well as preparation of community relations work plans.
Interim Remedial Action at PCB Site, Massachusetts Provided oversight for maintenance for this interim remedial action at a PCB site in Massachusetts. The Macadam cap, which served as an IRM at this active facility, was inspected and maintenance activities performed to ensure that the cap integrity would be maintained. This project included coordination of subcontractors for asphalt removal and replacement.
Interim Remedial Action at PCB Site, Massachusetts Provided oversight for maintenance for this interim remedial action at a PCB site in Massachusetts. The Macadam cap, which served as an IRM at this active facility, was inspected and maintenance activities performed to ensure that the cap integrity would be maintained. This project included coordination of subcontractors for asphalt removal and replacement.
Construction Management, New York Provided construction management for a landfill closure in New York. The site, which received industrial waste in drums, was remediated following 6 NYCRR Part 360 landfill closure requirements. This phase of the project included coordination and oversight of contractors, project cost and schedule tracking, and assistance to the municipality for cost recovery submissions to the state.

Vapor Intrusion

Vapor Intrusion Assessment, Phoenix, Arizona Provided technical support for the risk assessment that evaluated potential vapor intrusion risks associated with a residual TCE groundwater plume in a mixed industrial use area near the Phoenix Airport. The primary focus of this effort was on the evaluation of the TCE soil vapor data and parameterization of the Johnson & Ettinger vapor intrusion model. Building design, indoor room usages, and proximity to soil vapor measurement points were included in this assessment.
Potential Indoor Air Risks, California Provided technical support for the review and assessment of indoor air concentrations in a potential lease property in California. Client was concerned with potential TCE concentrations measured in the indoor air. Assessment included review of sampling methods and analytical results, a summary of existing regulatory criteria for TCE in workspaces, and potential risks to workers based on California exposure assumptions. This assessment was used to negotiate lease agreements with the building owner.
Vapor Intrusion Panel, Global Invited to serve as a panelist at a Fortune 500 company’s Global Real Estate meeting to discuss vapor intrusion issues and how they relate to property acquisition and portfolio risk management. Focus of effort was on risk assessment issues, particularly how EPA’s Johnson & Ettinger model estimates indoor air concentrations, methods to adjust these concentrations to reflect commercial property conditions, risk assessment exposure assumptions, and toxicity benchmarks used to assess potential risks. Because staff from across the globe were present at this meeting, non-U.S. staff were afforded the opportunity to become familiar with the Johnson & Ettinger model and how vapor intrusion risk assessments may be used in support of portfolio risk management.
Vapor Intrusion Evaluation, California Provided third-party quality control support for the evaluation of vapor intrusion into an existing building as part of a due diligence evaluation. EPA’s Johnson & Ettinger model was used to estimate potential building air concentrations and potential risks. Risk results were used to support the negotiation costs for the property acquisition.
Vapor Intrusion Evaluation, Massachusetts Provided third-party quality control support for the evaluation of vapor intrusion into operating commercial building as part of a risk communication effort. Residual levels of TCE were detected in soil vapor due to residues present in groundwater underlying the building. Using the OSWER 2002 vapor intrusion guidance, recommendations were made concerning potential the initial risk communications with building personal, and the follow-up investigations.
Indoor Air Sampling Program, New Jersey Provided technical support for the development of basement air sampling program at several residences. Groundwater containing elevated levels of chlorinated VOCs was migrating through bedrock toward residences near an active facility in New Jersey. This effort included an evaluation of the suitability of passive badge samplers as a screen for VOCs in basement air, which was determined to be too insensitive at the non-occupational air concentrations anticipated in the basements.

Site Investigation

RI/FS Work Plan, Manufactured Gas Plant, Michigan Prepared a work plan for an RI/FS at an MGP site. The site was located in an industrial area adjacent to a river. The field program included soil vapor collection, ambient air sampling, soil sampling, and groundwater collection. Soil and groundwater samples were analyzed for the key MGP contaminants (i.e., PAHs, cyanides, phenolics).
RI/FS Work Plan, Waste Solvent Site, New Jersey Prepared and implemented a work plan for an RI/FS of a waste solvent site. The site was a former farm where drums containing chlorinated VOCs were recycled. The field program included soil vapor collection, ambient air sampling, soil sampling, and groundwater collection. Also performed the data evaluation and provided oversight of the preparation of the human health risk assessment.
RI/FS Work Plan, Waste Solvent Site, New York Prepared and implemented a work plan for an RI/FS of a waste solvent site. The site was a former farm where drums containing waste toluene and adhesives were drained into trenches. The field program included soil vapor collection, ambient air sampling, soil sampling, and groundwater collection. Also performed the data evaluation and prepared the risk assessment for the site.
Field Program Sampling, Marathon Battery Site, New York Provided field support for the collection of sediments and biota. Assisted in the collection of fish samples and sediment samples in the Hudson River as part of the Marathon Battery RI/FS. Fish were collected as part of the ongoing monitoring and sediments were collected for use in bench-scale treatability testing.
Environmental Chemistry and Field Investigation Support, Recycled Paper Mill, Baldwinsville, Massachusetts Provided environmental chemistry and field investigation support for sediment and surface water investigation of residual PCBs on the Otter and Millers rivers in Massachusetts. PCBs may have been derived, in part, from the use of recycled paper at an operating paper mill. The field investigation focused on better characterization of the extent of PCB residues in support of human and ecological risk assessments. In addition, chemical fingerprinting methods were applied to the Aroclor PCB and PCB congener results collected from sediments to identify other potential source inputs to the rivers. The preliminary assessment confirmed unique Aroclor and congener profiles were present in sediments near suspected sources. Additional field testing assisted with source allocation. The project was performed under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP).
Environmental Chemistry Support, Massachusetts Military Reservation, Cape Cod, Massachusetts Provided environmental chemistry support for large-scale investigations of soil and groundwater contamination at the Massachusetts Military Reservation on Cape Cod. Efforts included identification of analytical methods for atypical chemical contaminants, review and interpretation of analytical data, evaluation of data validation results, and interpretation of analytical data usability.
Interim Field Sampling Program, PCB Facility, Massachusetts Co-developed an interim field sampling program at an active PCB facility in Massachusetts. The facility is currently classified as a Tier II waivered site under the MCP. The sampling program was designed to fill data gaps and expedite completion of the Phase III (feasibility study stage) under the MCP. Surface and subsurface soils, as well as filtered and unfiltered groundwater and stormwater also were collected.
Unexploded Ordnance Survey, Missile Range, California Provided technical support for the development of a UXO survey for a missile range in California. Initial results from an extensive UXO survey were used to fine tune the surveys to be performed at similar ranges.
Field Sampling Plan, Indiana Prepared a field sampling plan (FSP) for two creeks near former PCB disposal sites in Indiana. This FSP included collection of surface water, sediments, and biota from a number of stations within streams located near former landfills that received PCB containing materials.
Emergency Spill Response Action, Casco Bay, Portland, Maine Provided technical support for an emergency spill response action. Provided technical oversight of a field collection team mobilized to collect surface water samples in Casco Bay (Portland, Maine) following an oil tanker spill of 750,000 gallons. Field program was designed to provide supporting documentation for potential natural resource damage claims.
Drinking Well Survey, New York Performed private well drinking water survey to evaluate the potential impacts of a nearby municipal landfill in upstate New York. This project included development of an interview questionnaire for residents on their private groundwater usage, sample collection, chemical analysis for key contaminants (volatile organics, metals, indicator nutrients, and bacteria), and data interpretation. Also led public meetings to discuss results with residents and address any technical questions regarding the sampling results.
Phase II Investigation Data Evaluation, Former Airplane Engine Construction Facility, New York Performed the data evaluation as part of an expanded Phase II investigation of a former airplane engine construction site in upstate New York. The principal chemicals of concern were VOCs. The results of the investigation and subsequent human health risk assessment were used to delist the site from the New York State Hazardous Waste Site Registry.
Statistically Based Sampling Program, Hawaii Developed statistically based sampling program for a soil vapor investigation of a pipeline in Hawaii. Results were used to develop a soil sampling program to quantify the extent of potential soil contamination in the pipeline right-of-way from historical spills and leaks.
Phase I Site Investigation, Letterkenny Army Depot, Pennsylvania Prepared the Phase I site investigation report for several operable units at the Letterkenney Army Depot in Pennsylvania. These sites included collection of soils, sediments, and surface water samples for SVOCs, explosives, and heavy metals. The results were used to develop a Phase II investigation work plan and risk assessment for the sites.
Ambient Air Sampling, Tank Removal Site, Plymouth, Massachusetts Performed ambient air sampling at tank site undergoing remediation. Operated an onsite laboratory for the analysis of VOCs collected from multicomponent sorbent traps at a tank removal site in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Onsite tanks were used to store a mixture of waste oil and solvent waste. Results were used to monitor for any potential releases of VOCs during the tank dismantling.
Landfill Gas Vent Sampling and Analysis, Rhode Island Performed landfill gas vent sampling and analysis of a mixed industrial/municipal landfill in Rhode Island. Operated an onsite laboratory for the analysis of VOCs collected from the gas vents using bulb samplers. Results were used in conjunction with co-collected meteorological data to evaluate offsite transport of VOCs from the landfill vents.
Fate and Transport Summary, Colorado Prepared a fate and transport summary in support of chemistry results from field investigations at Basin F in Colorado. This effort included an evaluation of existing physicochemical parameters for standard and exotic chemicals present in the soil, surface water, and groundwater at the site. Also performed limited predictions of ultimate fate of some of the chemicals of interest.
Estuarine Field Program, New York Designed and implemented an extensive field program in the estuarine reach of the Hudson River to characterize PCB congener concentrations in biota, sediments, surface water, and suspended sediments. Also was responsible for chemical analysis, and created computer programs to store, compile, and summarize the analytical results.

Toxicology

Statistical Evaluation of Resorcinol Toxicity, Confidential Locations Performed a statistical analysis of resorcinol toxicity focusing on assessing whether there were any dose-related effects related to thyroid gland hyperplasia and locomotor effects. Standard statistical tools (Fisher’s exact test, analysis of variance, Dunnett’s test) were originally used by the laboratory to determine the potential presence of a dose-response relationship. Focus was on assessing the results using nonconventional, nonparametric tests including the Mann Whitney U test and trend tests to verify the conclusion of no effects over the evaluated dose range.
Assessment of National Toxicology Program Bioassays for PCBs and Dioxins, Nationwide Evaluated the National Toxicology Program draft (2003) bioassay reports that evaluated the toxicity and carcinogenicity of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, and 3,3’,4,4’,5-penta-chlorobiphenyl (PCB 126). The focus of this evaluation was the assessment of the completeness of the studies that assessed the chemicals individually and in combination to evaluate the suitability of the TEQ approach for dioxin-like chemical risk assessments.
Alternate Avian Toxicity Reference Value for Dioxins, Nationwide Assessed the basis for the historical avian toxicity reference value (TRV) from EPA (1993) and evaluated alternate approaches for the application of uncertainty factors based on the same toxicity studies as used by EPA. Based on this assessment, the application of a 10X safety factor by EPA (1993) was not warranted.
PCB Blood Level Occupational Study, Confidential Locations Provided technical support for the evaluation of PCB blood levels in former capacitor plant workers and rhesus monkeys. This evaluation was performed as part of a project to reevaluate the reference does for PCBs used for risk assessments.
Oral Reference Dose Development in Support of a Human Health Risk Assessment, Industrial Landfill, New York Derived an oral reference dose for a site-specific chemical (toluic acid) as part of a human health risk assessment performed for an industrial landfill remedial investigation project in upstate New York.

Data Management

Development of Database of the Fate and Transport Parameters for Pharmaceuticals, Nationwide Assisted in the literature review, quality assurance, and development of a searchable database that compiles the fate and transport parameters relevant to the fate and transport of pharmaceuticals. Focus of this effort was in the compilation of data pertaining to the bioconcentration potential, physicochemical properties, environmental depletion mechanisms, and removal processes in treatment facilities of pharmaceuticals found in the environment.
Modification of Johnson & Ettinger Vapor Intrusion Models, Nationwide Developed modifications of the “advanced” soil vapor, groundwater, and soil Johnson & Ettinger vapor intrusion models to allow batch processing of multiple contaminants. These modifications expedite the evaluation of potential risks, and allow side-by-side comparison of the risks on a chemical-specific basis, as well as the calculation of cumulative risks, if required.
Development of Excel Add-Ins, Nationwide Updated and revised in-house developed Microsoft Excel add-ins for the calculation of the H-statistic and normality testing. The H statistic is used to derive exposure point concentrations per EPA guidance. The normality test add-in, based on the Omnibus test from D’Agostino, is used to assess whether the analytical results are normally distributed with or without transformation. Both programs were developed using Visual Basic for Applications.
Spatial Bootstrap Model, Nationwide Developed program (using Visual Basic for Applications as part of Microsoft Excel) to generate exposure point concentrations based on a spatially weighted bootstrap approach. This methodology is a further refinement of the bootstrap approach, reflecting the spatial representation of the samples in the exposure point concentrations.
Database Refinements, Various Locations Refined Microsoft Access databases originally developed and designed by other parties (typically lead RI/FS contractors) for use in human and ecological risk assessments. Such refinements are often required because the data assessment approach for risk assessments can differ from those of site assessment.
Pulp and Paper Mill Survey Database, Nationwide Developed a database system in Microsoft Access 97 that stored results of a survey of a wide variety of pulp and paper mills. The objective of the survey was to identify possible sources of mercury contamination in the mills. Database was also designed to interface with other software for data presentation and evaluation.
Database Design, California Developed database system in MS Access 97 that integrates storage of field and analytical results with a module to summarize statistical results. Visual Basic code was used to calculate summary statistics and exposure point concentrations, used for both data evaluation and risk assessment. Database was also designed to interface with kriging software for data presentation and evaluation.
Visual Basic Programming in Support of Large-Scale Human Health Risk Assessment, California Developed Visual Basic code for manipulation of data and statistical analyses in support of a large scale human health risk assessment in California. This effort involved interfacing with the microexposure model that evaluates human health risks associated with the ingestion of contaminated fish. Coding in Visual Basic within a Microsoft Access framework permitted the storage of interim summary calculations that can then be accessed by queries for subsequent data evaluations.
Multiple Function Database in Support of Field Investigation, Indiana Developed a sample tracking system, field collection data, and chemical analytical databases in Paradox in support of the field investigation for an ecological and human health risk assessment performed in Indiana.
Database Development, Various Clients Developed standard field forms for database entry to facilitate entering, compiling, and evaluating field data for projects ranging from site investigations through complex RI/FS.
PCB Database, New York Assisted in the review and downloading of pertinent information from a database prepared to house data for Hudson River (New York) PCB contamination. Results were used to calculate summary statistics and exposure point concentrations.
Bibliography of Human and Ecological Effects, New York Developed a keyword index for a bibliography of potential human and ecological effects of non-ionizing radiation associated with high voltage transmission lines. The bibliography was used by technical staff from the New York Power Authority during public hearings associated with the permitting of the Marcy South Transmission Line in New York State.

Data Quality Assurance

Data Validation Training and Manual Development, New York Developed the manual and provided instruction for a data validation course for water quality staff from New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Focus was on revising EPA Region 2 data validation guidance for use with data generated from EPA Methods 508, 524, and 525.
Data Validation Review, Former Wood Treatment Site, Georgia Prepared data validation reviews of analytical results from confirmatory collections of sediments, soils, and waters from a former wood treatment site in Georgia. Prior analytical results had shown elevated concentrations of arsenic, which, during initial data review, were found to be possibly erroneous. Results from the data review of the confirmatory sample collections may be used to assist in cost recovery from the prior laboratory.
Preliminary Data Validation Review, New Hampshire Prepared initial data validation reviews of analytical results from sediments, soils, and waters collected from a PAH site in New Hampshire. The initial reviews included a determination of compliance with precision, accuracy, representativeness, completeness, and comparability requirements, as well as the identification of any results that may be qualified based upon EPA Region 1 data validation requirements.
Quality Assurance Review, Massachusetts Provided quality assurance review of data validation reports prepared by an outside contractor for a site in Massachusetts. Data validation reports were reviewed on behalf of outside counsel for compliance with EPA Region 1 requirements and completeness.
Data Validation Training and Manual Development, Idaho Developed the manual and provided instruction for a data validation course for environmental chemists and remediation staff at the Idaho National Environmental and Engineering Laboratory environmental restoration project in Idaho Falls. Focus was on revising EPA Superfund data validation guidance for use with data generated from EPA SW-846 Methods 8260, 8270, and 8082.
Technical Support and QA/QC for Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment, Indiana Technical support QA/QC officer for an ecological and human health risk assessment investigation in Indiana. This investigation required evaluation and modification of existing EPA analytical protocols and included the collection of fish, crayfish, and rodents.
QA/QC Aquatic Ecological Risk Assessment, Passaic River, New Jersey QA/QC officer for an aquatic ecological risk assessment on the Passaic River. This program included oversight of the sample collections, sample tracking, laboratory analyses, and data validation. Also provided technical support to the data validator for resolving issues related to data quality evaluation and developed data validation protocols for non-Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) analytical methods (e.g., herbicides, TPH, organotins).
EPA Data Validation Workgroup, EPA Region 2 Managed data validation services for 2 years as part of the REM III and ARCS II Superfund projects with EPA Region 2. Participated in a work group to develop EPA Region 2 data validation protocols to comply with national functional guidelines. Assisted EPA Region 2 personnel in the development of Special Analytical Services CLP requests. Served as an unbiased quality assurance auditor for mobile analytical laboratory at a remediation project in New Jersey.
Quality Assurance Audit of Laboratory, New Jersey Performed a quality assurance audit of a mobile analytical laboratory at a remediation project in New Jersey. The onsite laboratory was used for the analysis of PCBs and lead to determine appropriate disposal of the excavated soils.
Data Quality Management Programs, Various Clients Developed a program that integrated sample management activities, field and laboratory sample coordination, data validation, evaluation of project and laboratory quality control, electronic database development, and data evaluation. Program was successfully implemented for USACE, U.S. Navy, and private client projects.
Data Validation Activities, Various Clients Versed in CLP and non-CLP organic, inorganic, and radionuclide data validation. Data validation activities have included in-house projects, contracting with other consulting firms, and supporting a mixed waste site RI/FS in Idaho and South Dakota. Developed data validation protocols for non-CLP procedures (e.g., SW-846 methods). Prepared data validation standard operating procedures for a U.S. Department of Energy contractor for its mixed-waste site RI/FS in Idaho and for private client investigations. Performed validation of organic and inorganic chemical data for EPA (Regions 1–4 and 10), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Massachusetts Department of Environment Protection, and New Jersey Department of Environment Protection.
Data Validation Activities, Various USACE Projects Performed validation of data under contract at a prior position with Baltimore Corps of Engineers and Omaha Corps of Engineers. Samples consisted of soils, sediments, surface water, and groundwater for a wide variety of target analytes. Developed data validation protocols for non-CLP procedures (e.g., SW-846 methods). Also developed recommendations for extrapolating results from the data quality assessment of a subset of data to the remaining unvalidated samples in the data set.
Laboratory Audits, New Jersey Performed laboratory audits in support of a multimillion dollar RI/FS in New Jersey. Audits included administrative and technical review of laboratory’s capabilities to perform nonstandard analytical procedures, including radiochemistry. Also performed quality assurance audits of fisheries sampling procedures, soil vapor surveys, and field gas chromatography operations.
Senior Technical Review, Various Projects Senior technical reviewer for federal Department of Defense contracts (USACE and U.S. Navy) and private client projects. These projects have ranged in size from Phase I site assessments and underground storage tank projects, up to large-scale RI/FS projects. Also provided senior technical support for client and agency meetings for these projects.

Biomonitoring

Development of Water Effects Ratios to Support Alternate NPDES Permit Levels, Androscoggin River, Maine Provided technical support for the development of water effects ratios (WERs) for three metals (aluminum, copper and cadmium) for paper mill discharges to the Androscoggin River. WERs are adjustment factors to modify the water quality criteria that are used to develop discharge permits. The WER study includes acute and chronic toxicity testing using daphnids and trout with river water and effluent samples collected over multiple seasons. This is an ongoing project.
Biological Assessment for Listed Salmonids, Idaho Provided technical support for the biological assessment of the NPDES permit renewal for Potlatch Corporation’s bleach kraft mill in Lewiston, Idaho, at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. Prepared life histories for several of the listed salmonids (e.g., spring/summer run Chinook salmon and fall run Chinook salmon) and review of analytical data.
Striped Bass Tagging Program, Hudson River, New York Provided field support at a striped bass tagging facility. Assisted in the collection of brood stock and tagging of young-of-year striped bass raised in a hatchery on the Hudson River. The program was part of the settlement between the oversight agencies and the utilities for the construction and operation of power-generating plants on the river.

Recreation

Evaluation of Suitability of Creek System to Support Subsistence Anglers, Indiana Performed a semi-quantitative analysis of the ability of creek system downstream of a landfill to support subsistence anglers. This analysis was based on evaluation of fish sizes based on different sampling gear and catch-per-unit-effort. The analysis showed that it was unlikely that the creek system could support subsistence anglers in the area affected by the landfill and was used to reduce the consumption rate used by EPA in its risk assessment.

Ecological Risk Assessment

Technical Support for Development of NPDES Permit Levels, Idaho Provided technical support for the evaluation of permit levels for an active pulp and paper mill in Idaho. Facility and discharge are located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. Effort focused on the suitability of the pH, chloroform, and dioxin permit levels for protection of salmonid species. Also provided support in preparing responses to National Marine Fisheries Service comments to the proposed permit levels.
Ecotoxicology-Based Cleanup Goals, Former Wood Treatment Facility, North Carolina Co developed a work plan to derive ecotoxicologically based cleanup goals for a creek in North Carolina. The site was a former wood treatment facility. Site activities resulted in the contamination of creek sediments with PAHs. The cleanup goals were derived from amphipod toxicity tests and were used as targets for the planned bioremediation of the creek sediments.
Intake Equipment Evaluation, Proposed Power Station, New York Evaluated the suitability of alternate intake screen designs for a power station proposed on the Hudson River. This included evaluating engineering and environmental issues related to the use of different types of travelling screens, and fixed wedged-wire screens. In addition, an assessment of the entrainment and impingement data from existing power generating facilities on the Hudson River was performed.
Sediment Toxicity Testing, Site-Specific Cleanup Goals, New Jersey Designed sediment toxicity testing program for development of site-specific cleanup goals for sediments in a lake in New Jersey. Sediments had been historically contaminated with arsenic. Sediment toxicity tests included amphipod and polychaete bioassays.
316(b) Demonstration, Proposed Coal-Powered Cogeneration Project, New York Provided technical oversight for the preparation of a 316(b) Demonstration of potential entrainment and impingement impacts of a proposed 200 megawatt coal-powered cogeneration project in New York. Roles included oversight of the fisheries field collections, fisheries data evaluation, and review of other 316(b) Demonstration reports of other power generating facilities in New York.

Environmental Monitoring

Aquatic Sampling Program at Dioxin Site Co developed an aquatic sampling program for a large-scale RI/FS of a dioxin site. The field program included collections of game species, such as striped bass, eel, blue crab, as well as indicator species (e.g., mummichogs). Also performed bivalve bioaccumulation studies and amphipod and polychaete sediment toxicity studies.
Estuarine Field Program, Hudson River, New York Designed and implemented an extensive field program in the estuarine reach of the Hudson River for the collection of biota, as well as sediments, surface water, and suspended sediments. Biota collections were performed using trawls, seines, minnow traps, and plankton tows. Field program was designed to evaluate how exposure and life history of the white perch can be related to their PCB congener residues.
Fisheries Sampling Program, New York Implemented a fisheries sampling program for a suburban lake in upstate New York. The field program included seasonal collections of yellow perch and other game species to characterize their life history. Also developed a method to quantify stressors by enumerating macrophage (ceroid) pigment centers in liver and spleens of the fish.

Magee, B., J. Samuelian, K. Haines, M. Chappel, I. Penn, D. Chin, D. Anders, and J. Hinz. 2010. Screening-level population risk assessment of nasal tumors in the US due to naphthalene exposure. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 57(2-3):168–180.

Hannah, R., V.J. D’Aco, P.D. Anderson, M.E. Buzby, D.J. Caldwell, V.L. Cunningham, J.F. Ericson, A.C. Johnson, N.J. Parke, J.H. Samuelian, and J.P. Sumpter. 2009. Exposure assessment of 17α-ethinyl estradiol in surface waters of the United States and Europe. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 28(12):2725–2732.

Richardson, G.M., R. Brecher, H. Scobie, J. Hamblen, J. Samuelian, and C. Smith. 2009. Mercury vapour (Hg0): Continuing toxicological uncertainties and establishing a Canadian reference exposure level. Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 53:32–38.

Anderson, P.D. 2008. Technical brief: Trace organic compounds and implications for wastewater treatment. Prepared for the Water Environment Research Foundation (stock no. CEC3R07. IWA Publishing, London [Contributing writer and lead for ecological impacts assessment].

Keenan, R., and J. Samuelian. 2005. Is TEQ enrichment of PCBs in fish tissue a common phenomenon? Organohalogen Compounds 67:1763–1765.

Anderson, P.D., V.J. D’Aco, P. Shanahan, S.C. Chapra, M.E. Buzby, V.L. Cunningham, B.M. DuPlessie, E. Hayes, F. Mastrocco, N.J. Parke, J.C. Rader, J.H. Samuelian, and B.W. Schwab. 2004. Screening analysis of human pharmaceutical compounds in U.S. surface waters. Environ. Sci. Technol. 38(3):838–849.

Keenan, R.E., P.D. Anderson, W.R. Alsop, J.H. Samuelian. 1999. Risk-based management principles for evaluating sediment management options. Sediment Management Work Group. 23 pp.

Samuelian, J.H. 1999. Ecological guidance for iron toxicity in soil. White paper prepared for EPA Task Group 3: Soil Chemistry, Ecological Soil Screening Level (EcoSSL) Work Group, Washington, DC.

Samuelian, J.H. 1990. The analysis of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in the estuarine Hudson River. Ph.D. thesis. New York University, New York, NY.

O’Connor, J.M., J.H. Samuelian, K.J. Saloman, and J.C. Pizza. 1985. Measurement of the effect of Aroclor 1254 on the respiration of Gammarus using potentiometric respirometry. Water Res. 19:639–643.

Gwinn, P.O., J. Samuelian, and E. Rand. 2017. Application of the biotic ligand model to derive acute and chronic site-specific water quality criteria for copper in the Little Androscoggin River. AEHS 33rd Annual International Conference on Soils, Sediments, Water, and Energy. Amherst, MA. October.

Gwinn, P.O., E. Rand, and J. Samuelian. 2016. Androscoggin River water-effect ratios and proposed site-specific criteria – Determinations for aluminum, copper, and cadmium. New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) Annual Meeting. Boston, MA. January.

Gwinn, P.O., J. Samuelian, and E. Rand. 2016. Application of the biotic ligand model to derive acute and chronic site-specific water quality criteria for copper in the Little Androscoggin River. Poster presentation, NEWEA, 2016 Annual Conference and Exhibit, Boston, MA. January 24–27.

Gwinn, P.O., E. Rand, and J. Samuelian. 2015. Is it appropriate to compare pore water concentrations to ambient water quality criteria? Platform presentation, 2015 Sediment Management Work Group Meeting, Arlington, VA. December 2–3.

Gwinn, P.O., E. Rand, and J. Samuelian. 2015. Wood that it WER: Water-effect ratios for aluminum, cadmium, and copper. Platform presentation, 2015 National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Northern Regional Meeting, Portland, ME. May 12–14.

Lape, J., and J. Samuelian. 2013. The risk side of vapor intrusion: Refined methods to evaluate exposure and inhalation risks. Platform presentation, 29th Annual International Conference on Soils, Sediments, Water and Energy, Amherst, MA. October 21–24.

Behum, M., J. Durda, and J. Samuelian. 2013. Marsh invertebrate community surveys to support ecological risk assessment in a New Jersey estuary. Poster presentation, Seventh International Conference on Remediation of Contaminated Sediments, Dallas, TX. February 4–7.

D’Aco, V., R. Hannah, P. Anderson, J. Samuelian, M. Buzby, D. Caldwell, V. Cunningham, J. Ericson, A. Johnson, N. Parke, and J. Sumpter. 2008. 17a-Ethinyl estradiol (EE2): Measuring and exposure modeling synergies. 29th Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Tampa, FL. November 16–20.

Groff, K, P. Anderson, M. Hoyt, J. Samuelian, and B. Pugh. 2008. The measurement and fate of trace organic compounds in municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents. Fifth Annual Conference on Integrating Water Resources Management, Amherst, MA. April 8.

PhRMA Model Development Team. 2007. Characterization of potential risk for several active pharmaceutical ingredients: A case study of the Merrimack River. 2007 Northeast Science Forum–Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products: State of the Science, Portland, ME. August 8.

Samuelian, J., W. Alsop, and T. Fischer. 2006. The avian insectivore exposure pathway: Are we evaluating it correctly? 26th Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis, Baltimore, MD. December 3–6.

Samuelian, J. 2006. GE Real Estate vapor intrusion panel: Issues related to human health risk assessments. GE Global Real Estate Meeting, Stamford, CT. November 8.

Samuelian, J., and W. Alsop. 2005. The Chebyshev UCL: Can you get there from the mean? 25th Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis, Orlando, FL. December 5–7.

Samuelian, J., and W. Alsop. 2005. Revisiting policies for addressing detection limits for risk assessments and regulatory policy. 25th Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis, Orlando, FL. December 5–7.

Alsop, W., and J. Samuelian. 2005. ERA headaches: Resolving some of the questions that keep us all up at night. 25th Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis, Orlando, FL. December 5–7.

Samuelian, J., and W. Alsop. 2005. Developing spatial averages for discontinuous chemical contamination. Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Baltimore, MD. November 13–17.

Keenan, R., and J. Samuelian. 2005. Is TEQ enrichment of PCBs in fish tissue a common phenomenon? 25th International Symposium on Halogenated Environmental Organic Pollutants and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)–DIOXIN 2005, Toronto, Canada. August 21–26.

Alsop, W., and J. Samuelian. 2005. Are sediment toxicity bioassays always relevant for ecological risk assessments? North Atlantic Chapter Regional Meeting of SETAC, Burlington, VT. June 8–10.

Alsop, W., J. Samuelian, and K. Ausanka. 2004. Spatially identifying data gaps using geographical information systems. SRA Conference, Palm Springs, CA. December 7–10.

Samuelian, J., and W. Alsop. 2004. Does the exposure point concentration software ProUCL provide a “reasonable and representative” estimate for human and ecological risk assessments? SRA Conference, Palm Springs, CA. December 7–10.

Gormley, S., J. Samuelian, W. Alsop, and S. Clough. 2004. Expediting the ecological risk assessment paradigm for sediments. 25th Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Portland, OR. November 14–18.

Samuelian, J.H., and W.R. Alsop. 2004. Risk management in a 2-D world. 25th Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Portland, OR. November 14–18.

Ebert, E.S., J. Samuelian, and R.E. Keenan. 2004. Shortcomings of the TEQ approach in measuring compliance with AWQC. 25th Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Portland, OR. November 14–18.

Gneiding, L.R., J. Samuelian, and C.R. Harman. 2004. Spatial distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls in the Delaware River basin. 25th Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Portland, OR. November 14–18.

Alsop, W.R., J. Samuelian, and R. Davis. 2003. Assessing approaches to estimating uptake of compounds by plants and animals for ecological risk assessments. Annual Meeting of the Society for Risk Analysis, Baltimore, MD. December 7–10.

Rothrock, J., W. Alsop, J. Samuelian, and R. Davis. 2003. Modeled versus measured uptake of chemicals from soil by plants and animals in ecological risk assessment. 24th Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Austin, TX. November 8–13.

Alsop, W., J. Samuelian, and R. Davis. 2003. Assessing alternate approaches to estimating uptake of compounds by plants and animals in ecological risk assessments. 19th Annual International Conference on Contaminated Soils, Sediments and Water, Amherst, MA. October 20.

Samuelian, J., and W. Alsop. 2003. Approaches to calculating media concentrations for the assessment of “bright-line” compliance. 19th Annual International Conference on Contaminated Soils, Sediments and Water, Amherst, MA. October 20.

Samuelian, J.H., W.R. Alsop and J.C. Rader. 2002. Assessing the use and misuse of toxicity equivalency factors (TEFs) when evaluating dioxin data for ecological risk assessments. Annual Conference of the Society for Risk Analysis, New Orleans, LA. December 8–11.

Alsop, W.R., and J.H. Samuelian. 2002. Assessing alternate approaches to estimating uptake of metals by plants and animals in ecological risk assessments. Annual Conference of the Society for Risk Analysis, New Orleans, LA. December 8–11.

Gray, M.N., J. Samuelian, and W.R. Alsop. 2002. An analysis of integrating conservatism globally and locally in the environmental evaluation process. Annual Conference of the Society for Risk Analysis, New Orleans, LA. December 8–11.

Rothrock, J., P. Anderson, B. Alsop, B. Schwab, J. Samuelian, and A. DiBenedetto. 2002. The hidden role of risk management in the development of sediment quality guidelines. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Conference, Salt Lake City, UT. November 17.

Samuelian, J.H. 2002. Training course for organic data validation. EPA Methods 508, 524, and 525. New York City Department of Environmental Protection, Valhalla, NY. September 16–20.

Samuelian, J.H., M.N. Gray, W.R. Alsop, B.H. Magee, and P.S. Price. 2001. Risk management of combustion facilities using a 2-D microexposure event model. Annual Conference of the Society for Risk Analysis, Seattle, WA. December 2–5.

Samuelian, J.H., W.R. Alsop, and P.O. Gwinn. 2001. Evaluation of alternate approaches to deriving exposure point concentrations for ecological risk assessments. Annual Conference of the Society for Risk Analysis, Seattle, WA. December 2–5.

Alsop, W.R., P.O. Gwinn, J. Samuelian, and S. Clough. 2001. Development of a realistic screening tool for evaluating potential ecological risks associated with land application of pulp and paper mill biosolids. Annual Conference of the Society for Risk Analysis, Seattle, WA. December 2–5.

Samuelian, J., B.H. Magee, W.R. Alsop, A.L. Nightingale, and P.S. Price. 2000. Application of a 2-D linear model to assess uncertainty and variability in potential carcinogenic risks from combustion facilities: Direct and indirect exposure routes. ISEA Conference, Monterey, CA. October 25.

Keenan, R., P. Price, J. Samuelian, and J. Hamblen. 1999. Modeling uncertainty and variability and the noncarcinogenic risks on the consumption of fish containing PCBs. Society for Risk Analysis Annual Meeting, Atlanta, GA. December 5–8.

Keenan, R., P. Anderson, J. Samuelian, and W. Alsop. 1999. Risk-based management principles for evaluating sediment management options. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA. November 15–18.

Beach, J., D. Dodge, S. Pauwels, J. Samuelian, T. Long, and P.J. Sheehan. 1998. Background risks to children of lead exposures around the house. Poster presented at the Society for Risk Analysis Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. December 8–9.

Samuelian, J.H. 1998. Training course for organic data validation, SW-846 Methods 8260, 8270, and 8082. Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company, Idaho National Environmental and Engineering Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID. July 20–24.

Samuelian, J.H. Training course for CLP organic data validation. EPA Region 2 and Westchester (NY) Community College. White Plains, NY. Seven sessions over period of 1991–1997.

Keenan, R., T. Iannuzzi, J. Samuelian, S. Truchon, and R. Cepko. 1997. Calculation of hypothetical PCB risks to wildlife receptors in Clear Creek watershed, Bloomington, Indiana. Presented at Dioxin ’97 C 17th International Symposium on Chlorinated Dioxins and Related Compounds, Indianapolis, IN. August 27.

Samuelian, J.H. 1997. Short course—Ecological risk assessments: Study design, data collection and QA/QC protocols. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Northeastern Regional Chapter, NJ. April 24.

Iannuzzi, T., and J. Samuelian. 1996. Short Course: Ecological Risk Assessments: Approaches and Applications. Eleventh Annual Contaminated Soils Conference, Amherst, MA. October 24.

Samuelian, J.H. 1994. Laboratory quality control requirements of EPA CLP and equivalent SW-846 methods. Short Course for Quanterra, Inc., Garden Grove, CA. December.

Samuelian, J.H. 1994. Development of a site investigation plan for a lead shot site. Union College Seminar Series, Schenectady, NY. November 3.

Samuelian, J.H. 1994. How to properly use validated data. Presented at the USEPA RCRA Outreach Seminars: Quality Assurance in Environmental Decision-Making, Yorktown Heights, NY. November 2.

Maine Pulp and Paper Association, Solid and Hazardous Waste Committee. September 1999.

EPA Ecological Soil Screening Levels (Eco-SSLs) Work Group: Member of Task Group 3—Soil Chemistry, Washington, DC, June and September 1998.

EPA National Center for Environmental Research and Quality Assurance: Peer Review Panel for Hexavalent Chromium Risk Reduction. Washington, DC, August 12–13, 1998.

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