The preliminary risk assessment uses the computer model, SLDGFILL (sludge monofill), to determine the probability of human infection from pathogenic microorganisms following municipal sludge landfilling. The major purposes of this preliminary risk assessment are (1) to evaluate the risk sludge pathogens pose to a human receptor, using available literature data to satisfy the parameters needed by the model for simulating sludge landfilling and (2) to identify areas that need further research in order to produce meaningful health risk assessments. The document reports the results of a literature review designed to find existing data on the various parameters and the results of running the SLDGFILL model using these data for a broad range of realistic parameters. The document also describes the use of the model to calculate a setback distance for a well that is protective of the human receptor ingesting wellwater.

"September 1993." Includes bibliographical references. "EPA/600/R-94/110."

This report is one of a series. Purpose is to assess potential risk to human health posed by parasites, bacteria and viruses in landfilled municipal sludge and to develop preliminary assessments for each type of pathogen.