The report describes preliminary attempts to formulate viable models for interpreting environmental assessment data. The models are evaluated using data from the four most comprehensive environmental assessments. A format for entering environmental assessment results on FORTRAN computer sheets is presented and more complete data entry sheets, being developed by IERL-RTP are discussed. Various previously proposed models (Source Severity; Source Assessment Models SAM/I, SAM/IA, and SAM/IB) are investigated using the data from the four previously mentioned studies. Correlations between biotests and chemical results, and between biotests, were calculated using the data from these four studies; a summary of possible correlations is presented. In the study of correlations, the data are examined from each study individually and from the entire data set taken as a whole. Generally, results do not reveal a strong degree of association between the chemical analyses and the biological tests. When all factors relevant to an intelligent decision on the acceptability of a waste stream are considered, there appears to be no mathematical model that will encompass all of them. The models are useful but must still be utilized with considerable care.

"Research Triangle Institute." "September 1979." Includes bibliographical references. "Contract no. 68-02-2156, T.D. no. 22600, program element no. EHE624."