| Abstract |
Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) Volume III: Part A (hereafter referred to as RAGS Volume 3: Part A) provides technical guidance on the application of probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) methods to human health and ecological risk assessment in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund program. RAGS Volume 3: Part A supplements existing human health and ecological assessment guidance provided in the RAGS series. This guidance focuses on Monte Carlo analysis (MCA) as a method of quantifying variability and uncertainty in risk. Primarily geared toward the risk assessor, it is intended, both in content and format, to be most accessible to those readers who are familiar with risk assessment and basic statistical concepts. Chapters 1, 2, 6, and 7 are also directed towards risk managers. The term risk manager is used in this guidance to refer to individuals or entities that serve as the decision makers at hazardous waste sites. The term is used to emphasize the separation between risk assessment and risk management activities. Risk managers may include individual remedial project mangers (RPMs), site partnering teams, senior EPA managers (Section Chiefs, Branch Chiefs, or Division Directors), or other decision makers. |
