Risk and Decision-Making: A Workshop for Environmental Professionals

ABSTRACT

In the early 1990s, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 developed a training workshop for environmental professionals. It was successfully taught throughout Region 9 in collaboration with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. We have updated the workshop's manual to incorporate current practices including: vapor intrusion into indoor air, benchmark dose, cancer guidelines, inhalation guidance, ecological and screening risk assessments, conceptual site models, and data quality objectives. We maintained the popular workshop format, with participants evaluating information and drawing conclusions in an interactive hands-on approach. We kept the case study approach to simulate realistic environmental issues. After a case study introduction, participants plan a sampling strategy. Principles of toxicology are introduced, and participants develop toxicity criteria using hypothetical animal study results. Participants then identify exposure pathways, and calculate exposure and risk and hazard estimates. Finally, participants develop remedial alternatives and practice risk communication through role playing exercises. The workshop has been an effective tool for training new employees and providing continuing education for experienced employees from consulting, military, and regulatory agencies. The format provides a dynamic learning environment, fostering exchanges among professionals with a wide range of skills and backgrounds (project managers, toxicologists, geologists, engineers, public participation experts).

Key Words:

• risk assessment
• risk management
• communication
• workshop
• training

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Risk and Decision Making Workshop, including the original manual, was developed by Arnold R. Den, Gerald F. S. Hiatt, Alvin Chun, and Bruce A. Macler of the USEPA Region 9 Office in San Francisco, CA, USA. We thank the original authors of the manual and humbly offer what we hope to be a thoughtful and meaningful continuation of their work.

Workshop Reports are accepted with only copyediting.

Professional affiliations are listed for contact purposes only. Analysis and conclusions contained herein are solely those of the authors and do not represent guidance or official policy of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control or California Environmental Protection Agency.