LTE Asbestos Newsblog – Risk Assessment Workgroup

As part of the re-evaluation of Section 5.5 of the Solid Waste Regulations pertaining to asbestos containing soils (ACS), a Risk Assessment Workgroup was formed to explore a risk-based approach to regulating ACS. Estimating risk of disease from asbestos in soil is not straightforward. Risk calculations involve obtaining samples from soil on site, estimating the resulting concentration of a given type of asbestos in air based on dust emission and dispersion models, and predicting airborne exposures and associated risk for each type of human receptor of interest (e.g., construction workers, off-site residents, on-site commercial workers). Added to this complication, there is no established sampling methodology for collecting and measuring asbestos fibers in soil, and modeling airborne concentrations is highly dependent on site-specific conditions.

To help get a handle on these technical issues, LTE has brought an expert to the table: Dr. Paul Black, the CEO of Neptune and Company, Inc., specializing in the application of statistics, modeling, and chemistry to decision analysis and risk assessment. Dr. Black has been wrestling with modeling risks from asbestos in soil for many years, having been involved with the EPA Technical Review Workgroup Asbestos Committee and assisting the State of Nevada in developing guidance for calculation of asbestos-related risk in soil.

The Colorado Risk Assessment Workgroup has their work cut out for them, but it is our hope that having an expert involved like Dr. Black will lay a science-based foundation for practical management of risks from asbestos in soil.

If you have any questions or concerns or need help in making decisions regarding a site, LTE can help. Please contact Susan Borden, LTE Senior Geologist, at 303-962-5493 or 303-250-8514.