Expeditious Methods for Site Characterization and Risk Assessment at Department of Defense Hazardous Waste Sites in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

The overall goal of this research was to provide Department of Defense (DoD) decision-makers in the Republic of Korea (ROK) with preferred innovative site characterization technologies and risk assessment methods to meet their needs in obtaining hazardous waste site data and then prioritizing those sites for remediation based upon risk. The study examined the following: primary sources and types of existing contamination at DoD installations in the ROK; available site characterization data; criteria to be used in selecting innovative site characterization technologies; costs and capabilities of the innovative site characterization technologies; risk assessment or risk-based corrective action (RBCA) methods available for employment; criteria to be used in selecting the preferred risk assessment or RBCA method; data requirements and the advantages and disadvantages of the risk assessment and RBCA methods. The Analytic Hierarchy Process was utilized to rank site characterization technologies and risk assessment/RBCA methods preferred for the unique requirements of DoD installations in Korea. Results revealed that the decision-maker preferred innovative site characterization technologies producing data of high quality and a flexible RBCA method that permits the establishment of sound remedial goals. Future research is required to evaluate the feasibility of remedial alternatives once data are collected and policy established.