Comparison of State-Specific RBCA Programs. K. M. Scruton, Parsons Engineering Science; 57 Executive Park South, NE, Suite 500, Atlanta, GA 30329
In 1994, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) presented the Emergency Standard Guide for Risk-Based Corrective Action (RBCA) Applied at Petroleum Release Sites. This document provided a streamlined methodology for the evaluation of contaminants at petroleum release sites. This methodology has been used by many states as the basis for RBCA-type programs that target both petroleum and non-petroleum contaminants. Parsons ES has completed RBCA-type assessments in various states, including Massachusetts, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, Oregon, Ohio, Virginia and Washington. The differences between the RBCA-type programs in these states vary in regard to data requirements, chemicals that are addressed by the guidance, reporting requirements of the regulatory agency, level of effort required for each tier of analysis, and cost. As expected, those states with more complex requirements tend to be more costly, although regulators within those states tend to be more knowledgeable of the process and more willing to work with the submitter to achieve a cost-effective resolution to the problem. This presentation will provide a comparison of the RBCA-type programs in various states based on the level of effort, cost, and regulatory climate.