Voluntary Remediation Program
Risk Assessment Guidance

Welcome to the Virginia Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) Risk Assessment Guidance Web site. This online resource offers information that will help interested parties conduct risk assessments required as a component of their participation in the VRP.

The regulatory basis for performing risk assessments under the Virginia VRP is found in the Voluntary Remediation Regulations section 9 VAC 20-160-70(A)(1)(a). The risk assessment is included in the site characterization report and should include an evaluation of the risks to human health and the environment posed by the release. If the risk assessment shows that a remedial action is necessary, a proposed set of remediation levels as described in 9 VAC 20-160-90 should also be included.

Risk assessments under the VRP generally follow the methodology described in Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS). The risk assessment process consists of four major steps. These steps are data collection and evaluation, exposure assessment, toxicity assessment, and risk characterization. These steps, as applied to the VRP, are described in the guidance.

How to use this guidance

This guidance is designed to be used as a web-based document. Follow the links above to read the guidance online and download tables on an individual basis.

Also see Instructions for Using VRP Calculation Spreadsheets for help in using the tables.

Periodic Updates

Please note that the guidance includes screening levels and toxicity values that are updated periodically by EPA. VRP staff will make every attempt to update the information in the guidance accordingly. The guidance is updated at least twice a year to incorporate new toxicity information and new guidance from EPA. We are currently compiling a mailing list to notify our users by email when the guidance is updated. The email notifications will be provided as a convenience to our participants. However, please note that it is the participant's responsibility to ensure that the most current toxicity information is used in VRP risk assessments regardless of whether the VRP guidance has been updated and regardless of whether they have received notification. If you would like to be included on the mailing list please send an email to patricia.mcmurray@deq.virginia.gov.

January 2010:

In December of 2009 the USEPA updated the "Regional Screening Levels for Chemical Contaminants at Superfund Sites".  Potential changes to current VRP screening levels or risk calculations brought about by alterations in toxicity values or other variables presented in the December 2009 update are currently being evaluated.  In the meantime please consult the updated Regional Screeening Levels (RSLs) at the following link:  http://www.epa.gov/reg3hwmd/risk/human/rb-concentration_table/index.htm.   

The July 2009 updates include: