Decision Tree Contents

How to Use the Decision Tree

Navigation Instructions for Decision Tree
The blue panel on left is for navigation. It contains clickable "hot links" to individual decision topics. Your current location in the tree is always highlighted in yellow in the blue panel. You can reach the main entrance to the decision tree by clicking on "Entry". You can follow the decision tree in its entirety, or you can jump from topic to topic. You may jump immediately to any topic area by clicking it in the blue panel. The blue panel also contains direct links to SMWG "Home", to the "Decision Support Tools" page, and back to this "Contents" page. Alternatively, you can reach any point in the decision tree, or any supporting content, by clicking in the table of contents, below. Final note: The border separating the blue panel from the main panel can be "dragged", making the main panel wider. Click for additional mechanical help.

Contents

1. Entrance to the Decision Tree

Master Overview
Introduction and Executive Summaries of Technical Papers
Printed Version of Decision Tree
Detailed Decision Framework Diagram

2. Initial Analysis and Early Decision

Overview
Possible Triggers
Paper Review Resources
Site Visit Considerations
Sampling Objectives
Sediment Quality Screening Approaches
More Detail - Sediment Quality Guidelines or Screening Values
Link to USACE: Use of Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) in Dredged Material Management
Sampling Plan Considerations

3. Source or Institutional Controls

Overview
Initial Determination
Ongoing Source Investigation
Implementability
Separate Regulatory Drivers
Source Reduction or Elimination

4. Site Evaluation and Risk Assessment

Overview
Data Needs and Evaluations for Conceptual Model Development
Baseline Conceptual Model Framework
      Baseline Conceptual Model Overview
      Baseline Conceptual Model Development - Key Questions
Temporal Conceptual Model Framework
      Temporal Conceptual Model Overview
      Temporal Conceptual Model Development - Key Questions
Assessment of Natural Recovery
        Overview
        Indicators of Natural Recovery
        Drivers
        Detractors
        Situational Promoters
        Useful Tools
        Important Things to Do

Effective Decision-Making Models for Evaluating Sediment Management Options
Risk-Based Management Principles for Evaluating Sediment Management Options
Using Natural Processes to Define Exposure from Sediments
Sediment Stability at Contaminated Sediment Sites
The Role of Natural Attenuation/Recovery Processes in Managing Contaminated Sediments

5. Feasibility Study

Overview
Develop RAOs
Rapid Remedy Pre-Screening
        Fact Sheet - Hydraulic Modification
        Fact Sheet - Particle Broadcasting
        Fact Sheet - Engineered Capping
        Fact Sheet - Dredging
        Fact Sheet - Dry Excavation
        Fact Sheet - Management Technologies - Treatment/Disposal
Feasibility Study Site Considerations
Detailed Alternative Analysis
Comparative Alternative Analysis
Diagram of Remedy Alternatives
NCP Criteria for a Remedy

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Remediation Technologies For Contaminated Sediments
State of Current Contaminated Sediment Management Practices
Measuring Effectiveness of Remedial Actions Against Remedial Action Objectives at Contaminated Sediment Sites
GE: Major Contaminated Sediments Sites (MCSS) Database

Technical Papers

Effective Decision-Making Models for Evaluating Sediment Management Options
J. Connolly, J. Rhea, J. Benaman; Quantitative Environmental Analysis, LLC

The Role of Natural Attenuation/Recovery Processes in Managing Contaminated Sediments
M.P. Brown; Blasland, Bouck & Lee

Risk-Based Management Principles for Evaluating Sediment Management Options
R.E. Keenan, P.D. Anderson, W.R. Alsop, J.H.Samuelian; Ogden Environmental and Energy Services; SMWG

   Decision Tree for Sediment Management
        G. Peterson, J. Wolfe, J. DePinto, Limno-Tech, Inc.; SMWG

   Using Natural Processes to Define Exposure from Sediments
        D.D. Reible, L.J. Thibodeaux, Louisiana State University

   Advantages And Disadvantages Of Remediation Technologies For Contaminated Sediments     Paul Doody; Blasland, Bouck & Lee

   Measuring Effectiveness of Remedial Actions Against Remedial Action Objectives at Contaminated Sediment Sites
        J. George; Alcoa, Inc.

   State of Current Contaminated Sediment Management Practices
        B.S. Cushing; Applied Environmental Management, Inc.

   Sediment Stability at Contaminated Sediment Sites
        C.K. Ziegler; Quantitative Environmental Analysis, LLC (QEA)

Important Internet Links

EPA-GLNPO: Home Page

EPA-GLNPO: Guidance for In-Situ Sub-Aqueous Capping of Contaminated Sediments

EPA-GLNPO: Realizing Remediation, A Summary of Contaminated Sediment Remediation Activities in the Great Lakes Basin

EPA: The Incidence and Severity of Sediment Contamination in Surface Waters of the United States

EPA: Surf Your Watershed

EPA: Contaminated Sediment News

EPA: TMDL Program

EPA: CASRGW Home Page

EPA: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates - Second Edition

NAS: Remediation of PCB-Contaminated Sediments Committee

USACE: Waterways Experiment Station