VARIATION IN THE USE OF RISK-BASED GROUNDWATER CLEANUP LEVELS AT PETROLEUM RELEASE SITES IN THE UNITED-STATES

The most current state regulations and guidance documents governing th e assessment and clean-up of petroleum release sites were obtained fro m state agencies between November 1996 and December 1996. The regulati ons were evaluated to determine the risk-based methodology (if any) ea ch state uses to establish groundwater clean-up levels at such sites. Six categories were identified with respect to the use of risk-based c orrective action (RBCA) across the United States: (1) ASTM RBCA withou t modification; (2) modified ASTM RBCA; (3) state-specific risk-based approach; (4) non-specific risk-based approach; (5) case-by-case deter mination; and (6) no risk-based approach used for groundwater. These v arying approaches reflect the differing priorities, criteria, and appr oaches established by state government with respect to assessing and c leaning up petroleum release sites.