Risk and Regulatory Analysis Group

Risk Analysis

Toxicology and risk analysis research endeavors span a broad biological spectrum from molecular toxicology to risk-based integrated assessments. Research is focused on genetic toxicology, human genome research, aquatic and environmental toxicology, human and animal physiology, biochemistry, reproductive and developmental physiology as well as cancer and disease etiology research. These research objectives are integrated in the core capabilities of toxicity assessment and quantitative risk analysis of chemicals, pesticides, chemical and biological carcinogens, radionuclides, and chemical and biological warfare agents.

In addition to basic areas of toxicology and risk, the group endeavors to identify opportunities for integration within broader research agendas thereby obtaining the synergism necessary to understand the complexity of the world in which we live. (See http://cira.ornl.gov/hhra.html.) For example we are involved in the integration with genomic information and the genomes to life initiative under the term toxicogenomics. Creating intersections of genetic and molecular toxicology with research and analysis of toxicity/health outcome data is a fertile research niche that can be a key component of the complex biological systems initiative at ORNL.

Regulatory Analysis

The regulatory staff has comprehensive capabilities in the areas of environmental regulatory analysis and compliance, including tracking of federal and state ESH rulemakings. This expertise translates into time and cost savings to projects required to be in compliance with federal and state environmental laws and regulations. RRAG provides regulatory support to the U.S. Army for their environmental programs on the determination, description, and interpretation of ARARs (Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements) and ARAR support documentation for interim and final remedial and removal actions at active and base realignment and closure (BRAC) sites. Staff members serve in an oversight capacity performing analyses and review of regulatory issues on a programmatic level, which also involves serving on the Army's Independent Technical Review Panel as a Subject Matter Expert. These tasks require the identification and justification of all legal and regulatory requirements of RCRA, TSCA, CWA, NEPA, CAA, UST, UIC, and comparable state regulations. To date, RRAG has provided this support for 58 installations in 28 states. RRAG has also supported DOE's environmental programs in a similar manner (4 facilities in 3 states), as well as with the development and presentation of a 2-day ARARs training course, in coordination with EPA Headquarters, designed to overview and clarify the fundamentals of the ARARs framework under CERCLA. RRAG staff have also provided regulatory expertise on compliance issues for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of State Programs, and the DOE Office of Environmental Management.

Radiological Assessment and Health Physics Research

The Radiological Assessment and Health Physics Research staff conduct specialized work involving radioactive materials and other hazardous materials. Facilities include laboratories, shops, and vehicles specially equipped to safely work with hazardous materials. Subject matter experts work with DOE and other ORNL organizations to solve technical problems related to health physics, waste characterization, dose assessments, nuclear measurements, and homeland security. Due to the hazardous nature of the projects, the following credentials are maintained; Certified Health Physicist, Licensed engineer, Q-clearances, DOT commercial drivers licenses, hazardous material emergency first responder, and Rad worker-II. The staff are also team members of DOE's Radiological Assistance Program that responds to radiological emergencies and assist the Nuclear Emergency Search Team (NEST).

(Contact: C. Wilson McGinn, mcginncw@ornl.gov, 865-576-2734)