SOILRISK PROGRAM [last updated 8-24-96]
The SoilRisk computer program, a microcomputer-based public domain program, is a screening-level, carcinogenic risk assessment model for organic pollutants in soil. SoilRisk was developed at Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, from 1992-1994 by Paula A. Labieniec, David A. Dzombak, and Robert L. Siegrist. The SoilRisk program and its use are described in two articles in the Journal of Environmental Engineering (Vol. 122, No. 5, pp. 388-398, 1996; Vol. 122, No. 7, pp. 612-621, 1996).
The SoilRisk model is an integrated carcinogenic risk assessment model for organic pollutants in soil. The unsaturated zone module of SoilRisk simulates chemical losses from a contaminated layer in the unsaturated zone due to first-order degradation, volatilization at the soil surface, and leaching to the saturated zone. The unsaturated zone module is linked to air dilution/dispersion, saturated zone transport, and dust generation modules to allow estimation of long-term average air, groundwater, respirable dust, and soil contaminant concentrations at specified points of exposure. The integrated model permits calculation of risk due to a number of different exposure routes, and summation of these risk estimates to obtain a total risk estimate for a given exposure scenario. Default assumptions for four different exposure scenarios (on-site recreational, on-site commercial/industrial, and on- and off-site residential) were developed for use in SoilRisk based on current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance. Risk estimates can be evaluated as single values or as cumulative distribution functions, depending on whether site input parameters are specified deterministically or probabilistically. The stochastic function of SoilRisk was developed to allow determination of the effect of uncertain or variable site fate and transport characteristics on the risk estimate. Therefore, exposure parameters and chemical parameters including the carcinogenic slope factor are always treated deterministically.
SoilRisk can be obtained by sending a written request to Dr. David Dzombak with a check or money order for $27US ($35US for orders from outside of North America) payable to "CMU Dept. of Civil and Environmental Eng." The program is distributed on a nonprofit basis; the price covers the cost of shipping and handling. All requests must be in writing and accompanied by payment.
The complete SoilRisk package includes the most recent version of the executable software (the source code is not provided), sample input and output files, and a 61-page user's guide. The user's guide contains technical guidance on the use of SoilRisk, preparation of the input files, and interpretation of the output files. SoilRisk is supplied on one high-density 3.5-in. diskette.
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS
SoilRisk1.0 was compiled for use on a Macintosh computer. It requires a math coprocessor, 2MB of RAM, and about 300 KB of hard disk space.
No version of the SoilRisk program is currently available for non-Mac platforms. A PC version is under development.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
SoilRisk is distributed on a nonproift basis, and it is not possible for us to provide techanical support for its use. If you encounter a problem that appears to be a program bug, please send a detailed written description of the problem to Dr. Dzombak by mail to the address given below, by FAX, or by sending email. No phone calls please. Also, please do not expect an instantaneous response to a written communication.
CONTACT INFORMATION
(For ordering copies of the program or manual, and reporting program bugs.)
Dr. David A. Dzombak, Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890.
Fax: 412-268-2946
Email: dzombak@cmu.edu