What should be done if contamination levels exceed risk-based concentrations?

When contamination levels exceed risk-based concentrations, conducting a risk assessment is essential to determine the extent of contamination, its potential impacts on human health and the environment, and to prioritize actions. A risk assessment provides a detailed evaluation of the situation, taking into account factors such as the types of contaminants, exposure pathways, and affected populations. This process informs stakeholders on how to proceed with managing the contamination, integrating scientific analysis and regulatory requirements.

By assessing risks, decision-makers can formulate an appropriate response strategy, which may include further investigation, remediation, or other corrective actions based on the findings. The information gathered from the risk assessment helps to establish whether cleanup is necessary and what level of remediation is required, ensuring a safe and effective approach to managing the contamination issue.