Methodology for Deriving Ambient Water Quality Criteria for the Protection ofHuman Health (2000). Technical Support Document Volume 1: Risk Assessment

摘要

This document provides technical support concerning cancer and noncancer riskassessment methods used in the Methodology for Deriving Ambient Water Quality Criteria for the Protection of Human Health (2000) (USEPA, 2000a; hereafter the 2000 Human Health Methodology). Ambient water quality criteria (AWQC) developed under Section 304(a) of the Clean Water Act (hereafter the CWA or the Act) are based solely on data and scientific judgments on the relationship between pollutant concentrations and environmental and human health effects. The 304(a) criteria do not reflect consideration of economic impacts or the technological feasibility of meeting the chemical concentrations in ambient water. As discussed below, 304(a) criteria are used by States and authorized Tribes to establish water quality standards, and ultimately provide a basis for controlling discharges or releases of pollutants.