EPA Research Partner Support Story: Risk assessment training
Partner: Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC)
Challenge: Need for specialized technical and risk assessment training
Resource: ITRC online training webinars and in-person training
Project Period: 2015 – Present
In 2015, EPA ORD partnered with ITRC, a program of the Environmental Research Institute of the States, to develop specialized training for state risk assessors responsible for the cleanup of chemicals released into the environment. Based on feedback from EPA’s Risk Assessment and Training Experience (RATE) program, ORD scientists reached out to ITRC and proposed that ITRC create training modules on the harmonization of risk assessment approaches across state regulators. EPA experts provided materials developed for its RATE program for the ITRC effort. These materials provide up-to-date and comprehensive training for human health risk assessment, ranging from beginner to expert classes.
“The experience and knowledge of EPA scientists were essential to the success of this important training used by state risk assessors and others to address complex challenges at contaminated sites.” – California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Senior Toxicologist Claudio Sorrentino
“The ITRC risk training is more robust as a result of our partnership with EPA experts on this effort.” – South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Engineering Specialist John McVey
The ITRC team of approximately 75 representatives from various environmental sectors completed a comprehensive web-based training module entitled, Decision Making at Contaminated Sites: Issues and Options in Human Health Risk Assessment. ORD scientists provided expert technical support as needed along the development processes and extensive peer reviews before release of the final product. More than 2,700 people have taken the online course and the associated guidance document is available to download.
A continuing partner with EPA ORD, ITRC has developed numerous documents and training over the last year. Within the last year, ITRC has published six technical guidance documents, ranging from traditional remedial topics (Hydrocarbons Site Management) to emerging contaminants (Microplastics, PFAS) and Environmental Data Management. ORD scientists participate on ITRC project teams in both the development and review of ITRC products. ITRC expanded its training program in 2023, with over 20 internet-based training courses scheduled so far, including new courses on Environmental Data Management and Microplastics.