ESI is pleased to announce the release of RAM, an innovative and powerful Risk Assessment Model developed for the tiered approach to the assessment of risk to the water environment from contaminated land. The software is versatile and provides a customisable quantitative decision tool for risk-based groundwater assessment and decision-making in brownfield redevelopment and environmental protection using the latest UK Environment Agency methodologies.

The software is designed for Tiered Risk Assessment using the four tier Remedial Targets Methodology presented by the UK Environment Agency in Environment Agency Publication 20, Methodology for the derivation of remedial targets for soil and groundwater to protect water resources (Environment Agency, 1999). As well as Tiers 1, 2 and 3, which are pre-configured for rapid assessment in both deterministic and probabilistic modes, RAM incorporates a unique Tier 4 semi-analytical model designed to represent detailed site specific cases where multiple sources, pathway sections and receptors may need to be evaluated without compromising on the conceptual model involved. There is also scope for customised site specific detailed water balances to be included in the model to simulate features of real site risks and remedial designs.
RAM

The software utilises the Microsoft Excel environment for ease of use and incorporates a powerful Laplace transform solution for rapid solution of the complex contaminant transport equations involved, making these powerful techniques widely available for the first time.

Prediction of contaminant transport and fate is based on the source-pathway-receptor approach enshrined in the Environmental Protection Act (1990) Part llA. The software is also consistent with the principles of the ASTM RBCA (Risk Based Corrective Action) as it applies to groundwater pathways, facilitating predictions of contaminant impacts as well as assessment of remedial target concentrations required to protect human health and the environment.

RAM Probabilistic utilises Crystal Ball 2000, which is integrated into the package to enable a probabilistic approach to be developed. Crystal Ball is a Microsoft Excel Add-in tool from Decisioneering that uses Monte Carlo simulation to help you analyse the risks and uncertainties associated with spreadsheet models. Features include sensitivity analysis, correlation, tornado analysis, precision control, and distribution fitting to historical data.