Biological Technical Assistance Group (BTAG) Screening Values

What is BTAG?

For Region 3, BTAG Screening Benchmarks are values used for the evaluating sampling data at Superfund sites. These values facilitate consistency in screening level ecological risk assessments throughout Region 3. Additional toxicological information should be considered in Step 3 as provided by the Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (EPA, 1997).

The tables include compounds for which benchmark values have been established or that are considered bioaccumulative compounds (identified in tables). For additional information on compounds for which no benchmarks are identified and the use of alternate values, please consult the BTAG FAQs specific to these subjects.

• Freshwater Screening Benchmarks
• Freshwater Sediment Screening Benchmarks
• Marine Screening Benchmarks
• Marine Sediment Screening Benchmarks

Additionally, a list of frequently asked questions were prepared by the EPA Region 3 BTAG team to answer questions and address situations commonly encountered during the ecological risk assessment process for CERCLA sites in Region 3. They were developed to provide key information and approaches that can be applied consistently at a multitude of sites and to help to ensure that all ecological risk assessors working on sites in Region 3 have access to the same regional BTAG guidance. In most cases the information provided is merely a reiteration or clarification of existing EPA guidance or policy.

Disclaimer: The methodologies or approaches described in this web site should be viewed as default approaches to be implemented in EPA Region 3.

• BTAG frequently asked questions