Cost in the Remedy Selection Process

"The Role of Cost in the Superfund Remedy Selection Process" clarifies the current role of cost in the Superfund remedy selection process as that role is established in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the National Contingency Plan (NCP), and current EPA guidance documents. This fact sheet does not elevate consideration of, or establish a new role for, cost in the Superfund program. Through the publication of this fact sheet, EPA hopes to ensure that all stakeholders involved in the Superfund process fully understand the important role of cost in remedy selection under existing law, regulation and policy, and to summarize recent initiatives aimed at enhancing the cost-effectiveness of remedial actions. This fact sheet was developed pursuant to the Superfund Administrative Reforms announced on October 2, 1995 by Administrator Browner.

Role of Cost in the Superfund Remedy Selection Process (PDF)(8 pp, 201 K)  9200.3-23 FS, September 1996
 

"A Guide to Developing and Documenting Cost Estimates During the Feasibility Study" addresses cost estimates of remedial alternatives developed during the remedial investigation/feasibility study process. The goals of this guidance are to improve the consistency, completeness, and accuracy of cost estimates developed to support the Superfund remedy selection process. To help achieve these goals, the document presents clear procedures and expectations, a checklist of cost elements, and example formats. It also identifies resources for estimating costs during the feasibility study. This guide is designed to help those with varying levels of cost estimating expertise, including: cost estimators, design engineers, technical support contractors, remedial project managers, and program managers.

A Guide to Developing and Documenting Cost Estimates During the Feasibility Study (PDF)(76 pp, 770 K)   OSWER 9355.0-75, July 2000