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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Tucson, Arizona » SWRC » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #59922

Title: A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR THE EVALUATION OF SHALLOW LAND WASTE DISPOSAL TRENCH CAP DESIGNS

Author
item PAIGE, GINGER - UNIV. OF ARIZ.
item Stone, Jeffry
item Lane, Leonard
item Yakowitz, Diana

Submitted to: Multiobjective Decision Support System Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/23/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The primary purpose of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Restoration Program is to manage the health and ecological risks associated with intentional and accidental releases of radioactive and hazardous contaminants to the environment. At DOE sites where health and ecological risks are considered to be low based on preliminary baseline risk assessment studies, regulatory requirements for final closure of old landfills can often be met using a well designed trench cap to isolate the buried waste. The selection of the "best" design among feasible alternatives requires consideration of multiple and often conflicting objectives. A computer based decision support system (DSS) is being developed to assist the risk manager in selecting an appropriate trench cap design for shallow land waste disposal sites. The DSS components include: simulation models, a decision model, and a graphical user interface. The methodology used in the selection process consists of selecting and parameterizing decision variables or criteria, selecting feasible trench cap design alternatives, ordering the decision variables and ranking the design alternatives. The results are displayed both as text and graphics, allowing the user to easily evaluate the alternative covers. This approach significantly reduces user subjectivity and bias inherent in most decision making methodologies.