Dredging Risk Assessment Modeling Applications (DRAMA) for Evaluation of Dredging Impacts

The backbone of DRAMA is the Framework for Risk Analysis in Multimedia Environmental Systems (FRAMES). FRAMES is a multi-stage object-oriented, PC-based environment for integrating exposure and effects models and databases to perform human health and ecological risk Characterization and uncertainty quantification in multi-media. DRAMA is the integration of ADDAMS and dredging effects databases with FRAMES. To facilitate rapid application of DRAMA and aid in problem formulation, pre-set assessment scenarios for common dredging and disposal operations are incorporated as conceptual models of the contaminant exposure sources, pathways, and receptors. The pre-set scenarios include selection of exposure pathway models, exposure effects databases, and risk characterization tools and provide linkages between the components. Example pre-set scenarios are no-action, dredging, open-water disposal, capping, and upland disposal. DRAMA will make the decision process more explicit, facilitate uniform application of risk models, perform risk assessment quantitatively, and provide probabilistic description of risk and uncertainty.