What specific protocols did EPA follow in making its recommendation not to proceed with an NPL listing for the Norwood Landfill site? When were these protocols last updated?

EPA applies the Hazard Ranking System (“HRS”) to information collected at each stage of Site Assessment for determining the priority of a site. The HRS is what guides EPA in deciding as to whether a site qualifies for inclusion on the National Priorities List. However, there are other factors that are considered in addition to the outcome of the HRS score that can influence the decision to propose or not propose a site to the NPL. For the Norwood Landfill site, potential ecological risk was the main area of concern. The site would not qualify for inclusion if solely based on human health risk. EPA decided not to list the Norwood Landfill site separately because the ecological risk at the site can be addressed as a part of the Lower Darby Creek NPL site. This is due to the fact that the assessments at the Lower Darby site are ongoing and includes the same study area (Darby Creek).