Kierski M, Menzie C, Carroll C. Dinitrotoluene and Di-n-buytlphthalate exposure and effects evaluation for birds at Badger Army Ammunition Plant. 28rd Annual Meeting, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Milwaukee, WI, November 2007.
Kierski M, Menzie C, Ferguson E. Soil lead risk for grit ingesting birds: a simple methodology to estimate the number of grit size lead particles in soils and sediment. 28rd Annual Meeting, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Milwaukee, WI, November 2007.
Clarkson J, Glaser S, Kierski M, Thomas T, Gaccetta J, Campbell C, Orton C, Wright M, Longgoni G, Kwok A. Application of risk assessment in different countries. In: Assessment and Management of Environmental Risks, I. Linkov, and J.M. Palma Oliveria (eds), Kluewer, Amsterdam, 2001.
Kierski MW. The bioavailability of soil-lead in the Weanling Rabbits. Doctoral Thesis, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1991.
Kierski MW. A new way to wring savings from cleanups. Pollution Engineering 1994; April.
Kierski MW. Ecological risk assessment challenges: weighing the need for action in light of uncertainty. Tri-Services Toxicology and Risk Assessment Conference, Dayton, OH, April 2005.
Kierski M, Frank J, Ferguson E. Bioaccumulation of metals and explosives from soil into earthworms – a risk assessment case study. 23rd Annual Meeting, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Salt Lake City, UT, November 2002.
Kierski M. 2000. Perspectives on risk assessment At River Valley School in Marion, Ohio. New England Water & Environment Association, Annual Conference, December 2000.
Kierski M. The Bioavailability of soil-lead. Society for Risk Analysis, Annual Conference and Exposition, December 1994.
Kierski M. 1994. Introduction to health risk assessment and exposure assessment modeling. Course Instructor, multiple locations during 1994 for General Science Corporations, Environmental Modeling Training Division.
Kierski M. Introduction to Health Risk Assessment. University of Wisconsin-Madison, Environmental Toxicology Center Colloquium Series, Fall 1993.
Select Manufactured Gas Plant Related Risk Assessment Projects Developed a work plan for a benthic invertebrate survey of a confidential client on the Fox River located in Illinois associated with a past releases from a MGP facility. Dr. Kierski performed the benthic invertebrate survey and developed a report summarizing the findings.
Dr. Kierski assisted in the development of a risk assessment framework (RAF) document for a utility client. The RAF document was developed to provide a consistent framework for performing human health and ecological risk assessments for up to 30 MGP sites in Wisconsin and Illinois that will be addressed under the Alternative Superfund Program within Region 5 of USEPA. Dr. Kierski has provided technical assistance on the development of remedial investigation work plan at three of the thirty sites, thus far and will be involved in the evaluation of human and ecological risk at these sites.
Developed an Iowa guidance document to help adopt a consistent approach for performing surface water and sediment investigations at MGP sites in the State of Iowa on behalf of MidAmerican. This document is currently being used by the IDNR as a guidance document on MidAmerican’s FMGP site evaluations, and will likely be adopted state-wide. Worked with IDNR staff to develop the guidance document.
Managed the preparation of a surface water and sediment sampling work plan for an MGP site, and implemented the work plan for a State lead site in Des Moines, Iowa. A two-phase evaluation was performed between 2003 and 2004. The first phase evaluated surficial sediment PAH concentrations, and the second used barge mounted drilling techniques to sample subsurface sediments in the River. A SLERA was performed in 2005 to show that no additional ecological risk assessment was need at this site, which was approved by the IDNR on the first submittal. Forensic techniques were used to fingerprint the source of the PAHs.
Managed the preparation of a surface water and sediment sampling work plan related to an MGP investigation, and implemented the work plan within a three-month period in 2002 for a State lead site in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This evaluation was used to perform a streamlined screening level evaluation to show that no additional ecological risk assessment was need at this site.
Performed a qualitative biological assessment in 2005 within the Cedar River adjacent to a FMGP site, and prepared a screening level ecological risk assessment. Based on the combination of the SLERA and the biological assessment, the recommendation was for no further action for the Cedar River. This was accepted by the IDNR.
Performed a risk assessment for this MGP site located along the Mississippi River in Clinton, Iowa, to address potential human and ecological concerns associated with metals and PAH contamination at the site under current site conditions and likely future land use conditions. Supported development of PAH and lead remediation goals for the site closure in 2005
Performed a preliminary human health risk evaluation for portions of an MGP site in Ripon, Wisconsin, associated with metals and PAH contamination while working for others. Developed responses to WDNR comments on previous sediment investigations, provided a reanalysis of the sediment data for a surface water body adjacent to the site, and provided a framework for moving forward with the sediment evaluation to address issues related to human health and the environment.
Select Ecological Risk Assessment Experience Currently managing the baseline ecological risk assessment (BERA) for the settling ponds and spoils disposal area site at Badger Army Ammunition Plant, Baraboo, Wisconsin, which involves both extensive interactions with the WDNR, and the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB). Performed a re-evaluation of the ecological risks associated with the site to better evaluate on a spatial scale the areas that would be of potential ecological concern. Developed an ecological risk assessment work plan used to perform additional ecological field studies to collect data that were used by Exponent to develop a baseline ecological risk assessment (BERA) for the site. The BERA included unique studies to evaluate the effects of certain explosives related chemicals on the reproduction of birds.
Currently managing a review of the health implications of spent lead ammunition to human and ecological health. This review is addressing a number of exposure scenarios relevant to both humans and wildlife. A critical review of the literature is being completed to better understand the potential risk associated with spent lead ammunition and identify additional areas of research.
From 1998 to the present Dr. Kierski has performed and managed human health and ecological risk assessment related projects at the Former Marion Engineering Depot (MED) and Scioto Ordinance Plant (SOP) Sites located in Marion, Ohio. This included the baseline risk assessment for OU1 (River Valley School Site), as well as numerous ecological evaluations as part of the Site Investigations being performed at other sites at MED and SOP. He is currently completing ecological evaluations for a five sites at the former installation and the Streamlined Risk Evaluation (SRE) for three Sites where Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CAs) are being performed.
Dr. Kierski is currently managing the screening level ecological risk assessment (SLERA) of the Explosive Ordnance Demolition Range Area (EOD Area) at the Former Kincheloe Air Force Base (KAFB) located in Kinross Township, Michigan. Past operations at the EOD Area have lead to mercury contamination of a spruce – tamarack bog. The initial screening evaluation has determined that methylmercury may pose a potential ecological concern to wildlife. Dr. Kierski led a field effort to collect site specific data on prey concentrations of methylmercury to better evaluate the risks to wildlife.
From 2001 to 2006 Dr. Kierski worked on risk assessment related tasks at Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG) located in Marion, Indiana. Dr. Kierski managed the finalization of the base-wide human health and ecological risk assessment for the Jefferson Proving Ground site in Madison, Indiana. He was the lead risk assessor involved in regulatory negotiations to address regulatory comments on the risk assessment from multiple agencies. His most recent work involved additional risk-based evaluation at Site 11 in 2005 and 2006 as part of pre-design stages of the project.
Managed project task to help the USACE develop more defensible remediation goals for soils at the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant in Joliet Illinois, in a portion of the site being developed as the Midwein National Tall Grass Prairie. Detailed literature reviews of plant toxicity were conducted and the information was synthesized to develop more reasonable remediation goal based on plant toxicity. The results of the remediation goal development were used in negotiations with the management team at Joliet Army Ammunition Plant to ultimately select soil remediation goals for the site.
Managed a $2.0 M ecological assessment for the Mississippi River backwater habitats associated with the Open Burning Ground (OBG) at the Savanna Army Depot in Savanna, Illinois, which utilized multiple lines of evidence to evaluate potential ecological effects. Leader of an ERA Working Group composed of a team of environmental scientists, stakeholders, and regulators. The BERA Team won a USACE Chief of Engineering Merit Award for their work on this project. Managed a group of environmental statisticians who performed state of the art analyses on the environmental data and toxicity data collected. Multiple regression analyses were used to look at combined effects of both metals and explosives contaminants. Reverse hypothesis testing was performed to determine if a particular area could be considered clean. Performing multiple toxicity and bioaccumulation test to supplement the Tier I analysis that was previously conducted for metals and explosives contamination associated with the OBG.
On behalf of USCG, developed a work plan in 2004 in conjunction with the USFWS and WDNR to perform a screening level ecological risk assessment for this lead contaminated island off the Door County Peninsula in Wisconsin. Performed a biological assessment in conjunction with the USFWS to evaluate tissue lead concentrations in herring gull chicks and the presence of lead paint chips in the gastrointestinal tracts of the birds. Lead tissue concentrations were below WDNR guidelines and site closure has been conditionally provided by WDNR.
Performed a screening level ecological risk assessment (SLERA) for MWH America’s Inc. in Camp Bullis, Texas, for the sediment and surface water data collected within Final Creek. Assisted MWH and the Army to develop an ecological risk assessment strategy for this landfill site, which was contaminated with chemical warfare agents. Provided strategy and technical support to MWH in development of the ecological risk assessment field investigation work plan. Provided a peer review for a screening level ecological risk assessment developed by other contractors on behalf of the USACE and MWH.
Performed a small mammal survey of select explosives and metals contaminated sites within the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant in Joliet Illinois, and compared the results to reference areas. The statistical study design incorporated the results of a pilot study that was performed at select investigative and reference sites. Results of the small mammal survey pest were used in part to verify whether the theoretical ecological remediation objectives for the site were realistic.
Acted as technical advisor and editor on the Base-Wide Ecological Risk Assessment for the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, Iowa. Assisted in client and regulatory negotiations on the scope of the BERA, and provide peer review of the work products.
Select Human Health Risk Assessment Experience On behalf of USCG, developing soil lead remediation goals for this historic light station located on Passage Island, Michigan, which is apart of the Isle Royale National Park. The soil lead remediation goals were developed based on the site-specific land use scenarios that are afforded by this unique Island site.
Evaluated the distribution of lead in soils surrounding a battery manufacturing facility and did an extensive evaluation of the background levels of lead in soils in the City based on research that had been completed by others and monitoring performed by the City of Milwaukee. Provided toxicological support when dealing with WDNR and the City of Milwaukee Health Department concerning the health implications of the soil-lead concentrations in areas near the facility. Performed site-specific evaluations of the potential for chemical vapors to be transported into residences near a former facility.
Developed a human health and ecological risk assessment for the former Marion Engineering Depot, River Valley Schools, in Marion, Ohio, focused on health concerns associated with a former Department of Defense disposal area onsite. The primary contaminants detected at the site are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and chlorinated solvents. However, dioxins and dibenzofurans were a public health issue that needed to be addressed because of public concerns. Developed risk assessment work plans, negotiated with regulatory agencies, and presented Restoration Advisory Board meetings.
Conducted a human and ecological risk assessment for a reach of the South Branch of the Shiawasse River, Howell, Michigan, that had been contaminated with PCBs containing oils. Performed the transport and fate analysis of PCBs in the riverine environment, including bioaccumulation of PCBs in fish.
Conducted a human and ecological assessment of a former industrial facility along the North Branch Canal in downtown Chicago. The primary chemicals of concern were PAHs, PCBs, and petroleum related volatile organic compounds. The risk assessment followed a tiered risk-based corrective action (RBCA) approach to streamlined the risk assessment process. Transport modeling was performed to predict the potential for impact to the canal
Select Risk-Based Closures Developed a risk-based remediation strategy for a development site in Muskego, Wisconsin, to address residual concentrations of PAHs in soils that had been placed as part of the first phase of redevelopment. The strategy involved incorporating soils with residual PAHs above RCLs in areas of the development where exposure could be more effectively eliminated. The risk-based strategy was developed in conjunction with the WDNR and WDHFS and jump-started the development process again, which had been stalled for over a year.
Managed the environmental closure of the former American Milk Producers (AMPI) site in Coon Valley, Wisconsin, which had residual levels of petroleum hydrocarbons and PCBs. Managed a supplemental investigation of the site to evaluate the distribution of PCB contaminated soils at depth. Negotiated the scope of the remedial action work plan with the WDNR and EPA. Used the results of the supplemental investigation and a focused qualitative human health risk assessment to support a remedial action that focused on the removal of surficial soils rather than excavation of deeper soils.
Managed the detailed design for the closure of a gypsum pile area in Morris, Illinois. Using a combination of risk assessment and risk management concepts, Dr. Kierski successfully negotiated with the IEPA to close this RCRA using a novel vegetative cover concept for the gypsum waste area. Past tasks that have been completed by Dr. Kierski on this project include a human and ecological risk assessment for the GPA, and a fish study that was conducted to evaluate bioaccumulation of PAH and metals analysis in adjacent fishing ponds. The tissue data was used in the risk assessment to estimate site-specific level of exposure under a recreational use scenario.
Managing the remedial design portion of the RD/RA for 13 former subsurface transformer vaults at the Savanna Army Depot in Savanna, Illinois. Included developing work plans, managing the field/pilot study investigations, developing remedial design documents, and working with construction personnel to implement the design. Oversaw development of construction completion report for remedial action work.
As part of a litigation project, managed a lead investigation and abatement project for a confidential client at a commercial facility in Wisconsin. Included development of work plan, delineation of lead-contamination associated with a sand blasting operation, and overseeing lead abatement performed by a subcontracted firm, preparing investigation reports and negotiating closure with the WDNR.
Additional Select Project Experience
Managed the finalization of the base-wide human health and ecological risk assessment for the Jefferson Proving Ground site in Madison, Indiana. Lead risk assessor involved in regulatory negotiations to address regulatory comments on the risk assessment from multiple agencies. Utilized the risk assessment results within the feasibility study to justify no action alternatives at a number of the remedial investigation sites. An ad-hoc risk-based decision analysis approach was used during the feasibility study to select an appropriate level of remediation based on cost and level of risk reduction that would maximize the flexibility of redevelopment of sites within the installation. Currently managing and performing risk-based evaluations to support closures at sites at the installation with the remedial action in mind.
Managed the field investigation of a former military firing range in Ino, Wisconsin, including client contact, development of work plans in conjunction with WDNR and USFS staff, and development of technical memorandum summarizing the investigation results. Developed alternate soil cleanup levels for lead contaminated soils, which was ultimately used within the Feasibility Study to define limits of contamination.
Performed human health and/or ecological risk assessment at a number of NPL sites in Wisconsin including the Fadrowski Drum Disposal Site, Janesville Ash Beds, Janesville Old Landfill, Wheeler Pit Landfill, Hagen Farms, and Spickler Landfill Site.
Prepared sediment sampling and screening level ecological evaluation work plan, and implemented the work plan within a 3-month period in 2002 at a former electronics plating operation in Lisbon, Maine. The purpose of the assessment was to help support removing the site form the CERCLIS list. Performed a sediment investigation to better define the horizontal and vertical extent of metals sediment contamination in the Sabattus River. The investigation also included a benthic invertebrate survey to support an ecological risk assessment.
Managed the human health and ecological risk assessment for the Ballfield Site, located adjacent to Onondaga Lake in upstate New York. Developed the strategy for the human health and ecological risk assessment and have negotiated the work scope for the BERA and with NYSDEC. Performed a screening level ecological risk assessment, and currently awaiting comments on the Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment Problem Formulation Document.
Developed a work plan for evaluating the ecological risks associated with historic biphenyl releases to a watercourse leading to the James River in Chesterfield, Virginia. Recently performed a sediment and surface water investigation, and a qualitative biological survey.
Performed a Tier II human health risk assessment for a former petroleum oil and lubricant yard and vehicle maintenance area at the 162nd Fighter Wing of the Arizona Air National Guard, located at the Tucson International Airport.
Performed a qualitative benthic invertebrate assessment at a battery manufacturing facility in Middletown, Delaware, to support no further need for additional ecological assessment. Conducted a stream water quality study to assess the relative bioavailability of lead in stream sediment and surface water. These assessments were considered sufficient to satisfy EPA Region III that additional ecological risk assessment was not required.
Prepared and negotiated a work plan for a modified risk assessment approach to meet the clients desire to perform an expedited remediation at a battery manufacturing facility in North Carolina, and avoid doing a protracted ecological risk assessment. The primary contaminant of concern was lead at the site. EPA Region IV originally wanted a full baseline risk assessment (including ecological risk assessment) for the site. A much-streamlined version of a baseline risk assessment was negotiated with EPA Region IV. Performed a focused BERA utilizing sediment toxicity testing. This evaluation was used to support no further action in a wetland area adjacent to the site.
Oversaw the preparation of a screening level ecological risk assessment within a storm water retention basin (PCBs and PAHs) at Willow Grove Air Reserve Station. The assessment was considered sufficient for taking action, since the impoundment was slated for closure anyway, because there was a need to reconfigure the drainage at the installation.
Conducted a human health evaluation of the Blackwell Landfill NPL site in Warrenville, Illinois, which included multiple contaminants and exposure pathways. Conducted an exposure assessment survey of site visitors and employees to determine site-specific exposure factors that were used to develop more realistic health risk estimates.
Oversaw the evaluation of past ecological risk assessment work to determine whether there was a need for further sampling of fish tissue from Waste Management Zone 2 at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire. Recommended that no further fish tissue sampling be conducted at Zone 2.
Developed the human health and ecological risk assessment work plan for the remedial investigation for a former landfill and burn area at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Performed internal technical review on the draft final baseline risk assessment.
Performed a screening level risk assessment for groundwater contamination that has migrated off an appliance manufacturing plant in Faridabad, India. Risk assessment considered site-specific factors of transport and fate of contamination, as well as cultural differences that would affect exposure to the groundwater.
Prepared streamlined risk evaluation for a dinitro-o-cresol (DNOC) disposal area at the Savanna Army Depot in Illinois. The streamlined risk evaluation factored in both human health and ecological concerns associated with the disposal area.
Conducted a human health and ecological risk assessment for the Blackhawk Facility NPL site in Rockton, Illinois. The primary contaminants of concern were chlorinated solvents that were detected in groundwater downgradient of the site.
Conducted a PCB investigation of a wetland at an American Chemical Services NPL site in Griffith, Indiana, that had received PCB containing wastewater. EPA requested biological testing to determine if the sediments would be a concern to ecological receptors, because of their potential to bioaccumulate. The extent of the PCB contamination was assessed, and a technical argument was presented EPA to defend the position that the limited extent of the PCB contamination did not warrant performing biological testing.
Conducted an ecological assessment for this U.S. Army depot in Tracy, California. The chemicals of potential concern included a variety of organic and inorganic contaminants. A multipathway risk assessment was conducted which included trophic level modeling of chemical transfer. Health risks were estimated for both terrestrial and aquatic receptors in a number of areas on the depot.
Conducted an ecological risk assessment for the riverine environment adjacent to a former manufacturing site in Indiana. Predicted the amount of chemical transport to the Eel River, and potential health consequences to aquatic organisms.
Conducted a human health and ecological assessment for the State Disposal Landfill NPL site in Plainfield Township, Michigan. A streamlined risk assessment approach was used, since the landfill was to be remediated under a presumptive remedy. This resulted in cost saving to the client and facilitated agency approval of the risk assessments.
Conducted an ecological assessment for a wetland, which has been impacted by the Sunrise Landfill site in Gaylord Township, Michigan. The results of the ecological assessment showed that levels of contamination should not pose an ecological health concern. Performed a feasibility study risk analysis to quantitatively distinguish the worker risks associated with each remedial alternative.
Conducted a transport and fate analysis, and health risk assessment for a service station site in Madison, Wisconsin. The results of these analyses were used to negotiate a reduced scope of work with WDNR.
Conducted a simple transport and fate analysis at a metal recycling facility in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to develop soil clean-up levels for tetrachloroethene. The soil clean-up level was used to negotiate a no-further action for the residual tetrachloroethene contaminated soil.
Developed a risk-based approach for Wayne Reclamation & Recycling, Inc., in Columbia, Indiana, for developing cleanup objectives for soil and groundwater at as part of the RD/RA. A transport and fate model was used to develop more realistic and achievable soil cleanup objectives for volatile organic compounds on-site.
Developed a risk-based approach for determining whether service station sites in Michigan pose a health concern. Transport and fate modeling was conducted as an integral part of each risk assessment to define the migration potential of contamination.
Conducted an ecological assessment for the American Chemical Services NPL Superfund site in Griffith, Indiana. Developed a method to rank chemicals by their potential to cause health risks by accounting for their toxicity, chemical concentration, mobility, and bioconcentration potential. This method was used to focus the ecological assessment on particular chemicals of concern. Developed alternate soil cleanup approach and criteria for site, and provided technical support during agency negotiations.