HERD Organization

The role of the Human and Ecological Risk Division (HERD) is to provide expert scientific support in the areas of toxicology, human and ecological risk assessment, exposure assessment and industrial hygiene. It also includes scientific support to waste classification and assessment, and hazardous waste definition criteria development for the Department of Toxic Substances Control Programs engaged in the cleanup and management of hazardous waste; pollution prevention; and environmental technology development, evaluation and certification. HERD is organized into seven sections, four in the Toxicology Branch: two units with site management consultation responsibilities in Northern and Southern California regions; a Department of Defense/State Memorandum of Agreement (DSMOA) Unit, which focuses on site management consultation for military sites; and a unit devoted to the evaluation of new and existing school properties; and three units in the Industrial Hygiene and Safety Branch the Industrial Hygiene Section  (IHS), which manages the Department's worker field safety program.

The Human and Ecological Risk Section (HERS) is divided into four units. Two are generalist units organized by geographic assignment to Northern and Southern California, one unit which addresses the needs of military base closure and reuse, and one unit specializing in school property evaluation.

HERS Scientists provide risk assessment, environmental fate and transport analysis, and exposure assessment expertise for: closure and cleanup of permitted facilities requiring corrective action waste units at operating permitted facilities; and issuing permits for the operation of waste treatment, storage and/or disposal units.

Where uncontrolled disposal or discharge of hazardous waste and/or hazardous materials has occurred, HERS toxicologists analyze initial risk estimates to determine whether the computed risks are based on sound scientific knowledge and fact, and comply with Department and US EPA risk assessment guidance, process and policy. HERS toxicologists then work with scientists and engineers representing the responsible parties to refine the risk estimates to determine if remedial action is warranted. If remedial action is pursued, risk assessment is also used to establish the nature and extent of remedial activities, such as the establishment of preliminary remediation goals.

The Industrial Hygiene Section (IHS) deals with the complex issues of multiple chemical and hazard exposures, and the development of worker protection methods. Industrial hygienists provide scientifically based expertise in the anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of hazards. The IHS provides consultation on monitoring, exposure control, and chemical protective clothing. Additionally, the IHS is routinely called upon to provide expertise regarding selection, use and limitation of chemical protective clothing, exposure monitoring, and hazardous waste site safety to various state, federal and local agencies.