A Computer Model System for CERCLA Type A Damage Assessments

A coupled marine transport/biological-injury/economic-damages model system has been developed to serve as the proposed basis for type A (small scale) damage assessments under CERCLA. The model, which operates on an IBM-PC, relies on large chemical and biological data bases for fundamental parameters. Spilled material concentrations are computed dynamically on the water surface, in the upper and lower water column, and in the sediments. Biological losses due to direct toxic effects on adults, and future catch reductions due to losses of larvae and juveniles, are calculated for commercially important species. Losses resulting from primary and secondary productivity are included through a simple fractional rule for energy transfer efficiency up the food chain.