Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) often refers to a wide mix of chemicals found in petroleum hydrocarbons. Evaluating risk from total petroleum hydrocarbons can be challenging because this mixture changes over time and varies from site to site. Different states also use different approaches, some rely mainly on specific indicator chemicals, while others consider both indicators and overall total petroleum hydrocarbon measurements. Because of this inconsistency and the complex nature of petroleum mixtures, it can be difficult to clearly understand the full risk to human health and the environment.
The Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons Risk Evaluation at Petroleum-Contaminated Sites (TPHRisk-1, 2018) guidance was developed to help regulators and practitioners better evaluate risk and make cleanup decisions at petroleum release sites. It explains the unique challenges of working with total petroleum hydrocarbons, including how petroleum changes in the environment and how those changes can affect risk. The document reviews different approaches used by states and other organizations, highlights key considerations for assessing both human health and ecological risks, and provides tools and lessons learned to support more consistent and scientifically defensible decision-making.
Topic(s): Hydrocarbons, Petroleum Hydrocarbons, Site Characterization, TPH
