Overview of environmental decision support software

Regulatory exposure limits form the basis for making decisions on the characterization, monitoring, and remediation of environmental contamination. This paper discusses the development of Decision Support Software (DSS) tools developed to support decisions pertaining to environmental management. Decision support software packages are computer-based programs that facilitate the use of data, models, and structured decision processes in decision making. They incorporate the information into an integrated package that presents results in a format useful for making environmental decisions. Six major analysis functions of DSS tools have been identified: site characterization, plume characterization, risk assessment including regulatory compliance assessment, remedy selection, remedy design optimization, and cost/benefit analysis. Decision support software is relatively new and is now beginning to see application in the field. This paper discusses existing DSS and the strengths and limitations of some of the DSS packages. General limitations of decision support software are also discussed