Enclosure 2 to COMDTINST 16478.12
The four criteria, the attributes selected for characterization and the
quantitative measures used to score each site are summarized in Table II
below. The tTechnical Appendix contains more detail of the ranking
mechanisms.
4.0 Priority Categories
Once completed, the ranking list was divided into five priority categories
that may be used as a guide for planning survey and recovery operations.
Priority 1 sites are those with the highest scores (sum of their operational
measures) reflecting the attributes of the four primary criteria. Priority 5
sites are those with the lowest sum scores. Some generalities of sites
within the five priority levels:
Priority 1 Sites - Generally, these are freshwater, very shallow or
terrestrial sites with high projected numbers of batteries in areas of dense
population. The attribute driving these high scores is the possibility that
the AtoN may be located in or near sources of drinking water. These may also
be sites with fine grain sediments conducive to methylmercury formation.
Priority 2 Sites - Similar to priority 1 sites, these locations are in fresh
water areas, nearer to residential areas. The major distinction between these
sites and priority 1 is the estimated number of batteries at the location.
Priority 3 Sites - Priority three sites generally are found in both saltwater
and freshwater environments. If they are in freshwater environments they are
characterized by having a low expected number of batteries, or the locations
are relatively isolated from nearby populations. The AtoNs rated in this
category may be in marine environments that are particularly sensitive - such
as inter-tidal areas or "wetlands". The many fixed AtoNs on shore may be
assigned this priority due to their increased potential for exposure.
Priority 4 Sites - Priority 4 sites are usually located in salt-water
environments where population concentrations are low, and the expected number
of batteries at the locations are relatively low as well.
Priority 5 Sites - At these locations all the risk factors are minimized: the
locations have few batteries, they are in salt water environments, they are
over 5 miles from residential populations, and they are not in a sensitive
environment.
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Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Priority Ranking Plan for Aton Battery Recovery
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