Hazardous Ranking System (HRS)

The Hazardous Ranking System (HRS) is a tool used by the EPA to evaluate sites contaminated with hazardous waste. It scores each site based on factors like the risk posed to human health and the environment, including exposure pathways, waste characteristics, and nearby population. Sites with higher HRS scores are prioritized for cleanup under the Superfund program. Essentially, it helps identify and rank the most dangerous contaminated sites so resources can be focused where they are needed most to protect health and the environment.