Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision Making

This White Paper produced by the Environmental Protection Agency dated November 2008 (EPA100/R-08/010) aims to lay the foundation for the consistent and systematic implementation of integrated modeling approaches and practices that inform Agency decision making, at both the strategic and tactical levels. By adopting a systems approach, the goal is to facilitate better problem conceptualization, analysis of multimedia fate and transport of pollutants, assessment of cumulative exposure and risk, development and comparison of policy options and the holistic determination of the likely impacts of alternative management actions and policies. Furthermore, the goal of integrating modeling into decision making is to achieve a process that results in significant improvement in our decision effectiveness and enhances stakeholder collaboration and decision making transparency. By pursuing an organization-level approach to integrated modeling, the goal is to promote consistency and repeatability of analyses.