This risk assessment concluded that the beneficial uses of silica-based spent foundry sands ( from iron, steel and aluminum foundry operations when used in manufactured soils, soil-less potting media and roadway subbase, are protective of human health and the environment. Based on this conclusion, and the available environmental and economic benefits, the EPA and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) support the beneficial use of silica-based spent foundry sands specifically from iron, steel and aluminum foundry operations when used in manufactured soils, soil-less potting media and roadway subbase.

The below documents are related to EPA's spent foundry sands risk assessment. For additional information, review the collection of frequent questions and answers.

• Risk Assessment of Spent Foundry Sands in Soil-Related Applications (PDF)(477 pp, 6 MB, October 2014 )
• Peer Review of Spent Foundry Sands Risk Assessment (PDF)(41 pp, 333 K)
• Response to Comments on Spent Foundry Sands Risk Assessment (PDF)(81 pp, 1 MB, October 2014)