Development of a methodology for post-remedial bioassessment of contaminated sites in Canada
- Bonnell Environmental Consulting, Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)
- Environment Canada, Hull, Quebec (Canada)
In October of 1989, the federal, provincial and territorial governments, under the umbrella of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), established the National Contaminated Sites Remediation Program (NCSRP). Under the NCSRP, Environment Canada (EC) initiated a post-project evaluation of remediated high risk sites in Canada. In order to approach the evaluation of these sites, EC decided that a guidance methodology was needed. Four components were considered for the methodology: chemical/technological, biological, socio-economical, and occupational health and safety, This paper discusses the bioassessment component of the overall methodology. The bioassessment component involves two distinct phases-data collection and review (Data Evaluation Phase) and quantitative toxicological testing (Toxicity Assessment Phase). Initially, desired ecological protection goals are established in accordance with the remediation target and intended land use. A conceptual pathways analysis is then performed to set the baseline condition (null hypothesis) against which existing conditions can be compared. Under the Data Evaluation Phase all relevant site information is reviewed and evaluated. If sufficient and appropriate evidence exists to meet the baseline condition, the next phase is not required and the site is considered ``biologically clean``. However, if baseline conditions cannot be met, the Toxicity Assessment Phase must be undertaken to generate the needed information to ascertain biological status. The methodology incorporates professional judgment and provides points in the process where key decisions are made in consultation with managers and environmental scientists before the next step is taken. It is intended to be flexible to allow modification for specific site conditions and to allow for future requirements and modifications as new information becomes available.
- OSTI ID:
- 211940
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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