Evaluation of ecological risk assessment methodologies and issues

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:49450

Webster, D L

Ecological risk assessment, based on the human health risk assessment paradigm currently used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has been promoted by many as the holistic and comprehensive approach needed to characterize existing or potential environmental degradation. A methodology for characterizing risk must incorporate reliable data and information on ecosystem interactions and uncertainties associated with extrapolations between species and between laboratory and field data. The Quotient Method, a simplistic ecological risk assessment methodology, is often used to characterize environmental conditions and prioritize analytical and regulatory priorities. The Oak Ridge National Laboratories has developed a methodology that is capable of producing a more realistic estimate of ecosystem health, since it accounts for specific extrapolations and ecological processes. If reliable data are available, an ecological risk assessment methodology that accounts for basic ecosystem interactions should be used whenever possible. More comprehensive methodologies can be promoted by EPA through the provision of additional data and more detailed methodological guidance.

• OSTI ID: 49450
• Report Number(s): CONF-941189--; ISBN 1-56590-016-2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
CALCULATION METHODS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HEALTH HAZARDS
RISK ASSESSMENT