Tri-Service Remedial Project Manager's Guide for Ecological Risk ...

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As Necessary: Acquire Data, Iterate Process, Monitor ResultsFigure 2. The Ecological Risk Assessment Framework. Within each phase,rectangular boxes designate inputs, hexagon-shaped boxes indicate actions,and circular boxes represent outputs [adapted from 3].Discussion Between All Involved In ERA ProcessPLANNINGManagementGoalsScope &MethodsDecisionPointsIntegrate Available InformationSources andEcosystemExposurePotentially at RiskCharacteristicsEcologicalEffectsPROBLEMFORMULATIONAssessmentEndpointsAnalysisPlan(Work Plan)ConceptualModelCharacteristics of ExposureMeasuresofExposureMeasures ofEcosystem andReceptorCharacteristicsCharacteristics of Ecological EffectsMeasuresofEffectExposureAnalysisEcological ResponseAnalysisANALYSISExposureProfileStressor-ResponseProfileRiskEstimationRISKCHARACTERIZATIONRiskDescriptionERA Results Integrated with Other ConsiderationsRISKMANAGEMENTNo FurtherActionImmediateCleanupRefineERA9
3UREOHP)RUPXODWLRQThe overall strategy for estimating risk at your site is developed in Problem Formulation.In order to succeed, the ERA Problem Formulation must be well developed. This component ofthe ERA should further clarify the objectives of the ERA, create a conceptual site model, definethe receptors potentially at risk, and present a plan to analyze data and characterize risk.The sequence presented below shows generally how the ERA proceeds. In reality,many of these events occur simultaneously and are changed and revised until all availableinformation is collected. For example, the risk assessor usually creates a conceptual modelearly in Problem Formulation while stressor and exposure characterization are occurring. Theconceptual model and the endpoints (see below) are then finalized at the end of ProblemFormulation, after all existing information has been collected and evaluated for validity andrelevance to site conditions.l 6WUHVVRU DQG ([SRVXUH &KDUDFWHUL]DWLRQ Collect information aboutproperties of the contaminants of potential ecological concern (COPEC), as well asany other stressors at the site and determine if ecological components (e.g., plants,mammals, fish) are, or may be, exposed to the stressors.l (FRORJLFDO &RPSRQHQWV 3RWHQWLDOO\ DW 5LVN Select what ecologicalcomponents are, or may be, exposed to the COPEC.l (FRORJLFDO(IIHFWVFrom existing literature, identify potential ecological effects,based on the properties and toxicity of the COPECs.l &RQFHSWXDO 6LWH 0RGHO Create a model that shows potential exposure andpathways of the contaminants through the environment to ecological components.The model explains how a COPEC (stressor) might affect ecological components.l 'DWD*DSV -Determine if enough data and other site information are available toadequately characterize risk. If data gaps exist, identify what data or information isneeded and why.l $VVHVVPHQW(QGSRLQWVDetermine what specific ecological components are tobe protected, and what attributes of these components must be protected. ChooseAssessment Endpoints that describe the environmental effects that will drive thedecision making process (e.g., reduction of a key species or destruction of acommunity ecosystem).l 0HDVXUHPHQW (QGSRLQWV Identify indicators that determine if effects to theAssessment Endpoints are occurring or may occur. These indicators may bemeasures of exposure or measures of effect, and must be specifically related to theAssessment Endpoints.l :RUN3ODQThe work plan documents the decisions and evaluations made duringproblem formulation and identifies additional investigative tasks needed to completethe evaluation of risks to ecological components. The work plan for a screening10
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