PW16 Ecological Risk Assessment (General)
Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM - Wednesday
(PW263) Development of ECORASS or Ecological Risk Assessment Software Computer Model.
Blanchet, R.1, Ren, S.1, Garber, J.1, 1 Gradient Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
ABSTRACT- ECOlogical Risk ASsessment Software or ECORASS computer model was developed to assess ecological risks at contaminated sites. The computer model currently includes 55 chemicals of concern, including, metals, PCBs, PAHs, dioxins and furans, and chlorinated pesticides (e.g., DDT, Aldrin, Dieldrin, Chlordane). The model includes 22 ecological receptors that are widely distributed in North America in aquatic, riparian, or terrestrial habitats. ECORASS is populated with data and models to estimate the uptake and potential trophic transfer of chemicals of concern into aquatic and terrestrial plant and invertebrates, fish, small mammals, and birds. In order to more adequately characterize potential impacts to ecological receptors, ECORASS allows the use of site-specific information, including actual measurements of chemicals of concern in biotic tissues, and the addition of ecological receptors that may be more suitable to a particular site. The model is supported by a series of data base tables in Access that generate output into seven report-ready tables in Excel. The model can be used to estimate hazards to ecological receptors ranging from a generic screening level assessment to a more site-specific assessment. Additional features that are considered for ECORASS include an assessment of habitat quality/requirement for the selected ecological receptor and probabilistic Monte Carlo type assessment. The model uses the most up-to-date ecological risk assessment guidance available. All input parameters are fully referenced and all equations are described in supporting documentation for the model.
Key words: Model, Computer, Aquatic, Terrestrial