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(T/MF195) Ecological risk assessment at contaminated sites in New Zealand. Lilburne, L.1, Cochrane, P.1, Cussins, T.1, O'Halloran, K.1, Hickey, C.1, Sheppard, D.1, Gough, J.1, Phillips, C.1, Clark, L.1, Eason, C.1, 1 ABSTRACT- Land that has been, or is currently, used for the manufacture or use of potentially hazardous substances, or that which has been contaminated by such substances through accidental spills or leakages, its likely to pose significant risks to human and environmental health. An estimate of over 7200 contaminated sites (excluding approximately 500 timber treatment sites and up to 50,000 farms) has been made for New Zealand. Management strategies to prevent possible catastrophic consequences at these sites require effective and reliable risk assessment. Various methodologies for assessing risks to human health are widely known and used by risk managers throughout New Zealand. However, the practical tools required by risk managers to conduct ecological risk assessments are lacking. A unique web site has been developed by a team of experts in New Zealand http://contamsites.Landcare.cri.nz that can be used as an educational and information tool for conducting ecological risk assessments (ERA) at potentially contaminated sites. The procedures to be followed to accurately identify potential hazards and to determine risks to plants, animals, and ecosystem integrity from chemicals present at, or discharging from, a contaminated land site are described. Features of this web site include New Zealand-specific and internationally relevant data for the movement of contaminants through soil into freshwater and groundwater aquifers, and freshwater and soil ecotoxicity data for plants and animals. A demonstration of the site will be available at the poster display for this paper. Key words: Ecological risk assessment, contaminated sites |
