What is Risk Assessment?
The process of estimating the probability of occurrence of an adverse effect on human and ecological health resulting from contaminant exposure
Is Risk considered High if Probability is near certain and Consequence is negligible?
No, it is considered Low Risk.
Risk = Probability x Consequence
What are the three components of a Risk Assessment?
- There must be contaminant(s) present at hazardous concentrations
- There must be a receptor
- There must be an exposure pathway by which the receptor comes into contact with environmental contaminant
What are considered Contaminants?
If a chemical concentration exceeds the selected standard, the contaminant is considered a contaminant of concern
What are Exposure Pathways?
A means in which the contaminant and the receptor come into contact
Includes: air, sediment, soil, groundwater, inhalation, ingestion, etc.
What are the three kinds of Receptors?
- On site human receptors
- trespassers, workers, recreational users, residents
- Off-Site human receptors
- groundwater, air, surface water
- Ecological receptors
- plants, soil invertebrates, mammals, birds, aquatic organisms
What are some Risk Management Options?
- Removal
- Treatment
- Relocations
- Interception
- Ventilation
- Containment
What are Brownfields?
An abandoned, vacant, derelict, or underutilized property or development where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination and where there is an active potention for redevelopment.
How Many Brownfields are there in BC? (and examples)
Approx. 4,000 to 6,000
- former gas station
- petroleum facilities
- closed industrial facilities
What are two high profile, successful Brownfield developments in BC?
- Pacific Place, Vancouver
- Dockside Green, Victoria
What does the Canadian Brownfields Network do?
Recognizes excellence in redevlopment of brownfields
- Reprogram
- Remediation
- Reinvest
- Rebuild
- Renew
- Reach out
What is the Environmental Impact Assessment - BC (EIA)
- It provides a mechanism for reviewing major projects to assess their potential impacts
- It ensures that major projects meet the goals of environmental, economic, and social sustainability
- It ensures that issues and concerns of the public, First Nations, stakeholders, and gov agencies are considered
What does the EIA do?
Examines major projects for potentially adverse environmental, economic, social, heritage and health effects that may occur
Process includes:
- opportunities for interest group involvement
- consultations
- technical studies
- strategies to prevent or reduce adverse effects
- development of comprehensive reports
What is the role of an Environmental Monitor?
They ensure compliance with environmental requirements including legislation, policies and approvals in the field
