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Ecological Risk Assessment
A core component of BEM's Natural Resources services,
ecological risk assessments often involve large-scale,
multi-year analyses of surface water and groundwater
contaminant impacts to the aquatic life and avian populations
of an ecosystem. A typical approach could consist of
a watershed-based sampling and analysis program comprised
of:
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formulation, contaminant screening and exposure assessment;
- Receptor dose and exposure estimates using food-chain
modeling and fugacity models;
- Contaminant sampling and analysis;
- Identification of chemicals of ecological concern;
- Development of a hydrologic model to determine chemical
transport and discharge estimates;
- Assessment of ecological risk to wading birds, waterfowl,
fish and marine mammals in an estuary system, and
- Quantification of annual chemical loading to the
watershed from surface water and groundwater discharge.
Resulting ecological risks are calculated and recommendations
developed using applicable federal, state and local environmental
regulations and guidelines.
For more information, contact Don Richardson, Director at (908) 598-2600 x183
or at drichardson@bemsys.com
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