09-17-2014 - Planning and Preparing an Ecological Risk Assessment - Boston, MA

Why Should You Take This Planning and Preparing an Ecological Risk Assessment course?

In this 2-day Planning and Preparing an Ecological Risk Assessment course, learn and review both the technical and regulatory approaches to completing ecological risk assessments. Participants will come away with an understanding of the planning and preparation process for the completion of an ERA, including data development needs, selection of endpoints, and the development of lines of evidence. Understanding the topics covered will give attendees the ability to accurately assess the potential for ecological risk, which is paramount to the remedial decision-making process. In today's environmental project planning, this can make the difference between the success or failure of a recommended action or approach.

During the course, attendees will examine the development of ERAs in both aquatic and terrestrial settings, and will receive a broad overview of the ecological risk assessment (ERA) process as it is used in evaluating potential environmental risks and liabilities associated with hazardous waste sites. Emphasis will be placed on providing a hands-on understanding of ecological risk assessment using the basic ERA paradigm as outlined in USEPA's Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (ERAGS). Case studies and active engagement with the attendees will be used to reinforce the points presented in lecture.

Intended Audience:

This course is intended for environmental professionals including, but not limited to government and contractor personnel involved in site cleanup, environmental consultants, environmental lawyers, engineers, remedial managers, and environmental students.

Topics To Be Covered Include:

• Regulatory requirements
• General overview of ecological risk assessment
• Review of the 8-step ERAGS process
• Regional and/or state approaches and perspectives
• Problem formulation
• Conceptual site models
• Characterization of exposure
• Characterization of ecological effects
• Risk characterization
• Uncertainty analysis
• Special circumstances
• Conclusion

What to Bring to Class:  Pen or pencil, and paper if you do not want to take notes in your manual. Drinks and snacks will be provided each day. Lunch will be on your own.