New UK Ecological Risk Assessment Methodology

October 14, 2008

Samantha Deacon, Senior Consultant, and Andy Goddard, Manager at ENVIRON’s Bath Office were invited guests at the Environmental Agency’s launch of the UK’s Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) Framework, the first methodology in the UK for assessing risk to ecological receptors from contaminated land.

The framework was launched by the Environment Agency’s Head of Science on the 15th October at the The Royal Society’s London headquarters and was attended local authorities, industry leaders and conservation organisations.

Prior to joining ENVIRON, Sam played a key role in the Environment Agency’s five year research programme, developing the UK’s approach to ecological risk assessment and soil screening values (SSVs).

The ERA methodology is applicable to any land quality assessment that requires the measurement, prevention and removal of adverse effects on ecological systems caused by contamination. As many of the UK’s plants, animals and habitats are legally protected under local planning policies and national and international legislation, the application of the ERA Framework can be specific to the following contexts:

• Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Contaminated Land)
• Environmental Damage Regulations (Environmental Liabilities Directive)
• Planning and development control
• Planning and pollution control
• Habitats and conservation regimes

ENVIRON’s blend of expertise in ecology, ecotoxicology and contaminated land assessment and remediation places the firm at the forefront of Ecological Risk Assessment in the UK. With expert advisors in many disciplines across its international practice and the UK team, we work closely with colleagues across the company to bring the full weight of our twenty years’ experience in this discipline to assist clients with identifying and managing damage to ecosystems.  

For more information, please contact Nicola Eury on +44 1225 748 420