Miranda H. Henning, MEM

Specializes in population ecology and ecotoxicology of birds and other wildlife. Services provided to a variety of chemical manufacturing clients, trade groups, and law firms also include defense of Natural Resource Damages (NRD) claims, ecological risk assessment, human health risk assessment, guidance development, regulatory analysis, and training. Published eight peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters and regularly presents research at scientific conferences; peer reviewer for the Journal of Raptor Research, Integrated Environmental Management and Assessment, and Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; served as treasurer and board member of the North Atlantic Chapter of SETAC.

• Principal-in-charge of characterizing the nature and extent of metals, PCBs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in biota, sediment, surface water and porewater of three brooks and a pond located on a large industrial property. Directed the design of all aspects of a phased field sampling program intended to meet the evolving needs of a screening level ecological risk assessment (ERA), a baseline ERA, and geochemical-geotechnical characterization to support remedy evaluation and design.
• Managed preparation of a human health risk assessment (HHRA) and ERA focused on the effects of mercury and PCBs in sediment and aquatic biota within the Peninsula Harbour Area of Concern. Provided strategic oversight in the assessment of risks, calculation of target fish tissue concentrations, development of sediment management goals and estimation of area and volume of sediment warranting management. Designed and managed field survey of mink and river otter habitat quality. Designed and managed survey of fishing behavior and consumption practices among local residents and the Pic River tribe. Participated in four public consultation meetings with local residents, municipal leaders, the tribal council, and tribe members. Managed the evaluation of sediment remediation options, including the screening options based on cost, effectiveness and feasibility, preparation of conceptual engineering design for three preferred options and remedy pricing.
• Since the mid-1990s, managed the risk strategy for addressing PCBs in sediment, fish tissue and floodplain soil at a site in Indiana. Completed the HHRA and ERA for the site in 1996, which provided the basis for remediation focused on source control (i.e., ditch excavation) and monitored natural recovery in the downgradient creek. Current activities focus on the creek’s floodplain. Negotiated with regulators to employ risk-based remediation at residential backyards and documented the successful completion of those risk-based remedial activities. For the undeveloped portion of the floodplain, managed sampling program, designed and directed a mink habitat survey, prepared HHRA and directed work related to the ERA.
• Since 1992, has provided risk assessment services at the Housatonic River PCB site. Work products include risk assessment work plans; risk assessments; Monte Carlo analyses; development of risk-based remediation goals; regulatory negotiations; field studies on breeding birds, small mammals and frogs; and comments on the US Environmental Protection Agency’s work. During settlement negotiations, generated cost estimates of conducting ecological risk assessment and negotiated with state and federal agencies to reach favorable settlement on liabilities related to Natural Resource Damages.

MEM, Water and Air Resources, Duke University
BA, Environmental Science, Wesleyan University

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, OSHA Regulation 29 CFR 1910.120, certified
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

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