API Publ 4700:2001 pdf download.PRIMER FOR EVALUATING ECOLOGICAL RISK AT PETROLEUM RELEASE SITES
Guided by the American Society for Testing and Materials definition of relevant receptors and habitats (ASTM, 2000), this primer defines relevant ecological receptors and habitats as ecological resources requiring protection. At a site, identifying relevant resources from all resources is difficult, but integral to the problem formulation phase of the ecological risk assessment framework. Some relevant ecological resources include communities with threatened or endangered species, recreationally or commercially important species, regionally or nationally rare habitats, or habitats with high-aesthetic quality or special protection afforded by law or regulation. This definition is consistent with guidance provided by the EPA (1997) and many states. For example, guidance on what is important to protect—which may be difficult to determine because of varying viewpoints—can be found in various Federal and state regulations governing ecological resources. The EPA (1997) states that the process of selecting what to protect often includes ecological resources that are: Protected by law Critical resources Key components of the ecological system.
The first step in evaluating ecological risk is to locate applicable Federal, state, or local guidance and regulations (“regulatory considerations” in Figure 2). Some spill or release conditions may be covered by existing regulations, and this primer’s users should be aware of how these regulatory considerations apply to specific situations. This primer is based, in part, on a review of guidance developed by several states; however, in some cases, this primer may conflict with state or Federal guidance. Site investigators should consider consulting with relevant regulatory agencies to determine appropriate action. The recommended reading/sources of information section at the end of this primer lists Federal resources that can be used to research regulations and ecological risk approaches that apply at a specific site. At a petroleum release site, the site investigator typically considers several factors that may affect an ecological risk assessment. These factors also may be used to determine the need for and appropriateness of various remedial technologies. Factors to be considered include the assessment of human health risk, cost, benefits and risks of remediation, availability of remedial technology, stakeholders’ interests, local concerns, and possibly political issues.
API Publ 4700:2001 pdf download
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