ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the major components of the ecological risk assessment (ERA) methodology—as may be applied to the evaluation of a contaminated site problem. It provides a procedural framework and outlines the key elements of the ERA process. ERAs typically evaluate the ecological effects arising from human-related activities that have resulted in the release of chemicals into the environment, or in habitat destruction or modifications, or indeed several other similar outcomes. ERAs can be divided into two general types based on habitats—namely, terrestrial and aquatic, with avifauna belonging into either or both groups. Three common qualitatively distinct sources of uncertainty to evaluate in virtually all risk assessments are the inherent variability, parameter uncertainty, and model errors. Information collected during the site investigation is used to characterize exposures and ecological effects; the site investigation includes all of the field sampling and surveys that are conducted as part of the ERA.
