Ecological Risk Assessment

Ecological Risk Assessment is a structured scientific evaluation of the potential for harm to occur to ecological receptors as a result of exposure to some stressor, often an exposure to chemical contamination. DEEP is currently developing guidance for conducting Ecological Risk Assessments within the remediation-based programs at DEEP.  While this guidance is under development, the following documents and links may be useful to those interested in evaluating ecological risks within Connecticut.

The following references provide useful information regarding ecological risk assessments:

Connecticut Water Quality Standards

Connecticut Remediation Standard Regulations

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)

Power Point Presentation:

Ecological Risk Assessment and Its Application to the Remediation Process

(Note: The following links exit the DEEP website.)

United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)

EPA Ecological Risk Assessment

Considerations for Assessing Ecological Risks (EPA, RCRA, March 2015)

EPA's Risk Assessment Guidelines 

Briefing the BTAG:  Initial Description of Setting, History and Ecology of a Site.  Intermittent Bulletin Vol. 1, No. 5, Publication 9345.0-051, USEPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, August 1992. 

The Role of Screening-Level Risk Assessment and Refining Contaminants of Concern in Baseline Ecological Risk Assessments.  Publication 9345.0-14, USEPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.  EPA 540/F-01/014, June 2001. 

Developing A Work Scope for Ecological Assessments.  Intermittent Bulletin Vol. 1, No.4  Publication 9345.0-051  USEPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, May 1992. 

Field Studies for Ecological Risk Assessment.  Intermittent Bulletin Vol. 2, No. 3, Publication 9345.0-051, USEPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response.  EPA  540-F-94-014, September 1994. 

Catalogue of Standard Toxicity Tests for Ecological Risk Assessment.  Intermittent Bulletin Vol. 2, No. 2, Publication 9345.0-051  USEPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, March 1994. 

Oak Ridge National Laboratories

A variety of guidance on Ecological Risk Assessment is published by Oak Ridge National Laboratories.  

Further Information

For further information, please contact Traci Iott at (860) 424-3082.

Content Last Updated November 20, 2015