The risky business of environmental contaminants

Science can save industry tens of millions of dollars by preventing pollution and directing resources to areas that need it most, according to CSIRO.

But Australia still has a lot to learn from Europe and the USA about the use of ecological risk assessment (ERA); a valuable tool in decision-making for environmental management.

More than 100 scientists, natural resource managers, policy makers and industry leaders gathered in Adelaide recently at a CSIRO workshop to discuss the latest developments and consider international best practice in the management of environmental risks posed by contaminants - such as pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, arsenic, cadmium and chromium.

Workshop Organisers Dr Rai Kookana and Dr Ray Correll are delighted to be able to showcase such a wide range of expertise including highly regarded international speakers.

Dr Kookana explains, "By bringing together Australian stakeholders and international experts we hope to facilitate discussions and promote wider use of ERA in Australia.

We believe accurate risk assessment can save industry tens of millions of dollars by identifying potential dangers and preventing the problems before they arise, as there are huge costs associated with the clean-up of environmental disasters," he says.

We can also target our remediation and management efforts when we understand what the biggest risks are."

Scientists at CSIRO are examining the risks posed by metals and organic contaminants in soil ecosystems, as part of a global research effort assisting the European Union's existing substances legislation.

Research Director Dr Mike McLaughlin spoke at the workshop on guidelines for the assessment of contaminated sites. "A thorough understanding of the potential adverse effects of contaminants in the environment is needed to underpin productive urban and rural ecosystems," he says.

The risk-based approach is fast becoming widely accepted, both here and overseas, says Dr McLaughlin. "In Europe and the USA, risk assessment has already become a favourite tool in decision-making - and Australian agencies are increasingly relying on the risk-based approach for regulatory and resource management decisions."

Dr Correll adds, "If you think about it, we negotiate risks and hazards all the time in everyday life, like crossing the road or driving a car. We have just learned how to manage those risks - we know what the risks are, and we make every effort to minimise any potential impacts.

"ERA can be a very useful tool that helps us to make an assessment of risk then intervene only when necessary, to prevent pollution or deal with it when you need to.

"Risk assessment is an inherently broad and complex process, requiring a multidisciplinary approach, and CSIRO has a unique ability to bring together the wide range of skills needed," says Dr Correll.

"As an example, we developed a tool called the Pesticide Impact Rating Index, or 'PIRI' for short, that helps users and regulators to make informed decisions about the best product to use under the circumstances - taking into account the impact of pesticides in the environment."

Item provided courtesy of CSIRO