Ecological Risk Assessment

When it comes to ecological risk assessments (ERAs), it pays to hire specialists with demonstrated expertise in your specific needs.

MWH offers proven ecological assessment capabilities in a wide variety of sectors. We have particular strength in conducting ERAs in terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems. On these assessments, we have addressed a wide range of environmental issues.

These issues have included accessing the near- and long-term effects of ground and dissolved contaminants, as well as the effects of physical disturbance on rangeland and forest communities, agricultural crops, bird and animal wildlife, aquatic biota, coral reefs, and freshwater and marine fish.

Elements to Success

ERAs conducted by MWH are successful and cost-effective, because of four main elements in our approach:

• MWH works closely with clients to identify their needs, and ensure regulatory and ecological objectives are met. We often take a proactive role in regulatory negotiations.
• MWH implements programs on a phased approach. This allows us to identify chemical stressors and ecological impact targets more effectively. It also ensures a cost-effective and scientifically defensible assessment that meets regulatory objectives.
• MWH professionals have the essential skills required for these complex assessments. Our risk assessment staff has proven knowledge of environmental regulations — as well as strong expertise in ecological and physical field studies; data analyses; and statistical analysis.
• MWH can develop and design mitigation plans for virtually any significant ERA risk. We offer the right mix of expertise, including ecologists and toxicologists to biologists and engineers.

MWH capabilities include:

• Ecological work plans
• Field sampling in support of ecological risk assessments
• Soil, surface water, sediment, species and biological tissue sampling
• Quantitative ecological risk assessments
• Ecological validation studies