2 - Environmental Risk Assessment

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms used in the context of environmental risk assessment.

Environmental Risk Assessment

A process used to evaluate the potential adverse effects that could result from a proposed action or project on the environment.

Conceptual Site Model (CSM)

A representation that outlines potential source-pathway-receptor linkages in the context of environmental risk assessment.

Risk Assessment

The systematic process of evaluating the potential risks that may be involved in a projected activity or undertaking.

Environmental Permit

A legal document that allows a company or individual to carry out activities that might harm the environment, following a risk assessment.

Hazard

A source of potential harm or a situation with a potential to cause harm to people, property, or the environment.

Risk

The likelihood of a negative event occurring as a result of a hazard, combined with the severity of its potential effect.

Source-Pathway-Receptor Linkage

The connection between the source of a hazard, the pathway through which it can impact, and the receptor that may be affected.

Receptor Sensitivity

The degree to which a receptor is affected by exposure to a hazard, important for determining risk in environmental permitting.

Magnitude of Risk

A measure of the seriousness of a risk, classified from very high to very low depending on potential outcomes.

Mitigation

Actions taken to reduce the severity or likelihood of adverse environmental impacts.

Acid Mine Drainage

The outflow of acidic water from metal mines or coal mines, which can lead to environmental pollution.