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Streamlining Ecological Risk Assessment Reporting with Interactive CD Technology:
A Prototype Application
Michael Elias, CH2M [email protected]
William Corl, NAVFAC, Atlantic [email protected]
May, 2007
Presentation
Overview and approach to the electronically enhanced Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (eBERA)
Realized benefits Challenges and solutions eBERA demonstration
What is an Electronically Enhanced ERA?
Electronic deliverable that relies on freeware and self-launching, hyperlinked CD technology
Minimizes text, focusing on graphic presentation
Meets regulatory requirements
Why Electronically Enhance an ERA?
Accessible and user friendly to a broader audience
– Easily navigable– Graphically oriented– Interactive– Uses free-ware
Easier use and understanding facilitates faster review and decision-making
Less expensive to carry, ship, and store Long-term cost reduction
Prototype Application
BERA evaluation of Blows Creek, St. Juliens Creek Annex, Chesapeake, Virginia
Watershed encompasses 313 acres
Potentially receives chemical input from both site-related and non-point sources
Multiple tiers of site investigation
Document Design and Layout
Information presented in tiered, easily navigable format
– Detail increases with each subsequent tier– Tiers logically hyperlinked to subsequent level
“Home” button and popup box design facilitates user navigation
Hard copy is easily accessible– Hard copy summary included with deliverable– Single button allows reader to print simplified yet complete hard
copy document
Document Design and Layout (con’t)
Streamlined text Text-based
hyperlinks to figures/tables and supporting documentation
First Tier
Second Tier
Third Tier
Visually oriented Focuses on
interactive summary tables and figures with clickable information boxes
Hyperlinks to third tier and supporting documentation
Document Design and Layout (con’t)
First Tier
Second Tier
Third Tier
Document Design and Layout (con’t)
First Tier
Second Tier
Third Tier
Summary tables and raw data
Limited interactivity
Few hyperlinks
Challenges and Solutions
Non-traditional format – Work closely with project management team to communicate
project approach and goals, and to manage expectations
Some users/reviewers may be resistant to electronic format
– Supporting documentation includes instructions for use – Provide user ability to easily access compiled hard copy
document– Security settings on some computers created minor challenges
(trouble shooting instructions added)
Challenges and Solutions (con’t)
Requires well-coordinated effort between traditional risk assessment team, graphic designers, and computer information architects
– Integrate project development/design team early and throughout process
– Manage number and type of interactive figures– Initial development is more expensive, but creates template for
long term cost savings
Challenges and Solutions (con’t)
Reviewer may not differentiate between new and historic materials
– Clarify upfront what supporting material has been finalized
May not be appropriate for all sites– Small sites– Security issues that prevent the use of site pictures
Status and Future Applications
eBERA went final in Fall 2006 Broad range of possible applications:
HHRAs, Remedial Investigations, Feasibility Studies
Michael Elias, CH2M [email protected]
William Corl, NAVFAC, Atlantic [email protected]
• eBERA Demonstration
• Questions and Comments