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Consultation on soil screening values for assessing ecological risks

Introduction

In 2003 we sought stakeholder views on a framework and methods for assessing harm to ecosystems from contaminants in soil. The role of soil screening values (SSVs) within this framework was described, along with some of the underlying principles behind their derivation and use.

This consultation covers SSV values derived since the original consultation. Your views are sought on the methodology applied and the basis of our decisions on which SSVs will be put forward. Specific questions are highlighted in the boxes below. We will review and respond to the results of this consultation.

A pilot version of an SSV Decision Tool is also included for comment as a part of this consultation.  It it an aid to making adjustments for the bioavailability of contaminants.  This pilot version should not be used by risk assessors for decision-making in risk assessments.

The consultation closes on March 31st. Please send your responses to Rachel Benstead

Background

An SSV is a value for a total concentration of a substance in soil which, if exceeded, will prompt further assessment as set out in the Environment Agency’s Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) framework. SSVs are used in Tier 1 of the ERA framework (Box 1) when concentrations of substances in the soil at the site of interest are compared against the SSVs. If the SSV is exceeded for any one of the contaminants, then further action is required either within Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the framework.

It is not possible to determine a site as contaminated just on the basis of an SSV being exceeded. The exceedance of an SSV is simply a prompt to progress with the ERA.