Streamlining Ecological Risk Assessment Reporting with Interactive CD Technology: A Prototype Application Michael Elias, CH2M HILL William Corl, NAVFAC, Atlantic Division 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 HILL William Corl, NAVFAC, Atlantic Division eBERA Demonstration Questions and Comments