Risk Assessment, Ecological

Abstract

Abstract An Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) is a process that estimates the probability of an adverse effect on nonhumans. There are three major groups involved with the ERA process; the risk manager (responsible for making decisions), risk assessor (technical component of the assessment), and affected or interested parties. The major phases of an ERA are the problem formulation phase, analysis phase, and risk characterization phase. The end product of the ERA is a risk assessment report prepared by the risk assessor for the risk manager. The risk manager with use results of the ERA, along with economical, legal, and social factors in making risk management decisions and communicating with stakeholders regarding these decisions. Prepared by: Richard S. Halbrook