Streamlining Ecological Risk Assessment Reporting with Interactive CD Technology: A Prototype Application

1. Streamlining Ecological Risk Assessment Reporting with Interactive CD Technology: A Prototype Application Michael Elias, CH2M HILLMElias@CH2M.comWilliam Corl, NAVFAC, Atlantic DivisionWilliam.Corl@Navy.mil May, 2007

2. Presentation • Overview and approach to the electronically enhanced Baseline Ecological Risk Assessment (eBERA) • Realized benefits • Challenges and solutions • eBERA demonstration

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Document Design and Layout (con’t) • Streamlined text • Text-based hyperlinks to figures/tables and supporting documentation

8. Document Design and Layout (con’t) • Visually oriented • Focuses on interactive summary tables and figures with clickable information boxes • Hyperlinks to third tier and supporting documentation

9. Document Design and Layout (con’t) • Summary tables and raw data • Limited interactivity • Few hyperlinks

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. Status and Future Applications • eBERA went final in Fall 2006 • Broad range of possible applications: HHRAs, Remedial Investigations, Feasibility Studies

14. eBERA Demonstration • Questions and Comments Michael Elias, CH2M HILLMElias@CH2M.comWilliam Corl, NAVFAC, Atlantic DivisionWilliam.Corl@Navy.mil