Natural Resource Damage Assessment

A key component of a natural resource damage assessment is the definition of a pathway or multiple pathways between an injury, such as the release of a contaminant, and the observed resource damage it causes, such as bioaccumulation of the contaminant in a particular species. Definition of pathways may be complicated in certain situations, particularly those involving urban estuaries where there are often numerous injuries, additive or synergistic damages from injuries other than those under direct consideration, and potentially a transport of damages from injuries occurring in distant areas. HydroQual’s modeling technology is directly applicable to natural resource damage assessment pathways analysis in that the models are designed to link sources of contamination with body burdens in organisms. Further, HydroQual’s models add value to measurements collected in support of the pathways analysis at limited discrete locations by extending spatial and temporal coverage. In addition, HydroQual’s models have predictive capabilities which complement the pathways analysis. HydroQual’s models can forecast what the future of a damaged resource will be after planned remedial actions are implemented.

Additional information:

Pathways Analysis Model Components

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