Citation:
Drew GH, Jordinson GM, Smith MA, Pollard SJT. (2009) Evaluating the quality of bioaerosol risk assessments for composting facilities in England and Wales. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Volume 53, Issue 9, July 2009, pp. 507-512
Abstract:
A critical evaluation of 44 environmental risk assessments for composting
facilities, submitted in support of environmental permits or exemption from
licensing is presented. Assessments were scored semi-quantitatively, in
triplicate, by reference to 11 generic and 11 bioaerosol-specific risk
assessment attributes developed from existing regulatory guidance. Radar plots
of the two attribute groups illustrate where opportunities for improvements
exist, and are being used to inform regulatory guidance to the operators of
composting facilities and their professional advisors. Aspects of the regulatory
risk assessments requiring attention include (i) descriptions of the limitations
and uncertainties within risk analyses, (ii) presentation of methodological
details of sampling and analysis, and (iii) the provision of background
information.
