A simple methodology for environmental risk evaluation: a case study related to water resources management

Paper in proceeding, 2008

ABSTRACT: One of the most important strategies to achieve a sustainable development is to control the risk of the environmental threats. Conceptual frameworks for risk assessment are needed in water resource management and this study is aimed to introduce a simple methodology by which the risk of wastes as contaminants could be identified and minimised. Using a qualitative risk analysis, since few quantitative data were known, this methodology is applied to assess the hazard identification and risk assessment at St Miguel, Azores (Portugal). The main conclusions were the need for proper management and control of waste discharges and the need of a surveillance programme to keep track on what is released and thereby be able to define and implement minimisation programmes.