Environmental Science: Carcinogens and Soil Standards

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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of industrial properties regarding public access?

They have open access for ecological receptors.

They permit direct access only for workers. (correct)

They allow unrestricted public access.

They are entirely closed to all visitors.

What defines fine-grained soil according to the provided standards?

Must have a moisture content greater than 50%.

Contains a mixture of coarse and fine particles.

Material with more than 50% particles equal to or less than 75 microns. (correct)

More than 50% of particles larger than 75 microns.

What must support the numerical standards for fine-grained soil?

Chemical testing of soil contaminants.

Sieve analysis from the appropriate soil zone. (correct)

Visual assessment of soil texture.

Comparison with historical soil data.

How do coarse-grained soil numerical Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) compare to fine-grained standards?

Coarse-grained soil numerical EQS are generally lower. Signup and view all the answers

What type of information do the guidelines provided by CCME cover?

Exposure pathways for contaminated sites. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of carcinogens on cells?

They promote abnormal growth and division. Signup and view all the answers

Which one of the following is categorized as a known human carcinogen?

Vinyl chloride Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of pro-carcinogens in cancer initiation?

They must be metabolized to form carcinogens. Signup and view all the answers

What type of effects do noncarcinogens cause?

Toxicological responses excluding carcinogenesis. Signup and view all the answers

Which exposure pathway involves breathing in harmful substances?

Inhalation Signup and view all the answers

What type of carcinogens directly initiate cancer?

Primary carcinogens Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential effect of noncarcinogens?

Tumor promotion Signup and view all the answers

Which effect is commonly associated with exposure to noncarcinogens?

Suppressed immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a relevant media for the assessment of contaminated sites?

Air Quality Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the factors that influence the development of environmental quality standards for contaminated sites?

Soil Texture Signup and view all the answers

The Master list of potential contaminants of concern is based on experiences at contaminated sites in which locations?

Both Canadian and US jurisdictions Signup and view all the answers

What does a CAS Registry Number identify?

A specific chemical substance Signup and view all the answers

Land use classification influences which aspect of exposure at contaminated sites?

Exposure frequency, duration, and intensity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding potential contaminants of concern?

Each site may require specific evaluations for CoCs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component in the assessment process of contaminated sites?

Chemical Composition Analysis Signup and view all the answers

What does the absence of an applicable chemical guideline or standard suggest?

Specific guidelines may be developed later. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of aquatic organisms mentioned in the content?

To ingest a variety of aquatic prey species Signup and view all the answers

Which is the highest priority source for environmental quality standards in Nova Scotia?

Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines Signup and view all the answers

What is the target carcinogenic risk level incorporated by Nova Scotia for environmental quality standards?

1E-05 (1 in 100,000) Signup and view all the answers

What do CCME guidelines consider when establishing environmental quality standards?

Both ecological and human health effects Signup and view all the answers

How are adjustments made to the original guidelines derived from different jurisdictions?

They are modified to match a target risk level of 1E-05 Signup and view all the answers

Which guideline is consulted after the CCME for health-related environmental standards?

Health Canada Signup and view all the answers

What does the Median Lethal Dose (LD50) represent?

The dose that results in the death of 50 percent of a test organism population Signup and view all the answers

What role does foliar contact with water play for aquatic plants?

It allows direct hydration and nutrient uptake Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not listed as part of the general hierarchy for environmental quality standards?

Local Municipal Regulations Signup and view all the answers

How is the Median Lethal Concentration (LC50) typically expressed?

As the ambient aqueous contaminant concentration Signup and view all the answers

What regulatory body administers the Contaminated Site Regulations in Nova Scotia?

Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the NSE Tier I Environmental Quality Standards (Tier 1 EQS)?

To provide regulatory numerical standards for notifications and assessments Signup and view all the answers

What was formed by NSE in 2009 to address numerical standards and site assessment methodologies?

Numerical Standards and Site Assessment Methodologies Working Group Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary objectives outlined for the environmental quality standards document?

To offer guidelines for applying environmental quality standards Signup and view all the answers

Which group was involved in the reporting for the environmental quality standards document in 2011?

Numerical Standards and Site Assessment Methodologies Working Group Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental quality standards are used for remediation of contaminated sites in Nova Scotia?

NSE Tier I EQS and Tier II PSS Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of both Tier 1 EQS and Tier 2 PSS?

To ensure human health and ecological protection. Signup and view all the answers

How do Tier 1 EQS differ from Tier 2 PSS?

Tier 1 EQS requires minimal site information to apply. Signup and view all the answers

When should Tier 2 Pathway Specific Standards be used instead of Tier 1 EQS?

When site conditions significantly deviate from standard categories. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the Tier 1 Environmental Quality Standards?

They provide the lowest EQS for pathway-specific assessments. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the use of Tier 2 PSS?

They can exclude certain pathways with proper documentation. Signup and view all the answers

What does determining Tier 2 EQS require compared to Tier 1 EQS?

It requires detailed environmental risk assessment methods. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a factor considered in the differences between Tier 1 EQS and Tier 2 PSS?

Land use and contaminant exposure management. Signup and view all the answers

Why would a site be better suited for Tier 2 PSS?

Due to a variety of contaminant types and significant deviations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Phase I Site Assessments

Typically involves a review of existing information, including records review (multiple sources), aerial photography, site visits, and interviews.
The outcome of Phase I is to determine if a problem is likely present at the site.

Phase II Site Assessments

Focuses on field work to characterize the site, including the physical aspects and potentially contaminated media.
Involves sampling of site media to determine pathways and receptors.
The outcome of Phase II is to identify potential contaminants and their levels at the site.

Phase III Site Assessments

Detailed assessment to characterize the site.
Identifying contaminants and their spatial relationships.
Outlining pathways and receptors.
Providing inputs for remediation and risk assessment.
The outcome of Phase III is to determine a remedial plan.

Brownfields vs. Greenfields

Brownfields are typically urban land or buildings with potential pollution or contaminant issues that may hinder further use.
Greenfields are undeveloped land on the edges of urban areas or in suburban locations.

Past Property Uses and Brownfield Sites

Past land uses can potentially lead to contamination of a property.
Examples of past property uses include housing areas, gas stations, railroad facilities, and automotive repair shops.
Possible contaminants resulting from past uses include solvents, asbestos, lead, petroleum, and more.

Risk Assessment

Quantitative: A numerical analysis of the impact of risks on project objectives.
Qualitative: Prioritization of risks based on their probability and impact.
A qualitative risk matrix can be used to evaluate risk based on probability and impact. Risk assessment is used to determine potential impacts.

National Classification System (for Contaminated Sites)

A tool for evaluating contaminated sites.
Prioritizes sites based on high, medium, or low risk categories.
Classifies sites based on potential adverse impacts.
Categories for classification include High Priority, Medium Priority, Low Priority, and Insufficient Information.

Phase III ESA Objectives

A description of the site's hydrogeology.
Identification of contamination sources.
Characterization of the size and type of contaminants.
Definition and delineation of the horizontal and vertical extent of contamination, identifying the contaminant plume boundary.
Details about the contamination migration pattern and rate of movement.
Pathways and receptors.
Estimating the volume of contaminated soil and determining the extent to which groundwater has been impacted.
Evaluating the potential health and ecological impacts.
Determining pathways for contaminant movement and assessing exposure risks (qualitative and quantitative).

Exposure Pathways

For both humans and the environment.
These are ways humans and the environment can come into contact with hazardous materials, which are pathways for exposure to contaminants.
The different exposures can be Ingestion, Inhalation, Dermal Contact.
There are many more detailed types of exposure as well as pathways for ecological exposure.

Environmental Risk

Risk is the possibility of undesirable outcomes from an uncertain situation.
Risk is influenced by hazard and exposure.
Exposure can happen through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact.
Risks vary from acute(short period of time) to chronic (long exposures over time).
Types of hazards that can impact environmental risk include biological pathogens, stratospheric ozone depletion, climate change, water scarcity and soil contamination.

Environmental Quality Standards

Nova Scotia uses a hierarchy of environmental quality standards to determine standards for contaminated sites.
CCME provides guidance in the identification and prioritization of sites.
Important factors for determining standards include Relevant Media types, Potential Contaminants of Concern & Land Use Classifications
Numerical standards are used to ensure remediation can be done effectively
The hierarchy used is agricultural, residential/parkland, commercial, and industrial,

Soil Texture Classifications

Classifying soil based on the percentage of fine and coarse particles.
Important for determining environmental standards and remediation strategies.
Fine grained soils typically have lower environmental quality standards than coarse-grained soils.

Exposure Pathways (Human & Ecological)

Exposure pathways are methods how pollutants and human or ecological receptors encounter each other.
Categorization of relevant media, types of exposures (for both human and ecological exposure pathways), considerations of background environmental conditions, and use of site-specific information are involved when determining how to proceed with remediation.

Regulatory Documents/Standards

Regulatory documents outline standards for contaminants.
They may include pathways and specific risk considerations for each exposure.
Documents also consider background environmental conditions and are influenced by factors like historical practices and considerations of other environmental concerns.

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Description

Test your knowledge on environmental science with this quiz focused on industrial properties, soil classification, and carcinogens. Explore the differences between coarse-grained and fine-grained soils, the role of carcinogens, and the guidelines provided by CCME. Perfect for students and professionals in environmental studies.