This interactive module (fully reformulated in 2025) introduces the principles and methodology of human health risk assessment and how it is used in the assessment and management of contaminated sites.
Who should attend:
All professional levels are welcome, however, the course is designed to target an audience with 2-5 years’ experience, or where a basic understanding of risk assessment principles for contaminated sites is required. This includes anyone who needs to compare concentrations to screening levels and interpret the results!
Note: A Senior Professional Risk Assessment Program is being planned for 2027.
The risk assessment training will address:
- What is human health risk assessment?
- How and why risk assessment is used in contaminated site assessment, remediation and management.
- Development of conceptual site models (CSMs) for the risk assessment process.
- The tiered approach to risk assessment.
- How Tier 1 risk-based screening levels are derived and what exposure pathways they cover.
- Key elements of Tier 2 risk assessment and how to interpret the results.
- Illustration of risk assessment concepts with case studies, group discussion and interactive quizzes.
This module is designed for practitioners wanting to gain basic knowledge in the multi-disciplinary area of risk assessment, in relation to contaminated land. The module is intended to give an understanding of the risk assessment process, including development and use of the Conceptual Site Model in the risk assessment process, selection and application of Tier 1 risk-based screening guidelines and an overview of the Tier 2 risk assessment process. Case studies and exercises will provide opportunity for informal discussion on risk related issues and to network with other participants.
Case Studies and Exercises:
The case studies and exercises will explore:
- Conceptual Site Models and source-pathway-receptor linkages for a variety of contaminants with different physico-chemical properties such as:
- PFAS compounds (i.e. PFOS & PFOA);
- Petroleum and chlorinated hydrocarbons; and
- Pesticides.
- Identification of Tier 1 screening levels / guidelines based on the CSM.
- When to progress to Tier 2 risk assessment.
- Use of risk assessment to inform management or remediation requirements for your site.
Key learning outcomes:
- The Risk Assessment Process.
- The importance of the CSM in the risk assessment process.
- How Tier 1 guideline levels are developed.
- Use of the CSM to identify correct Tier 1 guidelines.
- Scoping of Tier 2 risk assessments.
- How risk assessments inform site management or remediation.
Presenters:
Katie Richardson (Senversa) Katie Richardson is Senversa’s National Risk Assessment Practice Leader and has specialised in human health and environmental risk assessment of contaminated sites since 2003. She brings a high degree of technical focus to the practice of risk assessment, together with detailed knowledge of the Australian legislative framework and guidelines. Katie believes risk principles can be valuably integrated from the first phases of site investigation, and is skilled in liaising with a multi-disciplinary team through all stages of the project lifecycle to develop a detailed strategy focused on a project’s overall objectives.
Kristi Hanson (Senversa) Kristi Hanson is a Senior Principal Risk Assessor and Environmental Auditor with over 25 years of experience in environmental consulting and environmental biochemistry research. Kristi has undertaken hundreds of human health and ecological risk assessments throughout Australia and enjoys developing innovative common-sense risk assessment approaches to identify pragmatic risk management actions that are commensurate with the level of risk posed. In addition to being an appointed environmental auditor, Kristi regularly provides expert support to a number EPA Victoria and other state appointed environmental auditors in the fields of ecological and human health risk assessment. She has also participated in the development of industry guidance and standards, including the CRC CARE Health Screening Levels for Petroleum Hydrocarbons and the CRC CARE petroleum vapour intrusion assessment guidelines.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
- Up to 8 CPD points (CEnvP) may be earned by attending this event.
- Booking cancelations require a minimum notice of three business days for full refund.
- This event is open to ACLCA members only. Register now to avoid missing out – spaces are strictly limited.
- Bookings close COB Monday 10 August 2026