Performance and safety assessments have historically assumed that the environment is protected if it can be demonstrated that people would be protected if they were assumed to maximise their exposure to environmental radioactivity. There is now international recognition that it is important to be able to explicitly demonstrate that wildlife (including plants and animals) is protected. Quintessa is experienced in applying wildlife dose assessment methodologies in support of safety and performance assessment.
Quintessa's capabilities and experience includes:
- understanding terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems along with potential for contaminant transport;
- assessing potential wildlife exposures, for example through application of the ERICA methodology and associated tool; and
- using the resulting understanding to support decisions.