ASTM E1848-96(2014)

Standard Guide for Selecting and Using Ecological Endpoints for Contaminated Sites

ABSTRACT
This guide deals with an approach to identification, selection, and use of ecological endpoints (both assessment and measurement endpoints) that are susceptible to the direct and indirect effects of both chemical and non-chemical stressors and agents associated with wastes and contaminated media at specific sites under current and future land uses. It does not address assessment and measurement endpoints for non-site specific studies (for example, chemical specific or regional risk assessments) or measurements in abiotic media (soil, water, or air). Conditions of the site and risk assessment that should be considered in identifying and selecting assessment and measurement endpoints include stressor characteristics, ecosystem types, spatial scale, temporal scale, ecological organization, and functionality/values. The following subsections present a partial listing of representative measurement endpoints: measurement endpoints representing ecosystem assessment endpoints, measurement endpoints representing community assessment endpoints, measurement endpoints representing population assessment endpoints, and measurement endpoints representing individual organism assessment endpoints. Other general considerations, desirable characteristics of assessment and measurement endpoints, candidate site-related ecological receptors, candidate assessment endpoints, specific steps in identifying, selecting and using assessment and measurement endpoints, addressing uncertainties in the identification and selection of assessment and measurement endpoints, documenting the selection of assessment and measurement endpoints.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide assumes that a decision has been made that an ecological risk assessment is required for a contaminated site. In some cases, this decision could be made before any site data are collected.  
4.2 The selection of assessment endpoints (defined as ecological values to be protected) and measurement endpoints (ecological characteristics related to the assessment endpoints) is a critical step in conducting an ecological risk assessment. Endpoint selection identifies those effects which are ecologically significant and not merely those that are adverse, thus providing a more rational and defensible basis for making risk and remedial decisions.  
4.3 This guide provides an approach for identifying, selecting and using assessment and measurement endpoints in an ecological risk assessment for a contaminated site. This guide has been developed because there is no universal, simple measure of ecological health analogous to measures used in human health risk assessment. Assessment and measurement endpoints have to be identified and selected from a variety of individual circumstances on a stressor-, ecosystem- and scale-specific basis. It is important to recognize that a diverse set of ecological endpoints could be required for a specific site.  
4.4 This guide is intended to be used primarily by a biologist, ecologist, ecotoxicologist, or a team of environmental scientists during problem formulation and work plan development prior to initiating data collection activities at a contaminated site (3-8, 10).  
4.5 Ecological risk assessment is usually an iterative process. In many circumstances it proceeds as a series of tiers, that is, desktop/screening, preliminary, and detailed/focused phases. This guide can be used to refine or modify assessment and measurement endpoints developed in earlier phases of the process.  
4.6 This guide can be used whenever assessment and measurement endpoints must be identified and selected following an initial or preliminary prob...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers an approach to identification, selection, and use of ecological endpoints (both assessment and measurement endpoints) (1-8)2 that are susceptible to the direct and indirect effects of both chemical and non-chemical stressors or agents associated with wastes and contaminated media at spe...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2013
• ICS: 13.020.40 - Pollution, pollution control and conservation
• Technical Committee: E50 - Environmental Assessment, Risk Management and Corrective Action
• Drafting Committee: E50.05 - Environmental Risk Management

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E1848 − 96 (Reapproved 2014)
Standard Guide for
Selecting and Using Ecological Endpoints for Contaminated
Sites
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1848; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.5 This guide (including Appendix X1) consists of a series
of options or instructions and does not recommend a specific
1.1 This guide covers an approach to identification,
course of action or provide detailed guidelines to be followed
selection,anduseofecologicalendpoints(bothassessmentand
2 at all sites. See 2.2.2 of Regulations Governing ASTM Techni-
measurementendpoints) (1-8) thataresusceptibletothedirect
cal Committees.
and indirect effects of both chemical and non-chemical stress-
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
orsoragentsassociatedwithwastesandcontaminatedmediaat
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
specific sites under current and future land uses. It does not
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
address assessment and measurement endpoints for non-site
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
specificstudies(forexample,chemical-specificorregionalrisk
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
assessments) or measurements in abiotic media (soil, water, or
air).
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This guide addresses only the identification, selection,
4,5
2.1 ASTM Standards:
and use of assessment and measurement endpoints, not the full
E943 Terminology Relating to Biological Effects and Envi-
range of activities that occur in an ecological assessment or
ronmental Fate
ecological risk assessment at a contaminated site (1, 3-8).
E1689 Guide for Developing Conceptual Site Models for
These activities are addressed in other ASTM guides and
Contaminated Sites
references provided at the end of this guide.
3. Terminology
1.3 This guide is intended to identify assessment and
measurement endpoints to be used for screening, preliminary,
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are provided specifically for
focused, detailed, and quantitative ecological risk assessments
use with this guide. Many of the terms listed in this section
conductedinalinearoriterativefashion (3, 8).Thisisapartial,
have been modified from those defined in other publications
incomplete listing of possible levels of assessment. In a tiered
(1-8).
ecological risk assessment, it may be necessary to redefine
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
ecological endpoints when planning to collect more data or
3.2.1 assessment endpoint—an explicit expression of an
when additional site data are obtained and evaluated.
environmental value (ecological, not monetary) to be protected
1.4 This guide is intended to be used by trained biologists,
(3).
ecologists, and ecotoxicologists familiar with risk assessment,
3.2.1.1 Discussion—An assessment endpoint is an ecologi-
and ecological and ecotoxicological concepts.
cal condition of potential concern or effect experienced by an
1 3
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE50onEnvironmental Available from ASTM International Headquarters and the ASTM website,
Assessment, Risk Management and CorrectiveAction and is the direct responsibil- www.astm.org.
ity of Subcommittee E50.05 on Environmental Risk Management. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2014. Published March 2014. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as E1848 – 96(2008). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/E1848-96R14. the ASTM website.
2 5
The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to a list of references at the A bibliography of related references and documents is provided in Appendix
end of the text. X2.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1848 − 96 (2014)
ecological receptor with ecological and societal value that endpoints defined as specific predefined reductions in the
drives risk-based decision-making at a contaminated site (for growth, survival, or reduction in a forage fish population in a
example, a specific reduction in the abundance of a fish stream, river, or lake at the site (2-4, 8).
population or the disruption of the structure of benthic com- 3.2.10.2 Discussion—A measurement endpoint may serve
munity). It is a qualitative, quantitative, or quantifiable as an assessment endpoint if the measurement endpoint (mea-
expression, measure, metric, or index involving an ecological sured value) is the ecological value to be protected. See related
receptor at risk. Under some circumstances, assessment end- term measure of effect(9).
points may be measured and used directly for assessment
3.2.11 non-chemical stressor—a biological agent, physical
purposes. Assessment endpoints are the ultimate focus in risk
disturbance, condition, or non-chemical characteristic of a
characterization and link measurement endpoints (see below)
waste material, substrate, or source associated with a contami-
to policy goals and the risk management process (1-3, 5, 6, 8).
nated site and corrective actions that is known or suspected to
3.2.2 chemical stressor—a chemical, chemical mixture or interfere with the normal functioning of an ecological receptor
radionuclide present in an environmental medium that is (3).
known or suspected to induce an adverse biological, toxico- 3.2.11.1 Discussion—Non-native species, biologically engi-
logical or ecological response in an exposed ecological recep- neered organisms, and pathogens are examples of non-
chemical biological stressors. Radiation other than that asso-
tor (3-8).
ciated with specific radionuclides, erosion, dredging,
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Achemical stressor is often referred to
impounding, grading, vegetation removal and similar
as an “ecological contaminant of concern.”
alterations/disruptions, altered particle size distribution, sub-
3.2.3 exposure area—a geographic location in which one or
strate instability, temperature and pH extremes, dissolved
more site-related stressors are present and ecological receptors
oxygen content, water-holding capacity, organic content,
are potentially exposed.
physical effects of oil, and similar site characteristics unrelated
3.2.4 direct effect—an adverse impact on an exposed eco-
to specific chemicals are non-chemical stressors. No specific
logical receptor (for example, increased mortality or reduced
termisproposedfornon-chemicalstressorsthatcorrespondsto
growth) as a result of the action of a site-related stressor.
“ecological contaminant of concern” for chemical stressors.
3.2.5 ecological endpoint—a general term to refer to an
4. Significance and Use
assessment or measurement endpoint in an ecological risk
assessment (2,3).
4.1 This guide assumes that a decision has been made that
3.2.5.1 Discussion—Measurement of chemical concentra-
an ecological risk assessment is required for a contaminated
tions in soil, water, or air are not ecological endpoints; these
site. In some cases, this decision could be made before any site
measurements indicate exposure levels that may be used to
data are collected.
evaluate the potential for an ecological response.
4.2 The selection of assessment endpoints (defined as eco-
3.2.6 ecological receptor—ecosystems, habitats,
logical values to be protected) and measurement endpoints
communities, populations, and individual organisms (except
(ecological characteristics related to the assessment endpoints)
humans) that can be exposed directly or indirectly to site
is a critical step in conducting an ecological risk assessment.
stressors (3,4,7,8).
Endpoint selection identifies those effects which are ecologi-
3.2.7 endpoint—an ecological characteristic (measure, cally significant and not merely those that are adverse, thus
providing a more rational and defensible basis for making risk
metric, or index) that may be adversely affected by a site-
related stressor (4). and remedial decisions.
3.2.8 indirect effect—an adverse impact on an ecological 4.3 This guide provides an approach for identifying, select-
receptor (for example, predator) resulting from the direct effect ing and using assessment and measurement endpoints in an
of a stressor on another ecological receptor (for example, ecological risk assessment for a contaminated site. This guide
reduction in food supply or habitat). has been developed because there is no universal, simple
measure of ecological health analogous to measures used in
3.2.9 indicator species—an organism that is typically com-
human health risk assessment. Assessment and measurement
mon and represents a broad class of species present at the site
endpoints have to be identified and selected from a variety of
or in surrounding areas, or both.
individual circumstances on a stressor-, ecosystem- and scale-
3.2.9.1 Discussion—There is sufficient information on its
specific basis. It is important to recognize that a diverse set of
life history and response to contaminants to construct a model
ecological endpoints could be required for a specific site.
to predict (with uncertainty) the potential for effects.
4.4 This guide is intended to be used primarily by a
3.2.10 measurement endpoint—a measurable response to a
biologist, ecologist, ecotoxicologist, or a team of environmen-
stressor (measure, metric, or index) that is quantifiably related
tal scientists during problem formulation and work plan
to the valued characteristic chosen as the assessment endpoint
development prior to initiating data collection activities at a
(3).
contaminated site (3-8, 10).
3.2.10.1 Discussion—Examples of a measurement endpoint
are the reduction in the growth, survival, or reproduction of 4.5 Ecological risk assessment is usually an iterative pro-
minnows in a standard laboratory toxicity test.These examples cess.Inmanycircumstancesitproceedsasaseriesoftiers,that
ofmeasurementendpointswouldbeappropriateforassessment is, desktop/screening, preliminary, and detailed/focused
E1848 − 96 (2014)
phases. This guide can be used to refine or modify assessment large set for subsequent analysis. Guide E1689 should be
and measurement endpoints developed in earlier phases of the consulted on procedures for developing the conceptual site
process. model.
5.4 The following characterize some of the uses or roles of
4.6 This guide can be used whenever assessment and
assessment and measurement endpoints in an ecological risk
measurement endpoints must be identified and selected follow-
ing an initial or preliminary problem formulation/planning assessment:
5.4.1 Incorporate resources potentially at risk or that require
phase:
protection into the risk assessment process;
4.6.1 Analysis phase (exposure assessment, hazard/effects
5.4.2 Complete development of a conceptual site model and
assessment, stress/dose-response assessment;
problem formulation;
4.6.2 Risk characterization phase; or
5.4.3 Design field and laboratory studies, toxicity tests, and
4.6.3 Remediation phase and possible subsequent ecologi-
other data collection requirements;
cal monitoring.
5.4.4 Focus site remediation/corrective actions;
4.7 This guide is intended to be used in the evaluation of
5.4.5 Evaluate potential efficacy of remedial alternatives/
baselineconditions(currentandfuture)andintheevaluationof
technologies; and
conditions resulting from remedial actions or corrective mea-
5.4.6 Evaluate recovery of impacted populations,
sures.
communities, and ecosystems.
5. General Considerations 6. Desirable Characteristics of Assessment and
Measurement Endpoints
5.1 Ecological risk assessment is a process of evaluating
6.1 Desirable characteristics of assessment endpoints
risks to individuals (in the case of threatened or endangered
include, but are not limited to, the following (2,3):
species or those afforded special protection), populations,
6.1.1 Relevant to decision-making, local public concerns,
communities and ecosystems exposed to chemical and non-
and ecological considerations (societal or ecological relevance,
chemical stressors. Stressors can act individually or together
or both);
over multiple ecosystem types and diverse spatial scales.
6.1.2 Relevanttothesiteorsurroundingarea,orboth,under
Conditions of the site and risk assessment that should be
current or future land uses, or both (current and future
considered in identifying and selecting assessment and mea-
endpoints may be different);
surement endpoints include (2,3):
6.1.3 Potentially susceptible to adverse effects from expo-
5.1.1 Stressor Characteristics—Types, properties, intensity,
sure to one or more site contaminants or stressors;
interactions, and spatial and temporal patterns;
6.1.4 Consistent with the spatial and temporal scale of the
5.1.2 Ecosystem Types—Aquatic, terrestrial, and wetlands
action of stressors present at the site;
and their subcategories (for example, marine);
6.1.5 Address ecological receptors that are expected to
5.1.3 Spatial Scale—The exposure area over which the
receive higher exposure to site contaminants or stressors
exposure to the stressor occurs and direct and indirect ecologi-
relative to other ecological receptors;
cal effects are potentially produced;
6.1.6 Amenable to hypothesis formulation, evaluation, and
5.1.4 Temporal Scale—The expected duration of exposure
prediction; and
(acute to chronic) to the stressor, direct and indirect ecological
6.1.7 Value to be protected is clearly defined.
effects, and recovery time following removal of the stressor;
6.2 Desirable characteristics of measurement endpoints
5.1.5 Ecological Organization—The level of biological or-
include, but are not limited to (2,3):
ganization (individual, population, community, or ecosystem)
6.2.1 Correlated with or can be used to predict or infer
at which risk to an ecological receptor is to be assessed; and
changes in an assessment endpoint;
5.1.6 Functionality/Values—Site-specific factors contribut-
6.2.2 Relevant to the site and/or surrounding area under
ing to the importance of local ecological receptors.
current or future land uses, or both;
5.2 Assessment and measurement endpoints are selected for
6.2.3 Consistent with the spatial and temporal scale of the
specific ecosystem and stressor combinations associated with a
action of stressors present at the site;
site. Assessment and me
...