There are many elements that come into play when risk managers
are making decisions. Consider these factors. Collectively, they
might balance out to make very high risks acceptable – or very
low risks unacceptable.
| When making risk management decisions, risk managers should consider: |
| Risks associated with different management decisions |
For example, is it less harmful to leave contamination in place, or to implement a remedial activity that could cause habitat destruction? The risk assessment is crucial to making this judgment. |
| Benefits associated with different management decisions |
When choosing a remedial action, risk managers should consider whether it will both:
(1) provide short-term and/or long-term effectiveness.
(2) reduce a stressor's toxicity, mobility, or volume. |
| Laws and regulations |
Risk management decisions must comply with:
- Chemical standards and guidelines (e.g., Ambient Water
Quality Criteria and Clean Water Act).
- Permit regulations (e.g., NPDES effluent limitations).
- Statutes (e.g., Endangered Species Act and Migratory Treaty
Act).
|
| Economics |
Risk managers try to make cost-effective decisions. Sometimes, cost-benefit analyses are conducted, translating ecological resources into monetary or other values. When a remedial action is needed, managers choose the one that provides optimal risk reduction per unit cost of implementation. |
| Politics |
State and/or federal agency support is often required to implement decisions. In some cases, lobbying groups influence these political agencies. |
| Societal/community concerns |
Risk management decisions are influenced by the community's perception of an ecological entity's value. (For example, a fishing community may fight more fiercely for water quality control measures than a farming community.) |
| Practicality |
In some cases, technological limitations make it impossible to achieve desired results. |
Elements of Risk Management Decisions (Text Version)