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Using GIS in risk analysis: a case study of hazardous waste transport
A A Lovett1, J P Parfitt, J S Brainard
1School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom.
Risk Analysis : an Official Publication of the Society for Risk Analysis
|December 24, 1997
Summary
This study uses geographic information systems (GIS) to predict hazardous waste transport routes and assess environmental risks. GIS mapping identified high-risk roads, showing potential risk tradeoffs with certain interventions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geographic Information Systems
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Liquid hazardous waste transport poses environmental risks.
- Accurate route data is crucial for effective risk analysis.
- Existing data lacks detailed transport path information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the application of GIS in risk analysis for hazardous waste transport.
- To predict transport routes and evaluate potential environmental consequences.
- To identify high-risk road sections and assess mitigation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized London Waste Regulatory Authority records for origin-destination data.
- Employed GIS to predict transport paths based on road network characteristics.
- Integrated population distribution and groundwater vulnerability data for consequence assessment.
- Implemented four routing scenarios to analyze traffic patterns.
Main Results:
- GIS successfully predicted hazardous waste transport routes.
- Identified specific road segments with consistently heavy traffic.
- Highlighted that some interventions may lead to risk tradeoffs.
- Demonstrated the value of GIS in environmental risk assessment.
Conclusions:
- GIS is a powerful tool for environmental risk assessment and management.
- Predictive routing enhances understanding of hazardous waste transport risks.
- Careful consideration of interventions is needed to avoid unintended consequences.