Question 1: When evaluating environmental risk it is important to look at the point where an impact can be identified. This is known as the environmental end point. However, in assessing environmental risk a number of end points must be considered. Consider the following: A manufacturing plant has proposed a reused effluent irrigation scheme which will be distributed by means of high pressure sprays from storage ponds. The manufacturing process of the plant requires hides to be stored in salty effluent which also contains fats and oils. Detergents are also to be used to wash-up spillages of chemicals such as chromium which is used as part of the manufacturing process. The pH of the effluent is high ie > 8.5. The plant would be in constant operation ie through the entire year.The plant is situated on top of a small hill which slopes down towards a large watercourse that passes through a country town. The area surrounding the plant is used for cattle grazing and breeding of horses. Close to the plant is a new housing development and there are also plans for future residential development fronting the nearby watercourse in the areas which at present are used for agriculture. (i) List the possible endpoints. (ii) Using the definitions of ‘likelihood' and ‘consequence' develop a risk rating evaluate the risks with regard to human health and the environment (iii) What information is needed if the likelihood estimates are to be converted into a probability estimate for a more detailed risk assessment?