Design and application of a transparent and scalable weight-of-evidence framework: an example from Wabamun Lake, Alberta, Canada.
A weight-of-evidence (WOE) framework was developed to evaluate potential effects on the aquatic ecosystem of Wabamun Lake (Alberta, Canada) associated with the release of Bunker "C" oil after a train derailment. The wide variety of stakeholders and interested regulatory agencies made it necessary to develop a consistent and transparent approach to assessing ecological effects on multiple ecosystem components within the lake with the use of a large number of lines of evidence (LOEs). Consequently, a scalable WOE framework was necessary to integrate the findings of 38 different LOEs. A priori and a posteriori weighting factors were applied to each individual LOE, and a combination of numeric and nonnumeric rating systems was used to integrate LOEs into an overall WOE conclusion for 5 different ecosystem components. We provide guidance regarding the development of a WOE framework and emphasize techniques that enhance the application of best professional judgement during the WOE process.
McDonald
Blair G
BG
Golder Associates, 195 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver, British Columbia V7P 2R4, Canada. bgmcdonald@golder.com
deBruyn
Adrian M H
AM
Wernick
Barbara G
BG
Patterson
Luanne
L
Pellerin
Normand
N
Chapman
Peter M
PM
D000416:Alberta; D003657:Decision Making; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000032:analysis; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods