[en] The paper summarizes the results of the already finished case-studies which were developed during 1984-1986 in the framework of the IAEA-CRP on ''Comparison of cost-effectiveness of risk reduction among different energy systems''. Case-studies were developed according to the common principles of cost-effectiveness analysis of different options. They are related to the different systems of the power plant and its fuel cycle (so called ''subsystem level''). The results demonstrate the applicability of the cost-effectiveness of risk reduction method as a rational tool for: Determination of reasonable limit of radiation exposure; Selection of optimal strategy to achieve these limits; Decision to develop new-technologies for risk reduction; Decision about the most-effective allocation of resources. These results justify the decision to expand this effort through the new research project. In the framework of this project it is proposed to apply integrated approach for risk assessment and management on the ''energy system'' in highly industrialized areas to demonstrate the possibility to get practical results from this research. General aims, and principles of implementation of the new research project are briefly described. (author). 13 refs, 6 figs, 6 tabs

[en] This paper describes the integrated environmental management projects that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted in the metropolitan areas of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Santa Clara Valley, California. It presents a brief overview of the background of these projects as well as the analytical methodology that was developed and tested in these pilot programs. The bulk of the paper focuses on the results of the projects, and the policy implications of those findings for future environmental management decisions. (author). 2 refs, 6 figs, 9 tabs

[en] This paper intends to tackle the question of risk and environmental impact of hydroelectricity in Brazil in its more general meaning including physical, biological and social aspects involved in building and operating hydroelectric stations. Unlike works that have been systematically done in developed countries, which have concentrated on contamination problems associated with technology utilization, the objective here is to study risks and impacts from hydroelectric power plants in a developing country. With regard to the various existing methodologies of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), it is stressed that there is at present no well established, assentive practice to base risk/impact evaluation, including health and safety aspects, environmental and socio-economic impacts. As shown in this work, the initial environmental studies conducted in Brazil in relation with hydroelectric generation date approximately from the beginning of the 1960s and their objectives were to meet contract red-tape requirements from international finance agencies and to protect the hydroprojects from the environment rather than to actually assess risks and environmental impacts related to the plants. Even today the decision by Brazilian electric utilities to undertake such studies is conditioned by the bearing of this question on each of them, much more than by the existence of a true consciousness of the importance of such an achievement. An overview is presented of the evolution of the Brazilian electric sector's approach to environmental questions in the case of construction and operation of hydroelectric power plants, with special emphasis on the impacts and less emphasis on risks, because of the greater importance of the former in the case of hydroelectricity. 16 refs, 2 tabs

[en] As major human activities develop, those responsible for orienting these activities and making decisions must take more and more account, notably due to pressure from the public, of risks likely to arise, together with other elements of choice such as technical, economic, social and political considerations. It is therefore essential to make an objective assessment of these risks to which individuals are exposed naturally or because of their life styles. Because most decisions are made on a regional level and because it is also at this level that the environmental characteristics can be realistically defined, the way of life and the economic and social structure which determine the risks to which the regional population is exposed, it is on this scale that a comparative assessment is of maximum value. This assessment should be as exhaustive as possible and should take into account all the risks whether natural or artificial, and from whatever source (industrial, domestic, medical, etc.). It should take into account successively the exposure to various hazards, and the resulting consequences to health based on the choice of appropriate indicators and on available knowledge of exposure-effects relationships. Subjective aspects of risk perception should also be considered. A study programme has been begun covering the regions called the ''Grand Delta'' which includes the Rhone valley and its banks to the mediterranean coast in the south-east part of France. The paper presents the motivation and aims of this programme and describes the method which has been used. (author). 5 refs, 3 figs, 3 tabs

[en] A policy for the management of environmental risks has been drawn up by the Dutch Parliament. Until now within this framework the management of risks caused by activities with dangerous substances in particular has been worked out into an external safety policy. This is based on a quantitative evaluation and on politically laid down limits for the external safety of residents living near industrial installations. This approach has been applied to the transport and selling of LPG, the zoning of pipelines and the transport of chlorine and ammonia in the Rijnmond area. Also the implementation of the Seveso Directive in The Netherlands is based on it. (author). 8 refs, 4 figs

[en] Published in summary form only. 2 figs

[en] The paper deals with a general survey of the possible sources of risk to the population and the environment in the greater Zagreb area. The starting point are the studies up to the present time that have mostly considered individual plants and have shown a number of principal weaknesses. The second major leading idea is the necessity to initiate all encompassing investigations of hazardous events and their associated risks within a single systematic action. The study is planned for the Zagreb area with already existing necessary data and experience and other basic prerequisites for realization of such a project. (author). 9 refs, 3 figs, 4 tabs

[en] Adverse effects from release of heavy metals into the aquatic environment are briefly described. The importance of bacterial leaching in pyritic waste heaps is noted, together with current research at a mine site in Australia. The operational history and waste management practices at the former uranium mine site at Rum Jungle leading to a sustained annual input of heavy metals into the Finniss River are discussed. The objectives and measures adopted for physical rehabilitation of the Rum Jungle site, completed in June 1986 at a cost of about $A16 million (1982 $), are outlined. (author). 23 refs, 3 figs, 7 tabs

[en] The Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering has sponsored a thorough review of major hazard identification and risk control methods for the process industry. Detailed recommendations on appropriate legislation for Australian conditions is made based partly on the current UK/EEC approach. Reviews have also been undertaken on identification methods such as checklists, codes, HAZOP and FMEA; frequency methods such as fault-trees and event-trees; and a wide range of consequence calculation models. Recommendations on these most applicable given local skills and resources are made. (author). 12 refs

[en] The importance of the management function has not received sufficient emphasis in risk assessment methodologies developed to date. The implications of paying too little attention to this factor are discussed from a safety and regulatory point of view. Experience gained in applying the World Bank Major Hazard Accident Prevention Guidelines to new and existing plant facilities is also discussed. (author). 8 refs