Primary Research Organization: Millennium EMS Solutions Ltd.
Start Date: August 2022
Anticipated End Date: December 2023
Project Summary and Scope of Work
The Agronomic Receptor Evaluation is being completed in three stages, with each stage contributing key information required to define a scientifically-defensible depth at which the ecological direct soil contact pathway should apply. The ecological direct soil contact pathway considers the exposure pathway by which terrestrial plants and soil invertebrates may come into direct contact with chemicals in the soil, and applies across all land-use designations. In Alberta, there is variability on whether the direct contact pathway is applicable at intermediate depths (between 1.5 and 3.0 m) for different chemicals of potential concern. The pathway is not applied to soil depths greater than 3.0 m, owing to a lack of receptors. At shallower depths (less than 3.0 m) the ecological direct contact pathway guideline must be followed unless another more suitable guideline is available.