In situ contaminants and environmental assessment — An ecological summary

This paper outlines the origins of the concept of environmental impact assessment and attempts to explain why the scientific basis has not developed as well as the procedural aspects. It raises the question of the role of ecological science in environmental impact assessment and discusses the compatability of the objectives of the ecologist with those of the decision makers. A conceptual framework for the consideration of the problems of in situ contaminants is presented within the context of environmental assessment. Recent developments regarding the support of assessment research are discussed and future priorities are suggested.