Abstract
ABSTRACT
The classification of land based on regional attributes of climate, geology and biota is facilitated by using a computer to organize and correlate existing data bases into generalized maps useful for environmental research and resource management. A procedure for producing generalized low resolution ecological maps is discussed and an outline describing the use of the maps in the management of hazardous waste is presented. While the focus of many hazardous waste studies is upon human health effects, the emphasis of this approach is on ecological effects.
The mapping is a part of the EPA Corvallis Environmental Research Laboratory's Assessment Program. This program examines the bioavailability of complex chemicals from hazardous waste sites using laboratory bioassays. Since bioavailability can be influenced directly by the soil environment within the context of regional biology, geology, and climate, the ecological maps described in this paper can be useful in defining hazardous waste bioavailability potentials on a regional basis.
The low resolution maps are useful in research and environmental management. In research they help organize existing and newly generated data so they can be better understood relative to environmental variability. In management they help to assess the feasibility of applying uniform management approaches to broad areas.
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