- Author
- Fowles, J. | Person, M. | Noiton, D.
- Title
- Ecotoxicity of Fire-Water Runoff. Part 1. Review of the Literature. Fire Research Report.
- Coporate
- Environmental Science and Research Limited, New Zealand
- Report
- New Zealand Fire Service Commission; Research Report 17, August 2001, 28 p.
- Distribution
- VIEW THE DOCUMENT: Website: http://www.fire.org.nz/more_info/reports/ fund/reports/report_17.htm
- Keywords
- water | ecology | standards | legislation | decision making | combustion | storage
- Identifiers
- New Zealand; examples of fire-water runoff impacts; identification of hazards; chemical hazards; water quality standards; Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act; Resource Management Act; critical ecological receptors; management of the impacts of runoff
- Abstract
- This report provides a review of the literature on the ecotoxic effects, risks, and management of fire-water runoff. A discussion is also provided on the ecotoxicity standards for individual chemicals that are known or likely to occur in run-off. The ecotoxic effects of fire-water runoff considered in this report are discussed in the context of several examples of disastrous effects of fires on aquatic ecosystems that have occurred overseas. More specifically, acute short-term and chronic long-term effects of these events on the ecosystems, and successes and failures of fire fighting practices before and during these fires are also discussed. A review of ecotoxicological implications of using chemical foams to fight fires is included. Based upon what is known about the nature of chemicals and of fire incidents where ecological impacts have been identified, it may be concluded that fire-water runoff can pose a threat to nearby aquatic environments. In cases of large industrial fires, it has been shown that nearby rivers, streams, and lakes bear the brunt of the ecological impact, and can sustain long-lasting damage. For most common house fires, this threat is comparatively minor. The type and magnitude of damage that occurs during a fire is a complex product of the type of fire, the emergency planning measures in place, and the location of the fire to with respect to susceptible ecological resources. For New Zealand, it is recommended that appropriate management of this issue be co-ordinated conjointly between Fire Authorities, Regional and District Councils, and Ecologists. The implementation of a management and planning framework involving these authorities in a step by step process is proposed.