Pollution risk management of a natural medium

Abstract

Purpose

This paper proposes a risk management process that provides general specifications of the impact and hazard studies applied to a natural medium called Oued el‐gourzi (Batna) in Algeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach can be divided into two phases. First, the diagnosis consists of medium description, analysis and assessment of pollution risk and second, the therapy which includes identification, qualification and implementation of means, follow‐up and continuous amelioration. This approach is supported by the Fault‐tree method.

Findings

The approach defines risks that can affect a natural medium. Improvement of the medium security is required. The establishment of a program for the management and control of these risks is needed.

Practical implications

In the context of impact studies, solutions required regarding the pollution of a natural medium are going to lead concerned authorities toward the establishment of a policy of preventive and curative measures. Instigators will be influenced by the comparison of indemnities and environmental investments of pollutants.

Originality/value

The diffusion of information about risk management allows the establishment of relations between different actors by the risk management process and consequently ensures its credibility.

Citation

Djebabra, M., Bentarcia, T., Saadi, S. and Bahmed, L. (2006), "Pollution risk management of a natural medium", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 157-169. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777830610650474