Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan Effects Groups The types of effects from hazardous substances are put into three different Effect Groups, being: Fire/Explosive Effect Group: concerned with damage to property and the built environment, and danger to people Health Effect Group: concernedwith reduction of the well-being, and health and safety of the community and people Ecosystem Effect Group: concerned with adverse effects on ecosystems and natural resources Each of the Effect Groups is divided into levels of effect.The Fire/Explosive Effect Group is divided into three levels: high, medium and low. The Health, and Ecosystem Effect Groups are divided into four levels: extreme, high, medium, and low. The division into high, medium and low is based on the United Nations (UN) Hazardous Substances Classification System. The extreme level is added to deal with substances* recognised as very hazardous. The UN system divides classes of effects into divisions. Table C1: Classification of Hazardous Substances, shows how the UN Classes and Divisions are allocated Effect Groups and levels. Base Threshold The Base Threshold (B) is dependent on the substances intrinsic hazardous properties. The Base Threshold is expressed as the weight (tonnes), or volume for compressed gases (m3 at 101.3kPA and 20C), of each substance stored or used on site. Base Thresholds for Effect Group Levels are given in Table C2:Base Thresholds for all Effect Groups and Hazard Levels. Adjustment Factor Adjustment Factors provide for circumstances that influence the severity of an effect reflected by the risk or consequences of release.Adjustment Factors consider: • physical state of the substance • pressure and temperature required for storage and usage • type of storage • type of activity or use • separation distance to site boundary • environmental sensitivity of the site and location However, not all considerations are relevant to each Effect Group.Within each Effect Group, the Adjustment Factor is calculated by multiplying individual consideration values to produce a single value. Table C3: Adjustment Factors, presents consideration values for calculation of the Adjustment Factor. App C - 2