SNIFFER Framework

The SNIFFER framework is currently being updated. The 2000 edition contains several incompatibilities with respect to the policy decisions and exposure factors presented in CLR 9 and CLR 10 (DEFRA and Environment Agency 2002). 

In the absence of a CLEA guideline value, the SNIFFER Framework (Land Quality Management 2000a, b) offers an UK exposure assessment model which is applicable in many situations and for many circumstances. 

The probabilistic CLEA model is being used to develop UK guideline values for human health risk assessment. In the interim the SNIFFER Framework (Land Quality Management26,27) offers a simple method for determining site specific assessment criteria. 

One individual s contribution to the development and use of guideline values for the assessment of risks to human health from land contamination within the UK, in Europe and further afield has to be acknowledged at the outset. Colin Ferguson was the intellectual driving force behind the development of both CLEA and the SNIFFER Framework. Tragically he died in 1999, before he could see either tool published. 

The research was funded in the first instance by the Department of the Environment (now DETR) and later by the Environment Agency following the transfer of the DoE R D Programme to the then newly formed Agency in 1996. Latterly funding from SNIFFER (www.sniffer.org.uk) and SEPA (www.sepa.org.uk) has supported the development of the SNIFFER Framework. 

The work at CRBE and LQM on CLEA and the SNIFFER Framework has been carried out by a team including Cohn Ferguson, Jacqui Marsh, Ammar Abbachi, Ian Martin, Naomi Earl, Paul Nathanail, Caroline McCaffrey and... 

SNIFFER (2000)1 Framework for Deriving Numeric Targets to Minimise the Adverse Human Health Effects of Long Term Exposure to Contaminants in Soil. Report Number SR 99 (02) F. Prepared by Ferguson, C.C., Earl, N.J. Nathanail, C.P. Foundation for Water Research, Marlow. 

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