Radioprotection, vol. 46,n ◦ 6 (2011) S765–S770 C  EDP Sciences, 2011 DOI: 10.1051 / radiopro / 20116885s Elaboration on a radiological environmental impact assessment methodology for Northern environments A. Hosseini 1 , J.E. Brown 1 , T. Evseeva 2 , T. Sazykina 3 , D. Oughton 4 , E. Bleykh 2 and T. Majstrenko 2 1 Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, P.O. Box 55, N-1332 Østeras, Norway. 2 Institute of Biology, Komi Scientific Center, Ural Division RAS, Kommunistcheskaya 28, 167982, Syktyvkar, Russia 3 International Academy of Modern Knowledge, 19 Gurianova str., Obninsk, Kaluga region, 249038 Russia 4 University of Life Sciences, 1432 ÅS, Norway Abstract. The present work encompasses some key aspects of a 3-year long research project (INTRANOR) where the main focus has been specifically on environmental assessments for radiation exposure through application of existing methodologies and their adaptation to quantify transfer, exposure and effects in Boreal/Arctic ecosystems. Non-parametric statistical methods have been applied in order to estimate the threshold dose rates above which radiation effects can be expected in vertebrate organisms. In addition, industrial areas contaminated by uranium mill tailings and radium production wastes, in the Komi Republic, Russia, were selected as suitable sites to study further the effects of exposure to radiation under boreal conditions. Dose–effect relationships have been established for a few natural populations inhabiting this area. Analyses of data have allowed benchmarks to be established below which no decrease in reproductive capacity could be observed. Other work performed within the project includes the collation of data in relation to naturally occurring radionuclides and application of existing methodologies to characterise background radiation exposures. These dose-rates may be a suitable means of contextualising the exposure attributable to enhanced dose-rates arising from human activities. Finally, combined action of ionizing radiation and low temperature has been analyzed and mathematically modelled. 1. INTRODUCTION Methodologies to assess the impact of exposure to ionising radiation on flora and fauna in European temperate and Arctic environments have been developed in two European collaborative projects “FASSET - Framework for Assessment of Environmental Impact” [1] and “EPIC - Environmental Protection from Ionizing Contaminants in the Arctic” [2] respectively. These studies were superseded by the project “ERICA - Environmental Risk from Ionising Contaminants: Assessment and Management” wherein risk assessment methodologies have been developed and issues relevant to decision making in the context of the management of environmental impacts of radioactivity have been addressed [3]. Of particular relevance to the Arctic is the project EPIC which provides a number of the foundation stones that are prerequisite in the process of developing a robust assessment methodology. However, the development of the EPIC framework was curtailed at a point that did not incorporate risk characterisation or concomitant management options. With this in mind, the central rationale behind the INTRANOR project was to build upon the recent advances in environmental impact assessments, as detailed in the abovementioned research programmes, with focus on adapting the systems for Arctic/boreal environments, developing the risk characterisation component of the analysis and testing the assessments for actual situations. Some of the activities in the project are presented below.