6.1.3 Evaluation of consequences versus environmental criteria

In order to determine site-specific criteria, it will be necessary to know local baseline conditions, such as groundwater chemistry, ecosystem composition, average wind speed and direction, topography, sensitivity of ecosystems in the area and population. For CO2 concentrations in air, it may be possible to use generic standards, such as existing regulations for work environment conditions in which the effects of exposure to elevated CO2 concentrations on humans are well documented. Another issue when establishing environmental criteria is the assessment of consequences the criteria should be based upon. Environmental quality standards (EQS) are set as the total maximum concentration/dose from different sources to an ecosystem. The authorities are responsible for setting requirements, environmental criteria and limit values. Since CCS is a new concept, input from industry and other stakeholders will be important for the development and determination of acceptable levels and limits that can be used when performing a risk analysis and assessing potential consequences of leakage. It is desirable that there is a consensus in the development of environmental criteria in the field of CCS.