IEM + PG TOOL

Conceptual Site Model — Source › Pathway › Receptor

Interactive visualisation tool for the SSP conceptual model, for producing Environmental Media State Interpretations (IEM) and Management Plans (PG) following the MEEM/MTES 2017 national methodology. Native connection to EQRS V31.05 + EQRS ECOTOX V8.

Overview

The SSP conceptual model visualised at a glance

An interactive SVG diagram structured in three sections — sources, pathways and receptors — fed directly by the results of the EQRS modules.

SOURCES / MEDIA • Polluted soils • Groundwater • Surface water • Saturated soils PATHWAYS / ROUTES • Vapour intrusion • Soil / water ingestion • Dust inhalation • Dermal contact • Food chain • Groundwater → abstraction transfer RECEPTORS • Adults • Children • Employees • Wildlife (V8 ECOTOX) • Drinking water abstraction (TSN)

3 structured sections

Sources / media, pathways / routes and receptors — the standard reading grid for an SSP diagnosis.

Interactive SVG

Dynamic graphical representation of the source → pathway → receptor links, highlighting the retained and excluded pathways.

EQRS integration

Native connection to EQRS V31.05 (human pathways) and EQRS ECOTOX V8 (ecotox pathways: soil → worm → bird, water → fish).

Application

Supporting the IEM and the Management Plan

Environmental Media State Interpretation (IEM)

Visualisation of the pathways and receptors to investigate under the ANSES IEM 2018 methodology, to justify the study scope before running EQRS calculations.

Management Plan (PG)

Graphical representation of the conceptual model to include in the PG under the national SSP methodology MEEM/MTES 2017.

Scientific justification

Argumentation of the assumptions retained (pathways included vs excluded) and validation of the study scope before heavy EQRS calculations.

Why the conceptual site model is mandatory

In any in-depth SSP diagnosis, the conceptual site model is not optional: it is the methodological foundation required by the national approach to managing polluted sites and soils.

  • It determines the relevance of the calculations: without an identified source-pathway-receptor link, no risk assessment is acceptable.
  • It structures the IEM and the Management Plan by making explicit the exposure pathways retained and excluded.
  • It secures traceability of the assumptions and the consistency of the whole study.
  • It provides an intuitive communication tool, readable by non-specialist audiences.
Special features

Visualise, summarise, export

SVG visualisation

Standardised INERIS/BRGM-type diagram, vector-based and sharp at all scales, accepted by the relevant stakeholders.

Cumulative summary by receptor

Sum of contributions (pathways × pollutants) per receptor, with a preview of the associated EQRS results (doses, HQ, ELCR).

PNG / PDF export

Export the diagram as PNG or PDF for direct integration into consultancy reports.

Pricing

Subscribe to the Conceptual Site Model

Technical note — Conceptual Site Model

Download the technical note: Source › Pathway › Receptor structure, the link between the IEM and Management Plan, and connection to the EQRS modules.

Download the technical note (PDF)
Use cases

An effective communication tool

Who is it for?

  • Communication with the competent authorities — an intuitive, standardised diagram, easily understood during the review of a file.
  • Discussions with local stakeholders — a clear tool to explain the conceptual model and the exposure pathways.
  • Internal consultancy work — validation of the study scope before launching EQRS calculations.
  • Report integration — PNG/PDF export ready to insert into the IEM or the Management Plan.
Frequently asked questions

Conceptual site model and health risk analysis

What is a conceptual site model for a polluted site?

The Conceptual Site Model is the structured representation of pollution sources, transfer pathways (soil, air, water) and exposed receptors (populations, ecosystems). It is the methodological foundation underpinning any health risk analysis carried out as part of an IEM or a Management Plan.

What is the link between the conceptual site model and the health risk analysis?

The health risk assessment (EQRS) reconstructs the source → pathway → receptor chain identified by the conceptual site model to quantify population exposure. Without a validated conceptual site model, no health risk assessment is acceptable under the national methodology for managing polluted sites and soils (MEEM/MTES 2017).

Is the conceptual site model mandatory for an IEM or a Management Plan?

Yes. The conceptual site model is the methodological foundation required by the national approach to managing polluted sites and soils for any Environmental Media State Interpretation (IEM) or Management Plan (PG).

Does the software connect to GMEP's other EQRS tools?

Yes, the Conceptual Site Model module connects natively to the outputs of EQRS V9 (human pathways) and EQRS ECOTOX (ecotoxicological pathways), with PNG/PDF export for direct insertion into reports.