Groundwater risk assessment: initial metodology for highly developed areas. Case study in the province of Milan

Maps of factors contributing to groundwater contamination risk have been produced for a sector of the province of Milan to support decision-making in land planning and management. Risk assessment has considered factors related to: natural vulnerability, hazard due to human activities and costs resulting from pollution. In order to evaluate existing hazard, a specific census was carried out over the area and industrial, agricultural and quarrying activities were mapped. Industrial activities were first divided into 4 groups according to national waste type regulation. The number of data and the density of mapped factors necessitated the use of a land information system for data storage and management and map design. -Authors