FOOTPRINT Project frequently asked questions

What was FOOTPRINT?
FOOTPRINT (Functional TOOls for Pesticide RIsk assessmenNt and managemenT) was a research project funded by the European Commission as part of its 6th sixth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP6). The projet developed computer tools for the evaluation (and  reduction) of the risk of pesticides impacting on EU water resources (surface and groundwaters). The project started n January 2006 and funding ended in June 2009. Since then the consortium have been busy doing some final polishing, language translations and tiding up loose ends as well as establishing a user support mechanism.

Who are the target users of the tools?
The tools developed were designed to operate at different scales and are optimised for use by different end-user communities:

1. FOOT-NES: this tool allows risk assessments to be undertaken at the large scale (EU and member state), and is designed to meet the needs of EU and national policy- and decision-makers, of Environment Ministries and Agencies. The tool is also likely to be of interest to pesticide registration authorities.
2. FOOT-CRS: this tool is designed for scales ranging from small catchments to regions and is designed for use by 'water managers' including local authorities, environment agencies, water companies and stewardship managers.
3. FOOT-FS: this tool has been developed for use at the farm scale, particularly by farmers and agricultural advisers.

Why develop 3 tools rather than a single one?
To best meet the needs of the iverse end-user communities. All 3 tools however, share the same underlying principles and science and are therefore fully consistent across the different scales.

What can the FOOTPRINT tools do?
Each of the three tools allows:

• The identification of pesticide contamination pathways in the landscape.
• The estimation of levels of pesticides being transfered towards surface water and groundwater.
• Specific recommendations to be made to reduce the contamination of water resources by pesticides.

Are the tools being validated as part of the project?
The FOOTPRINT tools rely on validated methodologies and approaches and will be evaluated following the project. Howver, the FOOTPRINT team is keen to find individuals willing to undertake further evaluation.

What is the 'FOOTPRINT PPDB' ?
The 'FOOTPRINT PPDB' is a version of AERU's comprehensive database of environmental fate and ecotoxicological properties for a large number of pesticides and their metabolites (the PPDB), including all those registered in Europe. The various versions of the PPDB have already started to become an 'industry standard' reference source, not only in Europe but throughout the world.

How can I keep aware of the latest project developments?
Contact the FOOTPRINT team to be added to our announcement list. Visit our contacts page .

Who is behind FOOTPRINT?
15 partner institutions representing 9 EU countries. See our consortium page .

What will happen now the project has ended?
the FOOTPRINT partners have already taken steps to create a self-financing FOOTPRINT support structure to:

• Provide help and long-term support for the deployment of the FOOTPRINT tools across the EU.
• Evaluate the performance of the tools at their scale of application.
• Oversee the development of bespoke (e.g. national, regional) versions of the tools to meet request from specific end-users and stakeholders.