How observations work

In the planned approach, community observations, satellite-derived information and external findings would be shown as different sources. Publication would mean that a record is available to view; it would not establish contamination, its source, a legal breach or responsibility.

Checks for completeness, relevance, personal information or publication suitability would be identified separately from scientific assessment. Reporter contact details would stay off the public record.

Where a referral option is available, the recipient and information to be shared will be explained. The record will distinguish sending a report from receiving an acknowledgement or a response.

A referral does not guarantee inspection, investigation or action. Uploading an observation to CONTAMINE would not, by itself, submit an official complaint to a public authority. A transport-delivery confirmation would not establish that an institution registered or accepted a case.

Available responses and findings could be added with their source, date and scope. A measurement describes the sample or observation to which it relates. It does not automatically establish conditions throughout a site or identify who caused them.

A record with no further information would say so. That would mean no update is available in CONTAMINE, not that an organisation did nothing or that a concern was resolved. Publication, evidence, referral and follow-up would have separate status labels.

CONTAMINE does not undertake to visit or sample every reported location. Any separately arranged field investigation depends on lawful access, suitable expertise, an appropriate method and available resources.

Access permission for fieldwork is separate from submitting a concern to an authority. The platform would grant no right of entry or inspection powers, and denied access would not establish wrongdoing.

The planned map would show where observations were reported, with a source, date, publication status and appropriate location detail. A marker would not identify a responsible party or certify the condition of a property.

An area without reports has not necessarily been assessed. Locations may be approximate and information relates to the dates shown. Proximity to a mine or property does not, on its own, establish a pollution source.

Record only what you can observe safely and lawfully. Stay out of restricted or hazardous areas. Do not collect unknown substances or enter water to make a report.

CONTAMINE is not an emergency service. Use the appropriate emergency channel where there is immediate danger. Duties that apply by law remain unaffected.

For concerns about information on this presentation website, use the project contact form. Identify the page or passage and explain the concern, including any relevant source. Avoid sending unnecessary personal information about other people.

The intended observation service would provide a correction and content-reporting route with each record. A dispute would be considered without automatically treating an allegation as established fact or an objection as proof that a record is false.