Objective
This SOP outlines the steps to create a new investigation level in EnviroAutomate. Investigation levels define the specific screening values used to assess environmental contamination. Each investigation level links an analyte to a receptor and guideline, specifying the threshold value that determines whether contamination exceeds acceptable limits.
Prerequisites
You must be logged in as an administrator
The analyte, receptor, and guideline must already exist in the system
Key Steps
1. Navigate to the Create Investigation Level Page
Click "Investigation Levels" in the left sidebar under the Scientific Settings section
Click the "Create Investigation Level" button at the top of the list
2. Select Related Entities
These fields define which analyte/receptor/guideline combination this investigation level applies to:
Matrix - Select the sampling matrix (e.g., Soil, Fresh Water). This filters the available analytes.
Concentration Type - Select the concentration type (e.g., Total, Dissolved). Together with Matrix, this further filters the available analytes.
Analyte - Select the analyte this level applies to. The dropdown is filtered by the selected Matrix and Concentration Type — you must select both before analytes become available.
Receptor - Select the receptor (e.g., Human Health Screening Levels, Maintenance of Ecosystems, Protection of Drinking Water)
Guideline - Select the guideline this level is derived from
When you select an analyte, a summary panel appears showing the analyte's details (Name, CAS-RN, Group, Matrix, Concentration Type, Unit of Measure).
3. Configure Settings
Set the screening values and properties:
Value Type - Select the type of value (required)
Reliability - Select the reliability level of this screening value (set this as 'high' unless otherwise known to be 'low' or other selectable value)
Minimum Level - The minimum screening value (this sets a lower bound IL where a range is required (e.g. pH). If not required, leave blank)
Maximum Level - The maximum screening value (this is the primary threshold used in assessments)
Qualitative Threshold - Select a qualitative threshold if applicable
Conditional fields (appear based on the selected guideline):
Adjusted Maximum - Appears for NEPM guidelines. The adjusted maximum level value.
Max. Level - Short Term Trigger - The short-term trigger value
Max. Level - Long Term Trigger - The long-term trigger value
Toggle switches:
Affected by Hardness - Toggle on if this value is affected by water hardness
Applies to Filtered Result - Toggle on if this applies to filtered (dissolved) results
Bioaccumulating - Toggle on if the analyte is bioaccumulating
Optional:
Comments - Any additional comments about this investigation level
4. Save the Investigation Level
Click "Save" to create the investigation level
The value will now appear on the Investigation Levels tab for any site that has the corresponding receptor assigned
Cascading Dropdowns
The form uses cascading dropdowns to narrow selections:
Selecting Matrix and Concentration Type filters the Analyte dropdown to show only matching analytes
Selecting the Guideline controls which conditional fields are shown (e.g., Adjusted Maximum for NEPM, trigger values for ANZG)
Cautionary Notes
Investigation levels you create are specific to your organisation
Shared investigation levels cannot be edited — they are read-only for all administrators
You must select both Matrix and Concentration Type before the Analyte dropdown will populate
The combination of Analyte, Receptor, and Guideline must be unique — duplicate combinations are not allowed
Ensure the Maximum Level value is entered accurately as it is used in contamination assessments and report generation
Changes to screening values will affect how contamination is assessed on all sites that use the corresponding receptor
Conditional fields only appear for certain guideline types — if you don't see a field you expect, check which guideline is selected
Changing the Matrix or Concentration Type will reset the Analyte dropdown
Changing the Guideline may show or hide conditional fields (Adjusted Maximum, trigger values)
Tips for Efficiency
Select Matrix and Concentration Type first to narrow the analyte list before searching
Review the analyte summary panel after selection to confirm you have the correct analyte
Use the help icons next to each field for guidance on what values to enter
Add comments to document the source or rationale for specific values