Objective
This SOP outlines the steps to create a new receptor in EnviroAutomate. Receptors represent the environmental pathways or exposure scenarios used in risk assessment (e.g., Human Health Screening Levels, Maintenance of Ecosystems, Protection of Drinking Water). They are assigned to sites and linked to investigation levels to determine which screening values apply.
Prerequisites
You must be logged in as an administrator
The receptor group that this receptor belongs to must already exist in the system
Key Steps
1. Navigate to the Create Receptor Page
Click "Receptors" in the left sidebar under the Scientific Settings section
Click the "Create Receptor" button at the top of the list
2. Enter Receptor Information
Fill in the required fields (marked with a red asterisk):
Name - The name of the receptor (e.g., "HSL-A - Residential with garden/accessible soil")
Matrix - Select the sampling matrix this receptor applies to (e.g., Soil, Fresh Water). Selecting a Matrix enables the Group dropdown and filters it to show only groups for that matrix.
Group - Select the receptor group this receptor belongs to. You must select a Matrix first before this dropdown becomes available. Selecting a Group enables the Subgroup dropdown and filters it to show only subgroups within that group.
Subgroup - Optionally select a subgroup within the receptor group. You must select a Group first before this dropdown becomes available.
Description - A description of the receptor (required)
Report Colour - Select a colour using the colour picker or enter a hex code (e.g., #FF0000). This colour is used in investigation level tables and reports to identify this receptor.
Sort Order - Controls the display order of this receptor within its group. Higher numbers display first.
3. Save the Receptor
Click "Save" to create the receptor
The receptor will now be available for assignment to sites on the Receptors tab
Cautionary Notes
Receptors you create are specific to your organisation
The Report Colour must be a valid hex colour code (e.g., #FF0000 for red). This colour appears in investigation level tables and reports.
Choose a distinctive colour that is easy to read against white backgrounds in tables
You must select Matrix before Group, and Group before Subgroup — the dropdowns cascade in order
After creating the receptor, you will need to create investigation levels that reference it to define the actual screening values
Tips for Efficiency
Use descriptive names that clearly identify the exposure pathway or scenario
Choose colours that are visually distinct from other receptors in the same group to make investigation level tables easy to read
Set the Sort Order to control the display sequence in site receptor selections and report tables
Use the help icons next to each field for additional guidance