SARAe integrates different methodologies (e.g., baseline characterization, environmental damage assessment and remediation), tools (hydrodynamic modeling) and information systems (GIS - Geographic Information Systems).

The project was designed to acomodate expedite interaction of different methodologies. SARAe uses published methodologies - as is the case of habitat equivalency methods, included in REMEDE (Resource Equivalency Methods for Assessing Environmental Damage in the European Union) toolkit - as well as state of the art methods and approaches which comprehensive integration demands research and development.

The main modules of analysis included in the environmental liability methodology are:

• Environmental baseline characterization;
• Hazard identification and accident scenarios development;
• Environmental damage assessment;
• Environmental damage remediation.

SARAe’s Case Study is conducted on Portucel Setúbal Pulp Mill, on the Sado River. The Case Study selection took into account:

• The type of surrounding area, which is characterized by high ecological richness  and  multiple pressures from several industrial activities;
• Availability of information, as it is a reasonably well studied area, thus allowing for project outputs to be developed within a pre-defined timeframe;
• The type of occupational activity, in terms of dimension, industrial sector and applicable regulatory framework: IPPC Directive; Seveso Directive; Emissions Trading Scheme Directive; Large Combustion Plants Directive.