What kind of data does a Tier 1 assessment primarily rely on?

A Tier 1 assessment primarily relies on publicly available records and documents because this type of assessment focuses on gathering information that is accessible to anyone, typically without the need for direct interaction or fieldwork. These records can include government documents, regulatory filings, historical archives, and other forms of public documentation that provide a broad understanding of the subject being assessed.

Publicly available documents serve as a foundational resource in Tier 1 assessments, ensuring that the data gathered is unbiased and verifiable. This approach allows assessors to establish a baseline understanding of the issues, risks, and needs associated with a given situation or community without relying on potentially subjective or anecdotal sources of information.

In contrast, the other options involve types of data that might be used in subsequent assessment tiers but are not the primary focus of a Tier 1 assessment. Qualitative data from site visits often requires deeper engagement, quantitative measurements would involve experimental or laboratory analysis, and community feedback would typically be gathered in later assessment phases to understand the perceptions and feelings of the community regarding the information uncovered in the initial assessment.