Which of the following would be considered a 'receptor' in a Conceptual Site Model?

In the context of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM), a receptor refers to an entity that may be affected by contaminants originating from a site. It represents the population or ecosystem that could potentially be harmed due to exposure to pollutants. Nearby residential properties embody this concept, as they include individuals and families who may be exposed to contaminated surface water, soil, or air, thereby making them direct stakeholders in the environmental assessment process.

Understanding receptors is crucial for evaluating environmental risk and determining the need for remediation efforts, as it helps to identify who or what may be impacted by the site conditions. The other choices pertain to various stakeholders involved in environmental management but do not fit the definition of a receptor. Oil and gas companies, environmental agencies, and site inspection teams play roles in regulatory oversight and management, but they are not the entities that would experience direct exposure to contaminants from a site.