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Ehp Guideline Contaminated Land Professionals
Ehp Guideline Contaminated Land Professionals
Ehp Guideline Contaminated Land Professionals
professionals
Prepared by: Waste and Land Contamination Assessments, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
Disclaimer
This document has been prepared with all due diligence and care, based on the best available information at the time of
publication. The department holds no responsibility for any errors or omissions within this document. Any decisions made by
other parties based on this document are solely the responsibility of those parties.
If you need to access this document in a language other than English, please call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS
National) on 131 450 and ask them to telephone Library Services on +61 7 3224 8412.
This publication can be made available in an alternative format (e.g. large print or audiotape) on request for people with vision
impairment; phone +61 7 3224 8412 or email <library@ehp.qld.gov.au>.
Citation
EHP. 2006. Guideline for contaminated land professionals. Brisbane: Department of Environment and Heritage Protection,
Queensland Government.
October 2012
Contents
Part 1 Contaminated land policy and legislative framework......................................................................................1
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................................1
2 Environmental Protection Act 1994 .................................................................................................................1
2.1 Environmental duties...................................................................................................................................1
2.2 Contaminated land (Chapter 7, Part 8) .......................................................................................................2
2.3 Offences ......................................................................................................................................................4
3 Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) .............................................................................................................4
3.1 Integrated development assessment system (IDAS) ..................................................................................4
4 National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999 ..................................4
5 Other guidelines...............................................................................................................................................5
5.1 National guidelines ......................................................................................................................................5
5.2 Asbestos policy............................................................................................................................................5
Part 2 Roles and responsibilities ...............................................................................................................................6
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................6
2 Administering authority ....................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Prevention of contamination........................................................................................................................6
2.2 EMR/CLR ....................................................................................................................................................6
2.3 Assessment and approval of reports and site management plans .............................................................6
2.4 Suitability statements ..................................................................................................................................7
2.5 Compliance..................................................................................................................................................7
2.6 Area management advices..........................................................................................................................7
3 Local government ............................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Notification...................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Development assessment managers ..........................................................................................................8
4 Land owner and occupier ................................................................................................................................8
4.1 Notification...................................................................................................................................................8
4.2 Notices to be given ......................................................................................................................................8
4.3 Site management ........................................................................................................................................9
4.4 Site compliance ...........................................................................................................................................9
Part 3 IDAS ..............................................................................................................................................................10
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................10
2 Stages of IDAS ..............................................................................................................................................10
3 IDAS roles......................................................................................................................................................10
4 Pre-IDAS assessment ...................................................................................................................................11
5 Assessment under IDAS................................................................................................................................11
5.1 Preliminary approvals................................................................................................................................11
5.2 Administering authority as assessment manager .....................................................................................11
5.3 Local government as assessment manager .............................................................................................11
Part 4 Land assessment and remediation process .................................................................................................12
iii
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................12
2 Development approval process .....................................................................................................................12
3 Professional requirements .............................................................................................................................12
3.1 Suitably qualified persons .........................................................................................................................12
3.2 Statutory declarations................................................................................................................................12
4 Staged assessment and remediation process...............................................................................................12
4.1 Preliminary site investigation.....................................................................................................................13
4.2 Detailed site investigation..........................................................................................................................13
4.3 Health and environmental risk assessment and development of a remediation action plan ....................14
4.4 Implementation of a remediation action plan and preparation of validation report ...................................14
5 Site management plans (SMPs) ....................................................................................................................14
6 Presentation of analytical results and bore logs ............................................................................................15
Part 5 Contaminated soil disposal ...........................................................................................................................16
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................16
2 When a disposal permit is required ...............................................................................................................16
3 Applying for a disposal permit........................................................................................................................16
4 Deciding an application for a disposal permit ................................................................................................17
4.1 Waste reduction targets ............................................................................................................................17
4.2 Waste and resource management hierarchy ............................................................................................17
4.3 Soil treatment and the ASC NEPM 1999 hierarchy of remediation options..............................................18
4.3 Soil separation...........................................................................................................................................18
References..................................................................................................................................................................19
Legislation...................................................................................................................................................................20
Appendix 1 Contaminated land assessment process..............................................................................................21
Appendix 2 Reporting requirements checklist .........................................................................................................22
Appendix 3 Sample draft site management plan.....................................................................................................29
iv
Guideline for contaminated land professionals
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this guideline is to establish best practice for managing land contamination through the planning
and development control process. These guidelines have been prepared particularly for use by contaminated land
professionals but are also likely to be useful to other industry groups, planning authorities, developers, lenders,
property insurers and valuers, property owners and other members of the community.
1
the likelihood of successful application of the different measures to prevent or minimise environmental harm that
might be taken
the financial implications of the different measures as they would relate to the type of activity.
2
2.2.1 Inclusion of land on the EMR/CLR
Division 2 of the contaminated land provisions of the EP Act provide for the recording of land on either the EMR or
CLR. Land is placed on the EMR and/or CLR because a notifiable activity has been or is being conducted on the
site or the land has been contaminated by a hazardous contaminant. A full list of notifiable activities is listed in
schedule 3 of the EP Act. Hazardous contaminant is defined in schedule 4 of the EP Act as a contaminant other
than an item of explosive ordnance, that if improperly treated, stored, disposed of or otherwise managed, is likely to
cause serious or material environmental harm because of:
its quantity, concentration, acute or chronic toxic effects, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, mutagenicity,
corrosiveness, explosiveness, radioactivity or flammability; or
its physical, chemical or infectious characteristics.
Environmental Management Register (EMR)
The EMR is a land-use planning and management register. The EMR provides information on historic and current
land-use including whether the land has been or is currently used for a notifiable activity or has been contaminated
by a hazardous contaminant. Based on information provided to the Department of Environment and Heritage
Protection (EHP), in most circumstances, sites recorded on the EMR dont pose a significant risk to human health
and/or the environment under their current land use. However, it is possible that they may pose a risk to human
health and/or the environment if the land use of these sites were to change. Hence, the appropriate investigation
and, if necessary, remediation will be required to be undertaken before any change in land use takes place. Entry
on the EMR does not mean the land must be cleaned up or that the current land use must stop.
Contaminated Land Register (CLR)
The CLR is a register of sites with proven contamination which are causing or may cause serious environmental
harm or public health risk. Land is recorded on the CLR when scientific investigation shows it is contaminated and
action needs to be taken to remediate or manage the land. Actions could include:
technical measures to prevent the migration of contaminants
full removal of contaminants and off-site treatment to prevent serious or material environmental harm or public
health risks.
3
2.3 Offences
The EP Act provides for a number of offences to act as a deterrent from causing environmental harm and for the
efficient implementation of the legislation.
4
In keeping with the National Environment Protection Council Act 1994, the administering authority has adopted the
ASC NEPM 1999 for the assessment of contaminated land.
A full list of the ASC NEPM 1999 technical guidelines (included as schedules to the ASC NEPM 1999) cover:
the investigation levels for soil and groundwater
data collection, sample design and reporting
laboratory analysis of potentially contaminated soils
health risk assessment methodology
ecological risk assessment
risk based assessment of groundwater contamination
health-based investigation levels
exposure scenarios and exposure settings
community consultation and risk communication
protection of health and the environment during the assessment of site contamination
competencies and acceptance of environmental auditors and related professionals.
5 Other guidelines
5.1 National guidelines
In 1999, The Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) developed the
Guidelines for the Assessment of On-Site Containment of Contaminated Soil (ANZECC 1999). These guidelines
(or equivalent) must be considered in any contaminated land submission when on-site containment options for
sites affected by contamination are being considered.
AS 4482.1-2005: Guide to the investigation and sampling of sites with potentially contaminated soil - Non-volatile
and semi-volatile compounds (Standards Australia 2005) and AS 4482.2-1999: Guide to the sampling and
investigation of potentially contaminated soil Volatile substances (Standards Australia 1999) (or equivalent) must
also be considered in the investigation and sampling of contaminated land.
Further technical supporting documents are provided in the Contaminated Sites Monograph Series (El Saadi and
Langley 1991; Langley and Van Alphen 1993; Edwards, Van Alphen and Langley 1994; Olszowy, Torr and Imray
1995; Langley, Markey and Hill 1996) and through the CRC Care Health Screening Levels (Friebel and Nadebaum
2011). Health impacts from petroleum hydrocarbon contamination should be assessed against Health screening
levels for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil and groundwater in the CRC Care Health Screening Levels. Ecological
impacts should be assessed using the Canada-wide standards for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) in soil (CCME
2008). Consideration also needs to be given to the physical and aesthetic impacts of petroleum hydrocarbons.
5
Part 2Roles and responsibilities
1 Introduction
Managing contaminated land involves all levels of government, industry, landowners, and the wider community.
This part of the guideline sets out the responsibilities of government, landowners, industry and developers in the
prevention, identification and remediation of contaminated land.
2 Administering authority
The entity responsible for the administration and enforcement of the EP Act is the administering authority. While
the administration and enforcement of many parts of the EP Act have been devolved to local government under
section 514, the administering authority for Chapter 7, Part 8 of the EP Act is the chief executive of EHP.
Despite being the administering authority for contaminated land matters, EHP enters into agreements with other
state government agencies with specific expertise. Under a Memorandum of Understanding between EHP and
Queensland Health, the Radiation Health Unit (RHU) is responsible for the assessment of land contamination
caused by radioactive substances.
In the case of UXO contamination, the administering authority works closely with the Department of Defence
(Defence). Defences role is to identify land affected by UXO and make preliminary assessment of the extent and
nature of contamination. Under Commonwealth Government policy, Defence is responsible for disposal of
discovered UXO.
2.2 EMR/CLR
As the administering authority of Chapter 7, Part 8 of the EP Act, EHP is responsible for maintaining the EMR and
CLR. As outlined in Part 1 of this guideline, the EMR and CLR are public access registers which members of the
public can search and obtain extracts. EHP Factsheet 6: How to search the EMR and CLR and Factsheet 7:
Results of a search of the EMR and CLR provide information regarding searching and obtaining extracts from the
EMR and CLR (EHP in prep (a); EHP in prep (b)).
6
Alternatively, the administering authority may determine that a document in the form submitted, is inadequate and:
refuse it
request a new document
request additional information.
2.5 Compliance
The administering authority takes a cooperative approach to managing and monitoring risks to Queenslands
environment. Nevertheless, the community also expects the administering authority, as Queenslands lead
environmental agency, to assess compliance in regard to contaminated land legislation to ensure individuals are
discharging their duties and responsibilities appropriately.
The administering authority is committed to the proactive management and monitoring of risks to Queenslands
environment through the implementation of a compliance strategy founded on a targeted and transparent approach
to compliance supported by a modern and strong enforcement capability.
Where non-compliance matters are encountered, the administering authority will seek to implement a measured
and appropriate response. The administering authority has published Enforcement Guidelines (DERM 2010a)
which explain how it determines what enforcement action it will take in any given situation.
7
An AMA provides information to the community on dealing with land contamination in widespread areas. Such
areas include:
natural mineralisation where elevated concentrations of heavy metals may be found across a wide area but site
specific information is not available
former defence training areas where there is a possibility of UXO being found.
3 Local government
Local governments have a pivotal role in the identification of contaminated land and in the decision making process
for land use planning as assessment managers under IDAS.
3.1 Notification
Under the EP Act, all local governments in Queensland are required to notify the administering authority of land
that has been or is currently used for notifiable activities within their local government area. This is to enable it to be
included on the EMR. This information is gathered by local governments through sources such as historical
information, aerial photographs, local knowledge and town planning records. Following advice from the
administering authority that land has been included on the EMR or CLR, the local government must maintain a
record of this land for reference in land use planning and for decision making relating to development approvals.
The information provided to local government regarding the inclusion of land on the EMR/CLR is for internal use
only. Members of the public requiring information about land recorded on the EMR/CLR should be referred to the
administering authority to complete a public search.
8
If the owner does not give notice as required by section 421 of the EP Act, the buyer may rescind the agreement by
written notice given to the owner. On rescission of the agreement, any money paid by the buyer to the person must
be refunded.
9
Part 3IDAS
1 Introduction
Chapter 6 of SPA establishes the Integrated Development Approval System (IDAS) as a single, uniform system for
development approval that enables referral agencies to have input in the assessment process. The system
provides for the social, economic and environmental (including contaminated land) matters relevant to a
development application to be coordinated through a single process.
2 Stages of IDAS
The IDAS process can involve up to five stages, although not all applications will require all stages. The stages of
IDAS are the:
application stage where the application is lodged with the relevant assessment manager
information and referral stage where the application is referred to relevant agencies and further information
may be necessary to determine the application as requested and to assess the development proposal against
relevant criteria
notification stage where the public is made aware of the development proposal and is given an opportunity to
make submissions regarding the proposal. The notification stage may be applicable to contaminated land
applications but the administering authority is not involved and this stage is not always applicable. More
information regarding the necessity for the notification stage should be sought from the relevant local
government
decision stage where the assessment manager makes a decision on the application including any
requirements of referral agencies
compliance stage for certain applications which can be assessed against clear technical standards which do
not require the exercise of broad discretion. Contaminated land assessment does not lend itself to compliance
assessment and this stage is not relevant to contaminated land applications.
Therefore under many situations only three stages will be relevant to an application involving contaminated land
(application, information and referral and decision).
3 IDAS roles
IDAS defines the responsibilities for the respective participants in the process. Participants include:
the applicant who makes the development application who is normally the landowner, land occupier or
developer
the assessment manager, typically the relevant local government, who accepts, coordinates and ultimately
decides the application
referral agencies, usually state government agencies, who assess the application against certain criteria.
Referral agencies may be:
- concurrence agencies who can direct the decision about the application e.g. require refusal or require
conditions to be applied to any approval issued by the assessment manager (the administering authority is a
concurrence agency for contaminated land matters)
- advice agencies who cannot direct the decision about the application but can give advice to the assessment
manager regarding the application. There are no advice roles regarding contaminated land matters.
submitters who are members of the public who want to make submissions regarding the application because
they believe the development will have an impact on them.
Under IDAS, an application may be:
approved as a development permit or a preliminary approval either with or without conditions
refused.
10
4 Pre-IDAS assessment
Most development applications regarding land included on the EMR or CLR will be made under IDAS as part of a
development proposal. However, an application may be progressed under the EP Act not in conjunction with a
development proposal or prior to the submission of a development application under IDAS.
Where an application is made prior to IDAS, e.g. a site investigation report prepared by an SQP is submitted prior
to IDAS, the administering authority can issue a site suitability statement and/or remove the site from the EMR
and/or CLR. Where the site is removed from both the EMR and CLR or the proposed land use is consistent with a
site suitability statement, a development proposal will not be required to be referred to the administering authority
for contaminated land matters under IDAS.
11
Part 4Land assessment and remediation process
1 Introduction
Reports prepared regarding the assessment and remediation of contaminated land must contain sufficient and
appropriate information to enable efficient review by the administering authority. Assessment and remediation of
contaminated land is conducted through a site-specific approach and in accordance with guidance documents
listed in Part 1, Section 1 of these guidelines. Successful assessment and remediation of land on the EMR and
CLR may result in the removal of land from the EMR and/or CLR or the approval of a SMP to enable a more
sensitive land use.
3 Professional requirements
The EP Act requires certain professional requirements for persons preparing site investigation reports, validation
reports and SMPs. These requirements are briefly outlined in sections 3.1 and 3.2 below, however, more detail is
available in the Guideline: Assessing qualified persons according to sections 381, 395 and 410 of the
Environmental Protection Act 1994 (DEHP in prep(d)).
In order to improve the assessment and management of contaminated land an optional third party review (TPR)
system has been introduced. This process has been developed in accordance with the ASC NEPM 1999
Schedule B(10) guideline on Competencies and acceptance of environmental auditors and related professionals.
Full details of the TPR process are contained in Operational PolicyThird party reviewer terms of reference
(DERM 2010b).
12
Stage 3 health and environmental risk assessment and development of RAP
Stage 4 implementation of RAP and preparation of validation report.
The reports in the above stages may be prepared separately or combined in various ways, however, each report
must be able to stand alone, containing sufficient information to be readily understood. Where relevant information
has been included in previous reports, a summary of the report should be included in the current report.
The following sections in this guide discuss the reporting requirements for each stage. At each stage the SQPs
must present their findings clearly in a sound and reasoned manner. Uncertainties in the investigation need to be
clearly identified. The basis for conclusions and recommendations must be included. Appendix 2 provides a
reporting check list for reporting requirements to assist SQPs in the preparation of reports.
The process by which these stages are integrated with SMPs (refer section 5 below) is outlined in Appendix 1 of
this guideline. A checklist summary of each stage is included in Appendix 2.
The most efficient use of resources during an investigation will require the development of data quality objectives
(DQOs). AS4482.1 & 2 and the ASC NEPM 1999 Schedule B(2) guideline on Data collection, sample design and
reporting (or equivalent) must be used to assist with the determination of the DQOs and the most appropriate
sampling pattern and density of sampling for the particular site under investigation. Reports provided will require
any sampling and analysis to be completed in accordance with a sampling and analysis quality plan (SAQP).
13
The decision on how to proceed in the second stage of an investigation will be determined by site history, soil
morphology and the need to sample the natural ground in cases where fill material is present. The extent of fill
across the site should be delineated and representative samples collected from each fill type.
Close sample spacing is required when delineating a known zone of contamination. Where a point source of
contamination is identified, the extent and depth of the contaminated area needs to be defined by sampling, using
the site history to guide the type and density of sampling.
Surface and groundwater should be sampled where present if analysis of contaminant pathways suggests they
may have been impacted by contaminants from the site.
Some additional samples should be taken in areas not expected to be contaminated in order to establish local
background levels.
A RAP will be required to be implemented if the results of the detailed site investigation indicate that the site poses
unacceptable risks to human health or the environment (see section 4.3 below).
14
When preparing a SMP it is imperative that the requirements of (b) and (c) above are measurable by the site
operator and able to be reported against. If critical requirements are not expressed in a measurable format, the
administering authority will refuse the SMP, require another SMP or require additional information. It is also
necessary that a SMP outline the means by which the site and monitoring records can be accessed by authorised
officers for compliance assessment purposes. This necessity is consistent with the requirement for a SMP to make
provision for monitoring and reporting compliance with the plan as outlined above in section 402(c) of the EP Act.
In practice, sites managed by the use of a SMP are issued with a suitability statement which details the acceptable
uses and activities of the land (relating to exposure to the contamination) and the land remains on the EMR.
In cases of low risk contamination, the SMP may be a simple one or two page document with minimal conditions
relating to excavation and removal of the soil with a supporting plan describing the contamination. In cases
involving more significant contamination, the SMP may have more complex conditions including requirements for
monitoring groundwater and details on the construction and maintenance of underground containment cells.
Under section 403(2) and 404(c) of the EP Act, any draft SMP (including any amended draft SMP) which is
submitted for approval by a person who is not the land owner must be accompanied with a signed statement of
consent agreeing with the draft SMP (or amended draft SMP) from the land owner. The draft SMP (or amended
draft SMP) and statement of consent must include:
A full site description covered by the SMP, i.e. real property description and address
registered owner details. If the registered owner is a company the statement of consent must also include the
relationship of the person giving the consent to the company (e.g. Managing Director) and state that they are
authorised to give consent on behalf of the owner
the version of the draft SMP (or amended draft SMP) under a version control system. The SMP should include
details of a version control system that can be used for future amended draft SMPs.
A sample SMP template, with example management, monitoring and reporting actions is included in Appendix 3.
15
Part 5Contaminated soil disposal
1 Introduction
The purpose of soil disposal permits is to ensure that contaminated soil is not illegally disposed of and to ensure
that the disposal of soil does not lead to the creation of new contaminated sites. Under the EP Act land
holders/occupiers are responsible for any contaminated soil generated as a result of activities conducted on the
property. Under section 424 of the EP Act, contaminated soil must not be removed from sites listed on the EMR or
the CLR without a soil disposal permit.
16
4 Deciding an application for a disposal permit
When deciding whether to grant or refuse an application for a disposal permit, the administering authority, as the
administering authority, must consider the standard criteria contained in Schedule 4 of the EP Act. In regard to
contaminated soil disposal permits, the following are critical considerations under the standard criteria:
the waste and resource management hierarchy and waste reduction targets for waste disposed to landfill under
the Queensland Waste Reduction and Recycling Strategy 20102020 (the strategy)
the hierarchy of remediation options contained in the ASC NEPM 1999.
Reduce waste disposal to Business-as- Reduce landfill Reduce landfill Reduce landfill
landfill, compared to usualno disposal by 25% disposal by 40% disposal by 50%
business-as-usual strategy 2.4 million 9.9 million 16.3 million
projections tonnes of tonnes of tonnes of
avoided landfill additional additional
disposal since avoided landfill avoided landfill
2010 disposal since disposal since
2014 2017
The waste reduction targets apply to all waste streams, including contaminated soil, and are considered by the
administering authority when making decisions on disposal permits.
17
Figure 1 Waste management hierarchy
4.3 Soil treatment and the ASC NEPM 1999 hierarchy of remediation options
The strategys waste management hierarchy is also consistent with the hierarchy of remediation options contained
in the ASC NEPM 1999. Under the ASC NEPM 1999, the following preferences apply:
if practicable, onsite treatment of the contamination so that it is destroyed or the associated risk is reduced to an
acceptable level
off-site treatment of excavated soil, so that the contamination is destroyed or the associated risk is reduced to
an acceptable level, after which soil is returned to the site.
If the above are not practicable then:
consolidation and isolation of the soil on site by containment with a properly designed barrier
removal of contaminated material to an approved site or facility, followed, where necessary, by replacement with
appropriate material
or:
where the assessment indicates remediation would have no net environmental benefit or would have a net
adverse environmental effect, implementation of an appropriate alternative management strategy.
18
References
ANZECC, 1999, Guidelines for the Assessment of On-Site Containment of Contaminated Soil, Australian and New
Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, Canberra, viewed 1 August 2012,
http://www.ephc.gov.au/sites/default/files/ANZECC_GL__Assessment_and_Mgt_of_Contaminated_Sites_199201_
Hist_0.pdf.
ANZECC & NHMRC, 1992, Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the Assessment and Management of
Contaminated Sites, Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council and the National Health
and Medical Research Council, Canberra, viewed 1 August 2012,
http://www.ephc.gov.au/sites/default/files/ANZECC_GL__Assessment_of_on_site_containment_contaminated_soil.
pdf.
CCME, 2008, Canada-Wide Standard for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) in soil, Canadian Council of Ministers of
the Environment, Winnipeg, viewed 1 August 2012, http://www.ccme.ca/assets/pdf/phc_standard_1.0_e.pdf.
DoH and DEC, 2009, Guidelines for the Assessment, Remediation and Management of Asbestos-Contaminated
Sites in Western Australia, Environmental Health Directorate, Perth, viewed 1 August 2012,
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/cproot/3763/2/Guidelines%20for%20Asbestos-Contaminated%20Sites%20-
%20May%202009.pdf.
Ecologically Sustainable Development Steering Committee, 1992, National Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable
Development, Department of Sustainability, Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities, Canberra, viewed 1 August 2012,
http://www.environment.gov.au/about/esd/publications/strategy/index.html.
Edwards, J.W., Van Alphen, M and Langley, A, 1994, Identification and Assessment of Contaminated Land
Improving Site History Appraisal. Contaminated Sites Monograph Series, No. 3, SA Health Commission, Adelaide.
El Saadi, O and Langley, A, 1991, The Health Risks Assessment and Management of Contaminated Sites:
Workshop Proceedings of the National Workshop on the Health Risk Assessment and Management of
Contaminated Sites, SA Health Commission, Adelaide.
Friebel, E and Nadebaum, P, 2011, Health Screening Levels for Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil and Groundwater,
CRC CARE Technical Report no. 10, CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment,
Adelaide, Australia, viewed 1 August 2012,
http://www.crccare.com/publications/technical_reports/hsl_tech_report.html
Langley, A, Markey, B and Hill, H, 1996, The Health Risk Assessment and Management of Contaminated Sites:
Proceedings of the Third National Workshop on the Health Risk Assessment and Management of Contaminated
Sites. Contaminated Sites Monograph Series, No. 5, SA Health Commission, Adelaide.
Langley, A and Van Alphen, M, 1993, The Health Risk Assessment and Management of Contaminated Sites:
Proceedings of the Second National Workshop on the Health Risk Assessment and Management of Contaminated
Sites. Contaminated Sites Monograph Series No. 2, SA Health Commission, Adelaide.
NEPC, 1999a, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure, Environment
Australia, Canberra, viewed 1 August 2012, http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
NEPC, 1999b, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure Schedule B(1)
Guideline on the Investigation Levels for Soil and Groundwater, Environment Australia, Canberra, viewed 1 August
2012, http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
NEPC, 1999c, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure Schedule B(2)
Guideline on Data Collection, Sample Design and Reporting, Environment Australia, Canberra, viewed 1 August
2012, http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
NEPC, 1999d, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure Schedule B(4)
Guideline on Health Risk Assessment Methodology, Environment Australia, Canberra, viewed 1 August 2012,
http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
NEPC, 1999e, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure Schedule B(5)
Guideline on Ecological Risk Assessment, Environment Australia, Canberra, viewed 1 August 2012,
http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
NEPC, 1999f, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure Schedule B(6)
Guideline on Risk Based Assessment of Groundwater Contamination, Environment Australia, Canberra, viewed 1
August 2012, http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
NEPC, 1999g, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure Schedule B(7A)
19
Guideline on Health-Based Investigation Levels, Environment Australia, Canberra, viewed 1 August 2012,
http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
NEPC, 1999h, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure Schedule B(7B)
Guideline on Exposure Scenarios and Exposure Settings, Environment Australia, Canberra, viewed 1 August 2012,
http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
NEPC, 1999i, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure Schedule B(8)
Guideline on Community Consultation and Risk Communication, Environment Australia, Canberra, viewed 1
August 2012, http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
NEPC, 1999j, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure Schedule B(9)
Guideline on Protection of Health and the Environment During the Assessment of Site Contamination, Environment
Australia, Canberra, viewed 1 August 2012, http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
NEPC, 1999k, National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure Schedule B(10)
Guideline on Competencies and Acceptance of Environmental Auditors and Related Professionals, Environment
Australia, Canberra, viewed 1 August 2012, http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/44.
Olszowy, H, Torr, P and Imray, P, 1995, Trace Element Concentrations in Soils from Rural and Urban Areas of
Australia, Contaminated Sites Monograph Series No. 4, SA Health Commission, Adelaide.
Standards Australia, 1999, Australian Standard, Guide to the Sampling and Investigation of Potentially
Contaminated Soil Part 2: Volatile Substances. AS 4482.2 1999, Standards Australia, Homebush.
Standards Australia, 2005, Australian Standard, Guide to the Investigation and sampling of Sites with Potentially
Contaminated Soil Part 1: Non-volatile and Semi-volatile Compounds. AS 4482.1 2005, Standards Australia,
Homebush.
Legislation
Environmental Protection Act 1994, http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtA94.pdf
Environmental Protection Regulation 2008,
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/E/EnvProtR08.pdf
Sustainable Planning Act 2009, http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/S/SustPlanA09.pdf
Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009, http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/S/SustPlanR09.pdf
Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011,
http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/W/WasteRedRecA11.pdf
EHP publications
DERM, 2010a, Enforcement Guidelines, Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane.
DERM, 2010b, Operational Policy, Third Party Reviewer Terms of Reference, Department of Environment and
Resource Management, Brisbane.
DERM, 2011, Guideline - The Duty to Notify of Environmental Harm, Department of Environment and Resource
Management, Brisbane.
EHP, in prep (a), Factsheet 6: How to search the EMR and CLR, Department of Environment and Heritage
Protection, Brisbane.
EHP, in prep (b), Factsheet 7: Results of a search of the ERM and CLR, Department of Environment and Heritage
Protection, Brisbane.
EHP, in prep (c), Factsheet 2: Notifiable activities, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Brisbane.
EHP, in prep(d), Assessing qualified persons according to sections 381, 395 and 410 of the Environmental
Protection Act, Brisbane.
20
Guideline for contaminated land professionals
Remove from
EMR/CLR
Yes
Can
Remove from Is site Site Management
No Yes contamination Yes
EMR/CLR contaminated? Plan developed and
be managed
without implemented
remediation?
No
Stage 3
Remediation Action
Plan Developed
Stage 4
21
Guideline for contaminated land professionals
Executive summary 9 9 9 9
Background
Objectives of the investigation
Scope of works
(Where appropriate) a summary of sampling results in tabulated format containing minimum, maximum,
arithmetic mean and 95 per cent upper-confidence limit on arithmetic mean for each analyte
Summary of conclusions and recommendations.
Scope of work 9 9 9 9
Site identification 9 9 9 9
3
This material is reproduced with minor amendment with the permission of Department of Environment and
Heritage, New South Wales.
22
Report sections and Preliminary site Detailed site Development of Preparation of
information to be included investigation investigation remediation action validation report
plan
23
Report sections and Preliminary site Detailed site Development of Preparation of
information to be included investigation investigation remediation action validation report
plan
Details of any relevant local sensitive environmente.g. rivers, lakes, creeks, wetlands, local habitat areas,
endangered flora and fauna.
Soil stratigraphy using recognised classification methods, e.g. AS1726, Unified Soil Classification Table
Location and extent of imported and locally derived fill
Site borehole logs or test pit logs showing stratigraphy
Detailed description of the location, design and construction of on-site wells
Description and location of springs and wells in the vicinity
Depth to groundwater table
Direction and rate of groundwater flow
Details of any separate phase organic chemicals
Direction of surface water runoff
Background water quality
Preferential water courses
Summary of local meteorology.
24
Report sections and Preliminary site Detailed site Development of Preparation of
information to be included investigation investigation remediation action validation report
plan
Decontamination procedures carried out between sampling events
Logs for each sample collectedincluding time, location, initials or sampler, duplicate locations, duplicated
type, chemical analyses to be performed, site observations and weather conditions
Chain of custody fully identifyingfor each sample, the sampler, nature of the sample, collection date,
analyses to be performed, sample preservation method, departure time from the site and dispatch courier(s)
Sample splitting techniques
Statement of duplicate frequency
Field blank results
Background sample results
Rinsate sample results
Laboratory-prepared trip spike results for volatile analytes
Trip blank results
Field instrument calibrations (when used).
A copy of signed chain of custody forms acknowledging receipt date and time and identity of samples included
in shipments
Record of holding times and a comparison with method specifications
Analytical methods used
Laboratory accreditation for analytical methods used
Laboratory performance in inter-laboratory trail for the analytical methods used, where available
Description of surrogates and spikes used
Percent recoveries of spikes and surrogates
Instrument detection limit
Matrix of practical quantification limits
Standard solution results
Reference sample results
Reference check sample results
Daily check sample results
Laboratory duplicate results
Laboratory blank results
Laboratory standard charts.
Evaluation of all QA/QC information listed above against the stated DQOs including a discussion of:
o Documentation completeness
o Data completeness
o Data comparability (see next point)
o Data representativeness
25
Report sections and Preliminary site Detailed site Development of Preparation of
information to be included investigation investigation remediation action validation report
plan
o Precision and accuracy for both sampling and analysis for each analyte in each environmental matrix
informing data users of the reliability, unreliability or qualitative value of the data.
Data comparability checks, which should include e.g. bias assessment, which may arise from various sources,
including:
o Collection and analysis of samples by different personnel
o Use of different methodologies
o Collection and analysis by the same personnel using the same methods but at different times
o Spatial and temporal changes (because of the environmental dynamics).
Relative percent differences for intra- and inter-laboratory duplicates.
Results 9 9 9 9
Risk Assessment 9 9 9 9
Remediation goal
Discussion of the extent of remediation work required
Discussion of possible remediation options and how risk can be reduced
Rationale for the selection of recommended remedial option
Proposed testing to validate the site after remediation
Contingency plan if the selected remedial strategy fails
26
Report sections and Preliminary site Detailed site Development of Preparation of
information to be included investigation investigation remediation action validation report
plan
Site preparation plan (before remediation) including, e.g. fencing, erection of warning signs, stormwater
diversion
RAP (operation phase):
o Site stormwater management plan
o Soil management plan
o Noise control plan
o Dust control plan, including wheel wash (where applicable)
o Odour control plan
o Occupational health and safety plan.
Remediation schedule
Hours of operation
Contingency plans to respond to site incidents, to obviate potential effects on surrounding environment and
community
Identification of regulatory compliance requirements such as licences and approvals
Names and phone numbers of appropriate personnel to contact during remediation
Community relations plans, where applicable
Staged progress reporting, where appropriate
Long-term site management plan (where required).
Ongoing site monitoring requirements (if any), including monitoring parameters and frequency
Results of monitoring analyses including all relevant QA/QC reporting requirements stated above
Ongoing site/equipment maintenance, e.g. containment cap integrity
Details of party(ies) responsible for maintenance and monitoring program.
Conclusions and 9 9 9 9
recommendations
27
Report sections and Preliminary site Detailed site Development of Preparation of
information to be included investigation investigation remediation action validation report
plan
A statement detailing all limitations and constraints on the use of the site (where applicable)
Recommendation for further work, if appropriate.
28
Appendix 3Sample draft site management plan
Draft site management plan
Real property description: [INSERT LOT AND PLAN DETAILS]
Address: [INSERT ADDRESS OF SITE]
Version: [INSERT VERSION NUMBER UNDER A VERSION CONTROL SYSTEM]
Date of effect: [INSERT DATE OF EFFECT]
1.0 Summary of contamination
Include a brief summary of the site including its history of use and contamination.
Example summary:
The site was part of XXX and historical site photographs with anecdotal evidence shows it to have been vacant
since the deed of grant and only being used for various recreational purposes. The western part of the site
appears to have been filled between 1960 and 1980. The site is currently vacant and laid to grass. The
potentially contaminated part of the site covers an area of approximately 2550 m2 and covers part of a single lot
described as Lot XXX on XXX. The site layout and area to be managed is shown on the attached Figure 1.
Investigations have identified metal contaminated fill present at the site (cadmium, copper, lead, zinc and
mercury). The contaminated fill generally covers the western and southern part of the site and extends to a
maximum depth of approximately seven metres below ground level at the high point of the site.
The following maximum levels of contaminants identified on the site were:
Cadmium 54
Copper 620
Lead 2220
Zinc 2800
Mercury 61
Example objective:
The objectives to be achieved under this site management plan (SMP) are to manage the contamination during
site redevelopment in a manner which protects human health and the environment.
29
3.1 Site use
30
4.3 Site excavations
4.3 Notification
Include details of any version control system to be used for amendments to this draft SMP.
31