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Remediation is the treatment, containment, removal or management
of chemical substances or wastes so that they no longer represent
actual or potential risk to human health or the environment taking
into account the current or intended use of the site.
The majority of remediation methods involve activities on the
site, even though the treatment and disposal of materials may
occur elsewhere. Remediation may also involve activities which
occur off-site. Several methods may be used on a site, particularly
where remediation of contaminated groundwater is necessary.
Poorly managed remediation may result in adverse impacts on human
health, property and the environment. Methods and processes used
in remediation, which can range from relatively straightforward
earthmoving operations to complex technological treatment processes,
may also result in adverse impacts to the environment and adjoining
land occupiers, if not properly managed.
Guidance on remediation
The EPA has published Guidelines
for Environmental management of on-site remediation (249KB
PDF) that explain the expectations of the EPA for those
who undertake remediation. The guidelines describe in detail the
environmental aspects that must be considered, and planned for,
before starting a remediation project. It is anticipated that
careful planning prior to remediation will result in the control
of both predictable and preventable environmental impacts.
Consulting neighbours is critical
A significant issue in remediation projects, particularly remediation
that occurs on large areas of land or over an extended time period,
is the potential impact this may have on adjoining and adjacent
land uses. This becomes a critical issue where these are sensitive
land uses (such as residential uses).
The EPA expects that such remediation projects will include well
designed and implemented communication and community consultation
programs. Where there is potential for adjacent land uses to be
affected by the remediation project, (for example by dust, noise
or potential damage to property) it is necessary to ensure that
the local community is informed of the nature and extent of the
remediation prior to the commencement of the remediation
as well as during the remediation. They must also be made aware
of any issues of potential concern and measures put in place to
address them.
Certain types of remediation may also require Development Approval
and an authorisation (or licence) from the EPA. Contact the EPA
Site Contamination Branch on 8204 2004 for further information.
This page was last modified 16-12-2008
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