This edition of Regulator Roundup includes information about the new National Environment Management Plan, the merging of two certification schemes, EPA Victoria’s new chairperson and the NSW Government’s recent commitment for contaminated land management funding.
Landowners who receive a clean-up notice should review it for both liability and the remedial actions required.
Can a landowner be required to clean up legacy contamination? A recent decision of the Queensland Planning and Environment Court provides essential lessons to demonstrate why this may not always be the case.
Per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are stable chemical compounds with multiple industrial uses, including as components in firefighting foams, nonstick cookware, food packaging, insecticides, and waterproof and fire-resistant fabrics. However, the stability that makes PFAS so useful also prevents them from breaking down readily.
In the past, the assessment and management of groundwater contamination has been driven by contaminant concentrations. However, concentration data alone are sometimes not sufficient to fully understand the behaviour or effect of a plume over time.
CRC CARE is developing a National Remediation Framework (NRF) for remediating and managing contaminated sites. The NRF is designed to harmonise guidance and best practice in the remediation and management of contaminated sites in Australia, and builds on existing best practice and regulation.
In 2012, CRC CARE identified and prioritised contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) for contaminated site assessment, management and remediation.
