Meaning of remediation

'Remediation' is given a relatively wide definition in the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Pt IIA (EPA 1990). It may involve a range of actions, including:

1. •

   assessment actions: to assess the condition of contaminated land, controlled waters affected by that land, or any adjoining or adjacent land

2. •

   remedial treatment actions: to remove or disrupt significant contaminant linkages (SCLs)

3. •

   monitoring actions: inspections to monitor the condition of the contaminated land, controlled waters or any adjoining or adjacent land

Essentially, remediation is the action(s) required to remove the risks posed to human health, the environment or controlled waters, and to return the land to a state that is suitable for its current use.

The broad aims of remediation are to:

1. •

   remove identified SCLs or permanently disrupt them so they are no longer significant and risks are reduced below an unacceptable level

2. •

   take reasonable measures to remedy harm or pollution caused by a SCL

Assessment actions

Assessment actions may be required where information on the condition of the land is needed to:

1. •

   characterise