National Remediation Framework

National Framework for Remediation and Management of Contaminated Sites in Australia

CRC CARE is developing a National Remediation Framework (NRF) to provide practical guidance to practitioners and regulators.

Skip to NRF public consultation: Provide feedback on draft guidance documents or National Roadshow – February 2019.

The Framework will:

• complement the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure
• harmonise guidance and best practice in the remediation and management of contaminated sites in Australia
• be congruent with the harmonisation objectives of the former COAG Standing Council on Environment and Water
• not be legally binding
• not impinge on the policy and decision-making prerogatives of the states and territories
• adopt a modular approach so that it may be readily updated as circumstances require.

Background

Strategic guidance and oversight for the development of the framework is provided through the National Remediation Framework Steering Group, which includes representatives of State and Territory environmental agencies, as well as industry and other parties.

In developing the framework CRC CARE focussed on developing harmonised guidance for the practicalities of cleaning up contaminated sites as well as regulatory practice, building upon good practice in the profession. The development and use of the national framework for remediation has strong support from contaminated sites assessors and remediation practitioners, and will be a significant boon to the site contamination industry and community in Australia.

Final consultation

The NRF comprises a series of documents that were developed and released in stages over the last 5 years, inviting comment and feedback.

As of November 2018, we have finished collecting feedback on draft documents and have prepared the complete package for consultation. The consultation period will include a national roadshow in February (see below).

This will be the final consultation prior to completing the framework.

National roadshow – February 2019

The NRF National Roadshow will take place in February 2019 in all State and Territory capital cities (dates and times below). Sessions will include presentations on the NRF followed by a Q&A session. Registration is free.

NRF Roadshow schedule (click on city names to register):

How to submit feedback

Click on the below links to download any NRF documents for which you would like to provide feedback. 

To submit feedback, please download and complete the NRF final consultation submission form.  You are welcome to provide submissions for as many or as few documents as you wish.

Viewing comments from earlier rounds of consultation: If you would like to view previously submitted comments, please email a request to Dr Joytishna Jit, Research Fellow, CRC CARE Best Practice Policy Program, at joytishna.jit@crccare.com. 

The deadline, after which no submissions will be accepted, is 31 March 2019.

 Documents for consultation

• Introduction to the National Remediation Framework.

A. Development of remediation action plan

• A1 Guideline on regulatory considerations
• A2 Guideline on establishing remediation objectives
• A3 Guideline on performing remediation options assessment
• A4 Technology guides (soil) 

1. Containment
2. Chemical immobilisation and solidification
3. Bioremediation
4. Soil Washing
5. Thermal desorption
6. Excavation
7. Soil vapour remediation

• A4 Technology guides (groundwater)

1. In-situ air sparging
2. In-situ chemical oxidation
3. Monitored natural attenuation
4. Barrier systems
5. Pump and treat
6. Skimming

• A5.1 Guideline on performing cost-benefit and sustainability analysis of remediation options
• A5.2 Cost-Benefit and Sustainability Analysis Tool (macro-enabled MS Excel file)

B. Implementation of remediation action plan

• B1 Guideline on health and safety
• B2 Guideline on stakeholder engagement
• B3 Guideline on documentation record keeping and reporting

C. Post-remediation considerations

• C1 Guideline for validation and closure
• C2 Guideline on implementing long-term monitoring
• C3 Guideline for Role of Auditing
• C4 Guideline for Institutional Controls

Please use the NRF final consultation submission form to submit feedback.

For more information:

• Contact Ms Kerry Scott, Project Manager, CRC CARE Best Practice Policy Program, at kerry.scott@crccare.com.