National Remediation Framework

The National Remediation Framework (NRF) website can be viewed at: remediationframework.com.au.

This dedicated, easy-to-navigate website offers advice on using the NRF and allows users to download all NRF guidelines free of charge. The website includes a feedback form providing comments on individual NRF documents. It also includes an NRF toolbox, which contains additional crcCARE Technical Reports that may be relevant.

Heads of EPAs endorse National Remediation Framework

In November 2019, the Heads of Environment Protection Authorities Australia and New Zealand (HEPA) endorsed the National Remediation Framework (NRF) as best practice. Regulators in all jurisdictions agreed that the NRF’s guidelines and technology guides provide useful remediation guidance. CRC CARE is currently developing a dedicated NRF website that will include all NRF documents as well as other remediation tools, to be launched in early 2020.

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.

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.

From November 2018 to March 2019, the complete package of documents was made available for the final consultation prior to completing the framework.

National Roadshow – February 2019

In February 2019, CRC CARE conducted a national roadshow on NRF across all eight Australian capital cities to encourage and facilitate end-user input during the public consultation period (November 2018 to 31 March 2019).

Organised in collaboration with State and Territory environmental protection agencies, each Roadshow session included (click on links to download the presentations):

an overview of the NRF – development, structure and content
details of the 24 guidelines in the framework
input by experts and stakeholders during NRF development and future carriage of the NRF
a presentation by a representative of the relevant regulator, outlining the role of their agency in the site contamination matters (the development of the NRF was oversighted by a steering group which included all EPAs)

The roadshow meetings were attended by around 300 people from a range of agencies and organisations involved with contaminated sites (as well as interested members of the broader public), including:

State and Commonwealth government agencies (environment, health, infrastructure, defence and planning)
local governments
consultants, including auditors
construction
health and safety
airports
petroleum and mining industry
law firms
universities.

Participant numbers were highest in the larger cities, and those in the smaller jurisdictions were proportionately high. The engagement during the presentations indicated strong support for the NRF, and there was keen interest to see it finalised and made available.

Feedback

The final consultation period closed on 31 March 2019

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.

Draft documents for consultation