Original Measure (NEPM 1999)
The National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999 (NEPM 1999) provides a framework and guidelines for assessing and managing site contamination across Australia. It includes various schedules that cover different aspects of site contamination assessment and management.
Schedule B1
Schedule B1 of the NEPM 1999 provides soil, soil vapour, and groundwater investigation levels guidelines. It outlines the criteria and methodologies for assessing site contamination to protect human health and the environment.
NEPM 2013 Update
• NEPM 2013 represents an updated version of Schedule B1 from the original 1999 measure. This update incorporates new scientific knowledge, methodologies, and regulatory practices that have evolved since 1999.
• The updated Schedule B1 includes revised investigation levels, updated methodologies for deriving these levels, and new guidelines for assessing specific contaminants. It provides more detailed guidance on applying these investigation levels in various environmental settings and land use scenarios.
Purpose of the NEPM 2013 Update
• The purpose of the NEPM 2013 update is to ensure that the guidelines and investigation levels remain relevant and effective in protecting human health and the environment. It reflects advancements in scientific understanding, changes in environmental standards, and practical experiences gained from applying the original NEPM 1999.
NEPM 2013 is an updated version of Schedule B1 from the original National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999, incorporating new data, methodologies, and regulatory practices to improve the assessment and management of site contamination.
Purpose and Framework: National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) 1999
The guideline outlines the investigation levels for soil, soil vapour, and groundwater to assess site contamination. It is part of the National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) 1999, which aims to evaluate risks to human health and the environment and inform remediation and management plans. The document replaces the original Schedule B1 and integrates a policy framework with a flowchart for site contamination assessment.
Key Components:
Investigation Levels
• Health Investigation Levels (HILs): These assess chronic exposure risks in different land use settings (residential, public open space, commercial/industrial).
• Ecological Investigation Levels (EILs): Derived for common soil contaminants based on species sensitivity and soil characteristics.
• Groundwater Investigation Levels (GILs): Based on Australian water quality guidelines, used to assess risks from contaminated groundwater.
Special Assessments
• Required for sites with specific contaminants like radioactive substances, unexploded ordnance, and pathogenic materials.
• Acute hazards such as explosion risks are addressed immediately and are outside the scope of this document.
Petroleum Hydrocarbons
• Health Screening Levels (HSLs) for petroleum hydrocarbons address inhalation and direct contact risks.
• Management limits for petroleum compounds consider risks like LNAPL formation and fire hazards.
Application Process
• Tier 1 assessment involves comparing site data with generic investigation levels to screen for potential risks.
• If investigation levels are exceeded, further site-specific risk assessments (Tier 2 or Tier 3) are conducted.
Asbestos in Soil
• The guideline includes specific considerations for assessing asbestos contamination in soil, with defined health screening levels and procedures for handling exceedances.
Methodologies
• Derivation of Investigation Levels: Based on toxicity reference values and species sensitivity distributions.
• Screening Levels: These are conservative and intended for initial risk screening. They are not cleanup criteria but triggers for further investigation.
• Ecological Risk Assessment: This method uses soil-specific parameters like pH, clay content, and cation exchange capacity to determine EILs for metals and organic contaminants.
Considerations
• Land Use: Different investigation levels apply based on residential, public open space, and commercial/industrial land use.
• Soil Properties: Investigation levels consider soil texture and organic carbon content.
• Fresh vs. Aged Contamination: Different risk profiles and investigation approaches for recently contaminated vs. aged sites.
Additional Guidance
• Conceptual Site Model (CSM): Essential for informing the selection of appropriate investigation and screening criteria.
• Preventive Measures: While the document does not guide contamination prevention, it emphasizes compliance with environmental protection legislation to minimize emissions and contamination.
The NEPM 1999 Schedule B1 guideline provides a comprehensive framework for assessing site contamination through defined investigation levels for various contaminants and land use scenarios. It emphasizes the importance of site-specific assessments and the iterative development of a conceptual site model to ensure accurate risk evaluation and effective site management.
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