An Australian Regulator’s Perspective on the Cleanup of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Groundwater

摘要

Key elements of the Victorian regulatory process relating to the risk-based decision-making framework for determining whether cleanup to the extent practicable (CUTEP) has been achieved are discussed in this paper and a site-specific example is provided, where groundwater was polluted with chlorinated hydrocarbons. The regulation of groundwater pollution in the state of Victoria, Australia, is administered through the Environment Protection Act 1970 and State Environment Protection Policies (SEPPs). The SEPP (Groundwaters of Victoria) 1997 (SEPP GoV) sets policy goals and principles relating to the protection of existing and potential beneficial uses of groundwater. Segments of the groundwater environment are defined, based on background levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) which identify the protected beneficial uses of each of the segments. SEPP GoV also outlines the responsibilities of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and details requirements for the prevention and cleanup of polluted groundwater and non-aqueous phase liquid, the identification of groundwater quality restricted use zones (GQRUZs) and the ability for the EPA to determine that cleanup to CUTEP has been achieved. Victoria has an environmental auditing system whereby environmental assessors’ and remediation consultants’ work is required to be independently reviewed by experienced professionals (environmental auditors).