The aim of remediation or clean
up should be to restore the groundwater to a 'beneficial use'.
This approach is consistent with the South Australian Environment
Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003.
Where restoration of groundwater to a realistic beneficial use
is not practicable, a CUTEP approach may be submitted by an auditor
to the EPA. The CUTEP submission must be prepared in accordance
with 'The
clean up and management of polluted groundwater' publication
(Vic EPA, publication 840).
The process for developing a CUTEP submission is detailed as
follows:
- if appropriate, attempt to clean up groundwater and remove
the source of the contamination, if possible
- the consultant then provides the auditor with CUTEP submission
in accordance with 'The
clean up and management of polluted groundwater' (Vic EPA
publication 840) for review
- if the auditor is satisfied with the CUTEP submission, the
auditor is then required to inform the EPA that the CUTEP submission
will, in the auditor's opinion, achieve the recommended outcomes
- where applicable, the auditor will issue a site audit report
in line with the current process,
with the inclusion of the CUTEP submission and any ongoing requirements
for the management or monitoring of groundwater. If not applicable,
the auditor must submit the CUTEP proposal and the auditor's
opinion to the EPA.
The EPA has recently received CUTEP proposals from auditors for
sites that are being audited seeking the EPA's endorsement. The
EPA is prepared to provide guidance on CUTEP submissions prior
to the site contamination amendments to the Act becoming operational
but will not determine the practicability of the clean up and
ongoing management measures necessary, this responsibility will
remain with the auditor.
The CUTEP submission must be based on current South Australian
legislative requirements and EPA policy.
The person responsible for the contamination should be made aware
that the CUTEP submission may require review in the event that
there is evidence of increasing environmental harm from the contamination,
or a legislative or policy shift.
