Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:4:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 2/6)
Character Range: 1177533–1181974

summary of the types of data and other information needed for each component of a Preliminary ERA is set out in Table 2.

Table 2. Information that may be collected for each component of a Preliminary ERA
ERA component                                                                                                          Indicative requirements for a Preliminary ERA
Problem identification                                                                                                 Clear objectives
                                                                                                                       Site history
                                                                                                                       Extent and degree of on-site soil contamination and development of a CSM
                                                                                                                       Appropriate EILs
                                                                                                                       Identification of stakeholders and implementation of communication strategies
Receptor identification                                                                                                Identification of information required to set the most appropriate EILs
                                                                                                                       The components of the ecosystem that constitute the  ecological value of the site, including threatened and endangered species
Exposure assessment                                                                                                    Exposure pathways used to calculate the most appropriate EILs
                                                                                                                       Exposure pathways relevant to the site
Risk characterisation                                                                                                  On-site soil concentrations of contaminants of concern,
                                                                                                                       The most appropriate EILs
Toxicity assessment                                                                                                    Justification in the Preliminary ERA report for why a Definitive ERA, including toxicity assessment, is required.
An assessment of the appropriateness of the requirements for each component should be part of an uncertainty analysis

4.1              Problem identification
The Preliminary ERA begins with problem identification to assist in the development of a CSM that summarises all that is known about the site. Where there is potential for off-site migration of contamination from a contaminated site to surrounding areas or groundwater, this should be identified and included in the site model. The model is then used to establish the objectives of the Preliminary ERA that are to be addressed. Once the objectives have been identified, the data and other information requirements of the ERA are determined. Problem identification is critical to ensure that the degree of assessment is appropriate for the problem. If there is the potential for off-site migration of contamination, a qualitative evaluation of the risk this poses should form part of the Preliminary ERA.

Depending on the data quality objectives (DQOs), in some cases the extent and degree of site contamination and the contaminants present at a site will already have been established by the existence of a soil contamination assessment. Where an ERA has been initiated in the absence of on-site soil contamination data, a soil contamination assessment should be undertaken.

This assessment should include information such as site history, site conditions, proposed land use and relevant environmental policies or regulations that may affect the site or actions to be taken. Sampling and analysis of contaminated soil should be undertaken in accordance with guidance contained in Schedule B2 and Schedule B3.
The preceding work identifies both the extent and degree of on-site contamination and the contaminants of concern. At this point in the ERA framework, contaminants of concern are those chemicals that have concentrations above the background concentrations or those that may have