Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:2:p19
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2 (pt 19/21)
Character Range: 91019–94141

the Australian methodology applied to the ecotoxicological data as far as possible to derive equivalent ESLs. However, data limitations did not allow the full use of the EIL derivation methodology and the resulting values are adopted as low reliability ESLs in Table 1B(6). Values were derived using the Canadian data reduction methods, the Australian SSD method and employing the Australian levels of protection for various land uses.

ESLs for the adopted carbon fraction ranges are based on TRH analysis with F1 being obtained after subtraction of BTEX.

    2.6.3          Depth of application
ESLs apply from the surface to 2 m depth below finished surface/ground level, which corresponds to the root zone and habitation zone of many species. In arid regions, where the predominant species may have greater root penetration, specific considerations may result in their application to 3 m depth.

    2.6.4          Soil texture
The ESLs are applicable to coarse and fine textured soils equivalent to coarse-grained soils and fine-grained soils in Table A1 of Standard AS 1726:1993. Conservative Tier 1 values (i.e. values for coarse soils) should be applied where site-specific textural information is not available.

    2.6.5          Fresh and aged contamination
ESLs were derived on the basis of fresh contamination. GC-MS analysis and examination of the gas chromatogram output can assist in differentiating between fresh and aged TPH contamination.

While aged contamination is generally of less human health and environmental concern, sub-surface conditions can preserve some petroleum hydrocarbons for extended periods of time. Consideration should be given to the realistic risk of material being excavated and causing an exposure risk.

2.7              Sediment quality guidelines
Investigation and screening levels developed for soils should not be applied directly to the assessment of sediments.

Interim sediment quality guidelines (ISQG) are available in the Australian and New Zealand guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality  (ANZECC & ARMCANZ 2000) for a number of common metal, metalloid and organometallic contaminants and organics, principally PAHs and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The ISQG have limitations relating to the availability of appropriate ecotoxicology data and the small number of species on which they are based.

Reference to these guidelines, balanced by consideration of their limitations, may have application in the site-specific assessment of sites where contamination may impact aquatic receptors. Guidance on the sampling of sediments can be found in AS/NZS 5667.12:1999 Guidance on sampling of bottom sediments and Simpson et al. (2005).

2.8              Groundwater investigation levels
Site assessment should consider the risks from contaminated groundwater to all potential receptors on and off the site of origin and potential effects on groundwater resources.

The Groundwater investigation levels (GILs) are based on the Australian Water Quality Guidelines 2000 (AWQG), Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2011 (ADWG) and Guidelines for Managing Risk in