Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:3:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 4/8)
Character Range: 105721–108743

* Consumption of groundwater – GILs – Section 2.8 and Schedule B6
    * HILs – Benzo(a)pyrene, total PAH and lead – Section 2.2 and Schedule B7
    * Aesthetics – Section 3.6
    * 'Management limits' – Section 2.9.
Ecological concerns
    * ESLs – terrestrial ecosystems – Section 2.6
    * AQWG – aquatic ecosystems - Section 2.8 and Schedule B6
    * EILs – terrestrial ecosystems - lead – Section 2.5.

The application of these screening levels is illustrated by the case studies included in Section 5.
In many cases, sites assessed for petroleum hydrocarbon contamination are driven initially by human health concerns regarding volatile components (F1 and F2). In circumstances where the HSLs are modified by biodegradation factors or where the more volatile fractions are absent, then ecological considerations may become the predominant concern, particularly for the longer chain fractions (F3 and F4).

There are many HSLs that are denoted as non limiting or NL (refer Section 2.4.2, footnotes to HSL Tables and Friebel & Nadebaum (2011a)) and high levels of petroleum hydrocarbons, including observable LNAPL, may be present at the site without presenting a risk via the vapour inhalation pathway.  The presence of observable and mobile LNAPL in test pits and bores will require careful consideration of health, environmental, fire and explosive risks and aesthetic concerns.  This presentation of LNAPL may lead to active management depending on the current or proposed site use and the extent of the LNAPL. An immediate response may be required where there is penetration of in-ground services or detectable odours in building interiors.  Dispersed droplets of LNAPL that are relatively immobile (e.g. in a clay-rich soil) that are assessed as low risk may not require active management.

Figure 1: Flowchart for Tier 1 human and ecological risk assessment of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination—Application of HSLs and ESLs and consideration of management limits

Notes
   1. The CSM should inform the selection and application of human health and ecological screening levels and management limits. Relevant HSLs, GILs, HILs and EILs (e.g. PAHs and lead) should be considered for sites affected by petroleum hydrocarbons.
   2. The limitations of the screening levels and investigation levels should be considered on a site-specific basis.
   3. Petroleum hydrocarbon 'management limits' are used to consider the potential effects of LNAPL-related hazards. Refer to Section 2.9 for more information on depth of application. Jurisdictions may have policies applicable to the presence of LNAPL.
   4. The potential for groundwater contamination and impacts on receptors including groundwater resources should be considered and assessed as appropriate in accordance with Schedule B6 and jurisdictional policies for the protection of groundwater resources.

3.4              Considerations for ecological assessment

    3.4.1          General
Schedule A provides an overview of the site assessment process and the