(15) Objectives of assessment(15) Objectives of assessment

(15) Objectives of assessment

The purpose of site assessment is to determine whether site contamination poses an actual or potential risk to human health and the environment, either on or off the site, of sufficient magnitude to warrant remediation appropriate to the current or proposed land use. In assessing that risk a balance is to be achieved between: • optimising the current or intended use of the site; and • adequately protecting human health and the environment. The broader objective of assessment is to ensure: • that the people of Australia enjoy the benefit of equivalent protection from air, water and soil pollution wherever they live; • that the environmental values of water are maintained for future generations; • that the capacity of the soil is maintained for future generations; and • that there is consistency of approach between jurisdictions to aid government and business decision making.