3Definitions

3 Definitions

This clause defines particular words and expressions used in this Measure. Definitions of other terms that are used in particular guidelines in Schedule B are set out in the relevant guidelines. In the context of this Measure the use of the word “should” does not imply obligation, but rather provides for general guidelines for the assessment of site contamination. In this Measure, unless the contrary intention appears:

Agency means a body or bodies of a participating State or a participating Territory which that State or Territory has nominated for the purposes of this Measure.

Assessment of site contamination means a set of formal methods for determining the nature, extent and levels of existing contamination and the actual or potential risk to human health or the environment on or off-site resulting from that contamination.

Background concentrations means the naturally occurring, ambient concentrations of substances in the local area of a site.

Chemical substance means any organic or inorganic substance, whether liquid, solid or gaseous.

Commonwealth Act means the National Environment Protection Council Act 1994 of the Commonwealth.

Contamination means the condition of land or water where any chemical substance or waste has been added as a direct or indirect result of human activity at above background level and represents, or potentially represents, an adverse health or environmental impact.

Ecological Risk Assessment is a set of formal, scientific methods for defining and estimating the probabilities and magnitudes of adverse impacts on plants, animals and/or the ecology of a specified area posed by a particular stressor(s) and frequency of exposure to the stressor(s). (Stressors include release of chemicals, other human actions and natural catastrophes).

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease in human populations.

Health Risk Assessment is the process of estimating the potential impact of a chemical, biological or physical agent on a specified human population system under a specific set of conditions.

Health Risk Management is the process of evaluating and implementing appropriate options to address risks identified from health risk assessments. The decision making will incorporate scientific, social, economic and political information. The process requires value judgements eg. on the tolerability and reasonableness of costs.