Asbestos land contamination

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of this activity is to analyse existing practice and standards across Australia to identify opportunities for improvement to reduce asbestos exposure risk due to contaminated land.

1.2 Background

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (the agency) was established on 1 July 2013 by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 (Cth). The agency aims to provide a national focus on asbestos issues which goes beyond workplace safety to encompass environmental and public health concerns. It aims to ensure asbestos issues receive the attention and focus needed to drive change across all levels of government. Further information on the agency can be found at http://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/.

The identification and removal of asbestos containing material (ACM) under safe conditions is paramount in reducing the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres and of mitigating the risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease.

The National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Management and Awareness includes a deliverable under the identification strategy to review current practices with the aim of developing a model process to identify asbestos contaminated land working towards outcome 3.3 which is improved identification and management of information regarding asbestos contaminated land.

The issue of asbestos contaminated land has been raised by a number of stakeholders due to the potential impact of unidentified contaminated land on development projects. An example of this is: by the Master Builders association research paper Asbestos contaminated land – reporting obligations of building contractors in 2014. (http://www.masterbuilders.com.au/TemporaryDownloads/10EF2465-B7FA-43CB-BF58-303F91128ECF-asbestos%20contamination%20of%20land.pdf).

1.3 Research Objectives

The aim of this project is to produce an evidence-based report which will analyse existing practice, standards and guidance across Australia in the identification, registration and management of asbestos contaminated land. The project will also identify opportunities to improve identification and management of contaminated land that will reduce asbestos exposure risks.

This may include a variety of approaches to management including:

• approaches to site assessment; sampling and testing

• development of conceptual site models

• development of management plans

• approaches to health and safety on site

• removal, storage, transport and disposal practices

• remediation

• future land use

Consideration will need to be given to relevant legislation, regulations and guidance. These include:

• work health and safety legislation and regulations relevant in the jurisdiction where work takes place

• Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice and other guidance relevant in jurisdictions

• The National Environmental Protection Measures

The research is intended to make recommendations for improvements in the identification and management of information regarding contaminated land, and practices associated with remediation. The final report should present this information with a case study methodology by using examples identified through the research to illustrate good practice.

1.4 Research Methodology

The successful applicant will be required to develop a methodology which may include, but not be limited to:

• undertaking a literature review and other searches to identify suitable projects for the development of case studies and appropriate contact people to interview about the projects. (The agency may be able to provide some assistance in this regard)

• undertaking consultations with commissioning entities, contractors, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders

• reviewing management plans and other documentation relevant to projects

Applicants are invited to propose a methodology or options for a methodology in their application for consideration as part of their proposal. This may include opt-in, opt-out budget items.

Methodology will be further refined at an inception meeting between the successful applicant and the agency following execution of the contract.

It is expected that the successful applicant will review a minimum of 10 land contamination management projects intended for a variety of future usage which have been conducted in Australia in the past 5 years. This will include consultations with key stakeholders involved in the management of asbestos contaminated land.

1.5 Recruitment

Recruitment of appropriate persons to contact for consultation on specific land contamination projects will principally result from projects identified in the literature review. However there will be a need to consult with other key stakeholders such as peak bodies and government.

1.6 Deliverables

The supplier will provide to the agency:

• the final report in draft format by the date specified for comment by the agency staff, and carry out amendments as required

• a high standard final written report with 10 best practice examples illustrating the management of contaminated land projects, including how they represent safe and cost-effective asbestos management solutions. Each example should be no more than 5 pages of text and may additionally include photos of sites to further illustrate the best practice examples

• the report electronically in a format specified by the agency. The report may be published by the agency, at the agency’s discretion. Any published report will acknowledge the supplier’s role

• one or more presentations delivered to agency staff on the methodology and findings, including identification of major issues and results. The presentation, should, if required, take a maximum of two hours and will take place in the agency’s office in Sydney

• a summary of the final report in powerpoint presentation slide format as an electronic file for use by the agency at future forums or conferences

• written or verbal briefings to the agency on the progress of the project as requested.

The draft and final reports must:

• be written in plain English (technical language may be used where necessary)

• use measurement in Australian legal units of measurement

• use Calibri 11 in the body of the report

• use Calibri 18 bold for level 1 headings

• use Calibri 16 for level 2 headings

• use Calibri 12 bold for level 3 headings

• have 6 point spacing before and after in the body of the text

• use multiple line spacing 1.15

Selection Criteria

Applicants will need to demonstrate an understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and guidance in the context of asbestos management in Australia.

Responses will be evaluated against the following selection criteria:

1.Understanding of the issue

2.Research methodology, including recruitment strategy

3.Value for money

4.Ability to complete the project within 6 months from contract execution

5.Evidence of suitability to undertake the research