Handbook

This subject introduces the fundamentals of site remediation and will include topics such as site characterisation, fate and transport of contaminants underground, risk assessment and remediation technologies. Sources of contamination considered in this subject include land contamination as a result of poor environmental management and waste disposal practices, accidental spills in industrial or commercial activities, and land contaminated in the past by activities now known to be dangerous (e.g., chemicals which are now subject to stricter controls). Additionally, topics such as erosion and sediment control and acid sulphate soil will be presented. Remediation technologies such as monitored natural attenuation, containment, biodegradation, permeable reactive barriers, incineration and soil vapour extraction will be presented in detail. Risk assessment and management strategies will be taught with equal importance as contamination remediation and will include - preparation and assessment of development proposals for reconfiguring a polluted lot, prepare a site management plan for a partly remediated contaminated land (stating conditions under which the site can be used to prevent the contamination from causing environmental harm or posing a risk to human health), and sustainable land reuse following site remediation.