CRC CARE Workshop: Establishing Remediation Objectives, Performing Cost-Benefit and Sustainability Analysis for Remedial Options

This full-day workshop is based around two of the guidelines within the National Remediation Framework:

• Guideline on establishing remediation objectives; and
• Guideline on performing cost-benefit and sustainability analysis of remediation options.

The 'establishing remediation objectives' component will provide an understanding of the topic including how to set up objectives to have a roadmap towards site closure.

The 'cost-benefit and sustainability analysis' (CB&SA) component will provide attendees with an understanding of the CB&SA process, practical applications for the technique, and the use of the accompanying Excel tool. This part of the workshop will focus on practical exercises and real-world examples to provide the skills to implement technique in the workplace. By completion, attendees will feel confident in their understanding of the technique, know when and how to apply it, be confident using the tool, and be able to interpret the results or review the work of others.

To maximise the learning potential of the group, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in group exercises and share their knowledge and experience.

Workshop topics will include:

Establishing remediation objectives

• Introduction – triggers for remediation, what are remediation objectives, underlying principles, interlinkages with NEPM
• 5 key steps – how to develop and/or revise remediation objectives

Cost-benefit and sustainability analysis

• Introduction – What is CB&SA, what guidance is available, what does the terminology mean, and when should it be conducted.
• The 8-step process – Detail of each step, and how to modify the process for any site size or budget.
• Data collection – What to collect and why, the level of detail required, and when more data is valuable.
• Conducting weighting – How to choose indicators, and how to run a weighting session at different levels of complexity.
• Using the Tool – Data entry, graphs, results tables, and troubleshooting.
• Interpreting the results – What does it all mean, and communicating key outcomes to stakeholders.
• Regulators – What to look for, what to provide.

Who should attend?

The workshop is aimed at people who have no experience conducting CB&SA or other economic analyses, but it is assumed that attendees will have mid-level knowledge of the contaminated sites industry. The content will be of interest to regulators, industry professionals and consultants who are required to perform, review and interpret CB&SAs.

The workshop includes a strong practical component and attendees are required to bring a laptop computer (and charger) to fully participate.