Risk Assessment or Risk Transfer? QLD EMR Removal

A thought I've been reflecting on recently.

Risk assessment is a well-established tool for improving our understanding of contamination risks.

However, when risk assessment is used to support EMR removal, an interesting question arises:

Who determines what level of residual risk is acceptable?

Is that a matter for the consultant?

The auditor?

The regulator?

Or is it ultimately a policy decision informed by government expectations and community standards?

In situations where no clearly prescribed or regulator-accepted pathway exists, consultants and auditors may find themselves making professional judgements about acceptable risk in support of EMR removal.

Doing so may create professional and regulatory risk that would otherwise remain with the landowner if the land remained on the EMR.

I'm interested in hearing perspectives from consultants, auditors, regulators and landowners.

What role should risk assessment play in EMR removal decisions, and who should determine what level of risk is acceptable?

#ContaminationSimplified #ContaminatedLand #LandContamination #RiskAssessment #EnvironmentalAuditing #Queensland #EMR

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Christian Atkinson is a contaminated land auditor and a suitably qualified person for contaminated land assessment in Queensland with more than 30 years of experience. Any discussion is general and does not consider your specific circumstances. If you are considering acting on any matters discussed, you should seek advice from qualified and experienced professionals.