Hi gang,

We have noticed that samples with a depth of 2m with exceedences are not being highlighted when put against NEPM 2013 EIL/ESLs. The guidelines do not specify if it's less than or equal to, but I believe this sample should be counted? In which case we would need to increase the Conditional_Depth_To to a value slightly larger than current values (ie 2.00000001 or something?)

In investigating this, I have also read in Schedule B1that the ESLs should be based on the top 3m of soil, whereas the download available from EScIS is from 0-2m. Could you please double-check this and advise?

Thanks.

Hi Nick,

Yes that's correct - the upper bound is not highlighting the exceedance when the sample depth matches the bound value.

For the Env Stds, page 4 (section 2.1.1) has the following:

2.1.1 Definitions

In this Schedule, the principal terms used are investigation levels and screening levels. Further explanations (and qualifications to their use) are provided in other Schedules to this Measure. Investigation levels and screening levels are applicable to the first stage of site assessment.

Ecological investigation levels (EILs) depend on specific soil physicochemical properties and land use scenarios and generally apply to the top 2m of soil.

Ecological screening levels (ESLs) for petroleum hydrocarbon materials broadly apply to coarse and fine grained soils and various land uses. They are applicable to the top 3m of soil.