Establishing baseline groundwater quality

The EPA has prepared a draft guideline for Establishing baseline groundwater quality as part of the series Guidelines for groundwater quality monitoring of regulated activities. This is the 3rd guideline in the series, but the first to be drafted for consultation, as it is considered to offer the most immediate opportunity to improve the efficacy for groundwater monitoring of regulated activities.

The draft guideline outlines the key steps to establish a baseline groundwater quality data set, which is an important requirement to enable the early identification of new groundwater pollution as a result of a regulated activity.

Once published, the guideline will be applicable to all new and existing regulated activities that are required to undertake groundwater quality monitoring.

It is important to note that the EPA does not expect immediate implementation of the guideline, particularly for existing regulated activities. Rather, it is anticipated that a baseline groundwater quality data set will be established for applicable regulated activities within the next 5 years, through the drafting (or updating) of a groundwater monitoring and management plan in consultation with the EPA.

Please click here to download the draft guideline. To provide your feedback, including specific implications for you, your business, or your sector, please:

• Phone: (08) 8124 4216
• Email
• Complete an online submission form

An online information session will be held from 10–11 am on 7 February 2024 for you to learn more about the guideline and speak with us. To register please phone or email us using the details above. If this time is not suitable please contact us to make alternate arrangements.

The consultation is open from 7 December 2023 until 19 February 2024.