Remediation Action Plan
Summary
A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) is a site-specific document that sets out how contamination at a site will be managed or remediated to make the land suitable for its intended use. A RAP defines remediation objectives, methods and controls and provides a clear framework for implementation and verification.
RAPs are commonly required where a Detailed Site Investigation has identified contamination that requires remediation or management to support development, regulatory approval or site reuse.
Definition
A Remediation Action Plan is a technical planning document that outlines the strategy for addressing identified contamination at a site. It specifies remediation goals, proposed remediation techniques, environmental and safety controls, and the criteria that will be used to confirm successful remediation.
A RAP is typically informed by the findings of a Detailed Site Investigation and is aligned with regulatory and planning requirements.
Why Remediation Action Plans Matter
From a regulatory perspective, a RAP provides assurance that contamination will be addressed in a structured and defensible manner. Councils, regulators and auditors rely on RAPs to understand how risks will be managed and whether the proposed approach is suitable for the intended land use.
From a project delivery perspective, a RAP provides clarity on remediation scope, methodology and sequencing. It helps avoid uncertainty during construction or remediation works and reduces the risk of unplanned changes, delays or cost escalation.
RAPs also support long-term site management by clearly documenting any ongoing controls, monitoring or land-use restrictions required following remediation.
When a Remediation Action Plan Is Typically Required
A Remediation Action Plan is commonly required where:
A Detailed Site Investigation identifies contamination requiring remediation
Development or rezoning is proposed on contaminated land
Regulatory authorities require a documented remediation strategy
A Clean-Up Notice or approval condition mandates remediation planning
RAPs are often reviewed and approved prior to remediation works commencing.
Typical Components of a RAP
While scope varies depending on site conditions and regulatory expectations, a RAP commonly includes:
Remediation objectives and performance criteria
Summary of contamination and risk assessment findings
Description of proposed remediation methods
Environmental, health and safety controls
Waste classification and material handling procedures
Validation and monitoring requirements
Contingency measures and reporting obligations
The RAP provides a practical roadmap for remediation works.
Legislative and Regulatory Context
Remediation Action Plans are prepared within the framework of environmental protection legislation, planning approvals and contaminated land guidelines.
In New South Wales, RAPs are commonly required to support development applications and remediation approvals and may be reviewed by councils, the EPA or site auditors. Similar regulatory expectations apply in other Australian jurisdictions.
Regulators expect RAPs to be technically robust, site-specific and clearly linked to investigation findings.
How We Can Help
Confluence Environmental prepares Remediation Action Plans as part of contaminated land and remediation projects.
Our services typically include:
Development of site-specific RAPs aligned with investigation findings
Selection and justification of appropriate remediation strategies
Integration of RAP requirements with construction and site management plans
Liaison with regulators and stakeholders
Support during remediation implementation and validation
We focus on RAPs that are clear, defensible and practical to implement.
Related Terms and Concepts
Contaminated Land
Detailed Site Investigation
Site Validation
Environmental Site Assessment
Waste Classification
Encapsulation Cell Design & Construction
EPA Clean-Up Notice