The Environment Protection Act 2017 (the Act) aims to ensure that risks to human health and the environment from contaminated land are minimised so far as reasonably practicable.

Section 39(2) of the Act outlines the duty to manage contaminated land. This requires you to take reasonably practicable measures to minimise risks of harm to:

• human health 
• the environment. 

The duty to manage applies to the person in management or control of:

• contaminated land
• of land that is potentially contaminated. 

Contaminated land includes groundwater.

This guideline is for environmental professionals. It is also for duty holders with knowledge of environmental performance and contaminated land.

This guideline sets out reasonably practicable steps to comply. It may help you to decide on what actions are appropriate to your circumstances. It includes principles to apply when approaching your duties and exercising your judgement.

It also includes links to other contaminated land information published by 

• EPA 
• other bodies.

This information will assist you to identify, assess and manage risks from contamination.