Frequently Asked Questions

Contaminated land is land that contains substances such as chemicals, petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, asbestos, PFAS, or other pollutants at concentrations that may pose a risk to human health or the environment.  Contamination may result from historical or recent activities on or adjacent to the land, including industrial operations, waste disposal practices, accidental spills, leaks, or other releases to the environment.

Indicators can include current or former industrial activities, fuel storage, workshops, waste disposal, chemical handling, historical mining, agricultural chemical use, or environmental notices associated with the property.

You may need a contaminated land assessment when purchasing or selling property, planning a development, meeting council or EPA Victoria requirements, obtaining planning approval, or managing environmental risks. A contaminated land consultant can help confirm what level of environmental site assessment is appropriate for your project.

We work with developers, industrial facilities, local councils, government agencies, infrastructure providers, commercial property owners, and legal professionals.

A Preliminary Site Investigation, or PSI, is usually the first step in assessing potential contamination. It involves a desktop review and site inspection to examine historical land use, environmental records, and current site conditions, helping identify whether soil contamination testing, groundwater assessment, or further investigation may be needed.

In Victoria, a Preliminary Risk Screen Assessment (PRSA) is an assessment undertaken by an EPA appointed Environmental Auditor to determine whether a site requires an environmental audit under the Environment Protection Act. In preparing a PRSA, the Auditor may review existing information such as a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI), historical land use information, environmental records and previous site assessments to determine whether further investigation or audit work is required.

A Detailed Site Investigation, or DSI, is the next stage when potential for contamination has been identified. It involves collecting and analysing soil, groundwater, soil vapour, or surface water samples to confirm whether contamination is present, where it is located, and whether remediation or risk management is required.

Project timelines vary depending on site size, complexity, regulatory requirements, and laboratory turnaround times. Simple assessments may take weeks, while larger investigations can take several months.

Not always. Soil contamination testing or groundwater sampling is usually recommended when a PSI identifies potential contamination concerns, when planning requirements call for further evidence, or when site history suggests a risk to future users or the environment.

Costs vary depending on the site size, investigation scope, samples required, contaminants of concern, laboratory analysis, and reporting needs. For a clearer estimate, our environmental site assessment team can review your site details and prepare a tailored proposal.

It is best to engage a contaminated land consultant early, especially before purchasing land, submitting a planning application, changing land use, starting construction, or responding to a council or EPA Victoria request. Early advice can help identify risks, avoid delays, and clarify whether a PSI, DSI, soil and/or groundwater sampling, or remediation planning is required.

A PSI is a preliminary review that looks at site history, records, and visible site conditions to identify possible contamination and assess whether contamination may be present. A PSI may include a site inspection and, in some cases, limited sampling.

A DSI is undertaken where contamination is known or suspected and involves a targeted sampling and analysis program of soil, groundwater, soil vapour, surface water, or other environmental media. The purpose of a DSI is to define the nature, extent, and significance of contamination and provide information to support risk assessment, site management, remediation, or regulatory requirements.

Yes, in many cases. Local councils and planning authorities in Victoria may require a contamination assessment before approving development applications, rezoning proposals, subdivision projects, the removal of environmental audit overlays or changes to a more sensitive land use. Early advice from a contaminated land consultant can help avoid delays during the planning process.

Yes. Environmental contamination can impact property value, development potential, financing, and future liabilities.

In many cases, yes. Contaminated sites can often be developed safely when the risks are properly understood, managed, and approved. This may involve contaminated land remediation, environmental controls, site management measures, or validation reporting to demonstrate the site is suitable for its intended use.

Further investigation may be required to assess risks, determine remediation and/or management requirements, and ensure compliance with regulatory obligations.

Environmental remediation is the process of reducing, removing, containing, or managing contamination so a site can be used safely and meet regulatory requirements. This may include soil remediation, groundwater treatment, capping, containment, or other practical risk-based solutions.

Methods may include excavation and disposal, capping, containment, soil treatment, groundwater treatment, bioremediation, or risk-based management approaches.

We assess the site conditions, contaminant types, proposed land use, project objectives, timeframe, budget, and regulatory requirements before recommending a practical remediation approach. The aim is to provide a solution that protects people and the environment while supporting your development or operational goals.

Remediation timeframes depend on contamination severity, site conditions, chosen remediation techniques, and regulatory requirements.

In some cases, remediation and development activities can be coordinated to reduce project delays and optimise costs.

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are manufactured chemicals that have been widely used in firefighting foams, industrial processes, and consumer products. They are highly persistent in the environment.

Sites associated with airports, defence facilities, firefighting training areas, industrial operations, and some waste facilities may have an elevated risk of PFAS contamination.

Yes. We provide PFAS assessment, sampling, risk evaluation, remediation planning, and regulatory support for sites where PFAS or other emerging contaminants may be a concern.

In Victoria, contaminated land is primarily regulated by the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Environment Protection Regulations 2021, which are overseen by EPA Victoria. These laws focus on preventing and managing risks to human health and the environment. We help clients understand environmental legislation, planning obligations, EPA Victoria requirements, and contaminated land compliance pathways.

Yes. We regularly assist clients with EPA Victoria and council engagement, environmental reporting, approvals, and compliance requirements, helping keep projects moving and reducing regulatory uncertainty.

Reports may include PSI reports, Detailed Site Investigations, Human Health Risk Assessments, Remediation Action Plans, Validation Reports, and Site Audit documentation.

Yes. We can support legal matters, environmental disputes, due diligence investigations, and litigation proceedings where required.

Not necessarily. The level of risk depends on the contaminant type, concentration, exposure pathways, and how the site is used now or in the future. A professional contaminated land risk assessment can help determine whether there is an actual health or environmental concern.

Specialist assessment and management are required to ensure safe handling, removal, and regulatory compliance.

Yes. Certain contaminants can migrate into groundwater and potentially affect nearby properties, ecosystems, or water supplies. Groundwater contamination is commonly associated with landfills, chemical storage, fuel systems, industrial activities, and the handling or disposal of chemicals and wastes.

Our contaminated land consulting team combines technical expertise, Victorian regulatory knowledge, practical remediation experience, and clear communication. We focus on giving clients practical advice, cost-effective solutions, and confidence when managing environmental site assessment, remediation, and compliance requirements.

Typically, we need the site address, project objectives, development plans, any known site history, planning requirements, and any existing environmental reports. If you are unsure what is available, contact our team and we can help identify the information needed to prepare a proposal.

We can usually provide a proposal promptly and commence investigations based on project requirements, site access, laboratory timelines, and consultant availability. If your project is time-sensitive, let us know early so we can advise on the fastest practical pathway.

Yes. We support projects ranging from residential developments and due diligence assessments to major industrial and infrastructure developments.

Contact our team for an initial discussion. We can review your site’s history, identify potential contamination risks, and recommend the most appropriate next steps before you commit to a full investigation.