Comprehensive soil and groundwater assessments to support development planning and regulatory compliance.
Landserv was engaged by a government agency, under the framework of a statutory environmental audit supporting a planning scheme amendment. The objective of the audit was to provide a groundwater assessment to assess the nature and extent of the risk of harm to human health or the environment from potentially contaminated groundwater and if the site is suitable for its proposed sensitive land use.
Initial investigations confirmed that while soil conditions at the site were suitable for residential development, groundwater quality did not meet the required standards due to elevated concentrations of hydrocarbons and metals originating from an upgradient source. Based on the outcomes of a Preliminary Risk Screening Assessment (PRSA), a statutory environmental audit in accordance with the Environment Protection Act 2017 was deemed necessary.
To support the audit process, Landserv prepared a sampling and analysis quality plan for a detailed groundwater investigation program. The objective to characterise the extent of contamination, evaluate risks to human health and the environment, and assess whether any identified risks could be practically and efficiently managed.
Based on the findings of the assessment, EPA Victoria were able to commence investigations to find the source(s) of the groundwater contamination, to prevent lasting impact to the environment and keep the community safe.
Benefits:
- Delivering a clear environmental risk profile to inform environmental audit
- Identifying contamination and recommending appropriate groundwater restrictions and management requirements
- Enabled informed decision making for construction and long term site management
