Site contamination assessment services
Structured contamination investigation that tells you whether a site is fit for its intended use.
A site contamination assessment establishes whether land is affected by contamination and whether it is suitable for a proposed use. It works through a staged process — a preliminary (Phase 1) investigation based on history and site inspection, followed where warranted by a detailed (Phase 2) investigation involving sampling and analysis. Environmental Specialists Australia delivers these assessments for property transactions, development approvals, and due diligence, giving clients a clear read on contamination risk before it becomes a liability.
The strength of a site contamination assessment lies in its logic: history first, then targeted investigation, then conclusions tied to the intended land use. In Australia the process is guided by the National Environment Protection Measure for site contamination and state contaminated land laws, and regulators and auditors expect that logic to be visible in the reporting. Our consultants build assessments that follow this framework, so the findings are defensible and the recommendations — whether that is no further action, further investigation, or remediation — are properly supported.
When is this service required?
- Property acquisition or divestment where contamination could affect value or liability
- Development applications on land with a potentially contaminating history
- Change of land use to a more sensitive category, such as residential or childcare
- Lending or investment due diligence requiring contamination risk information
- Sites near former service stations, industry, or waste-handling operations
Our process
- Phase 1 investigation: Review of site history, aerial photography, records, and a site walkover to identify potential contamination sources.
- Conceptual site model: Development of a conceptual site model linking possible sources, pathways, and receptors relevant to the intended use.
- Phase 2 investigation: Where warranted, a sampling and analysis program to confirm the presence, type, and extent of contamination.
- Assessment against criteria: Comparison of results with the criteria applicable to the proposed land use.
- Reporting and recommendations: Clear reporting of findings with defensible recommendations on suitability and any further work.
What we deliver
- Phase 1 preliminary site investigation reports
- Conceptual site models
- Phase 2 detailed site investigation reports
- Sampling and analysis programs
- Assessment of results against land-use criteria
- Recommendations on site suitability and further action
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a Phase 1 and Phase 2 assessment?
- A Phase 1 assessment is a desktop and inspection study that identifies whether contamination is plausible based on site history. A Phase 2 assessment involves physical sampling and analysis to confirm and characterise any contamination. Phase 2 is only carried out where Phase 1 identifies a genuine risk.
- Do I always need a Phase 2 investigation?
- No. Many sites with a low-risk history conclude at Phase 1 with a recommendation of no further action. Phase 2 is triggered only when the history, inspection, or conceptual site model identifies potential sources that need to be confirmed or ruled out through sampling.
- How much does a site contamination assessment cost?
- A Phase 1 assessment is a modest fixed fee driven mainly by research effort. Phase 2 costs depend on site size and the number of samples and analytes required. We provide a scoped fee for Phase 1 up front and a separate Phase 2 estimate only if the findings justify it.
- Will the assessment satisfy the council or an auditor?
- We structure assessments to follow the national assessment framework and state contaminated land requirements, which is what councils and site auditors expect to see. Clear methodology, a sound conceptual site model, and defensible conclusions are what make a report acceptable to reviewers.