Contamination Assessments for Development Applications and Land Use Change

Past and present land use across the Central Coast has led to contamination of soil and groundwater, posing risks to human health, environmental safety, and future development. At Confluence Environmental, we provide expert environmental site assessments (ESAs) throughout the Central Coast to support development applications (DAs), land rezoning, CDC/CC applications, and due diligence assessments.

Whether you're preparing to build on land previously used for agriculture, industry, storage, or commercial activity — or you're seeking approval for a change in land use — we can help you identify contamination risks, meet your regulatory obligations, and move forward with confidence.

Our Environmental Consultants in the Central Coast

Our experienced environmental consultants are based on the Central Coast and understand the specific planning and environmental requirements of Central Coast Council and NSW EPA. We help architects, town planners, certifiers, developers, and site owners comply with environmental legislation and fast-track their projects.

We deliver all stages of environmental site assessment, including:

• Stage 1 Preliminary Site Investigations (PSI)

• Stage 2 Detailed Site Investigations (DSI)

• Remediation Action Plans (RAPs)

• Site Validation Reporting

• Pre-purchase and due diligence contamination assessments

All soil and water samples are analysed at NATA-accredited laboratories to ensure reliable, defensible results. For added assurance, we offer the option to have your reports prepared or reviewed by a Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP).

Stage 1 – Preliminary Site Investigations in the Central Coast

A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) is typically the first step in assessing whether a site may be affected by historical contamination. Stage 1 ESAs are commonly required by Central Coast Council when lodging a development application, applying for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), or submitting a Planning Proposal.

As part of our PSI process in the Central Coast, we:

• Review historical and current land uses

• Examine aerial imagery, council archives, and environmental records

• Conduct a site walkover inspection to identify physical signs of contamination

• Screen potential risks based on proposed land use (e.g. residential, commercial, childcare, etc.)

• Provide a clear, council-ready report with recommendations for further investigation (if needed)

We regularly conduct Stage 1 ESAs in Gosford, Wyong, Tuggerah, Woy Woy, Terrigal, Umina Beach, and surrounding Central Coast suburbs.

Stage 2 – Detailed Site Investigations in the Central Coast

A Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) is conducted when a PSI indicates the potential for site contamination or when contamination is already suspected. Our DSI process involves the collection of soil, groundwater, and sometimes vapour samples to assess the extent and severity of contamination.

Our environmental consultants carry out DSIs on the Central Coast using:

• NATA-accredited sampling and laboratory analysis

• Risk-based interpretation aligned with NEPM and EPA guidelines

• Development of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM)

• Human health and ecological risk screening

A Stage 2 ESA is often required when redeveloping former industrial, fuel storage, or agricultural properties, or where contaminants of concern such as asbestos, hydrocarbons, or heavy metals may be present.

Remediation Action Plans in the Central Coast

When contamination is confirmed, the site may require a Remediation Action Plan (RAP) before development can proceed. A RAP outlines the remediation objectives, methods, and validation requirements necessary to make the site suitable for its proposed use.

We develop RAPs for a wide range of Central Coast projects including:

• Residential subdivisions

• Commercial redevelopments

• Childcare and education facilities

• Infrastructure and public works

Our remediation services may include soil removal, capping, on-site treatment, off-site disposal of hazardous materials, and contractor management. We tailor each RAP to balance compliance, cost-effectiveness, and site-specific conditions.

Site Validation Reporting

Once remediation is complete, a Site Validation Report is required to confirm that the site no longer poses a risk to human health or the environment. Our consultants provide thorough validation sampling and reporting to meet Central Coast Council requirements.

Validation reports include:

• Post-remediation sampling

• Compliance assessment against guideline values

• Documentation of remediation methods

• Clear conclusion on site suitability for the intended land use

Site validation is essential for closing out DA conditions or receiving a Subdivision Certificate.

Due Diligence Environmental Assessments

If you’re planning to buy, sell, lease, or redevelop land on the Central Coast, a due diligence assessment can protect you from legal and financial exposure. Our team performs pre-purchase ESAs for developers and investors seeking to understand historical land use, contamination risks, remediation costs, and future liability.

Our due diligence reports are clear, defensible, and tailored to suit your budget and risk profile.Why Choose Confluence Environmental?

✔ Locally based on the Central Coast — fast response and local insight

✔ Work accepted by Central Coast Council and NSW EPA

✔ Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP)–led reports available

✔ End-to-end support: PSI → DSI → RAP → Validation

✔ Trusted by planners, architects, and developers

✔ Transparent pricing, quick turnarounds, and expert advice

Who We Work With

We regularly work with:

• Town planners and DA consultants

• Architects and building designers

• Developers and landowners

• Real estate advisors and conveyancers

• Environmental lawyers and compliance officers

Whether you're building a duplex, subdividing a large parcel, or converting commercial land to residential, we’ll support your goals with the right technical insight and reporting.

Recent Central Coast Projects

• Stage 1 and 2 ESA for a childcare centre redevelopment in Woy Woy

• Validation of an old fuel depot in Long Jetty prior to residential rezoning

• RAP development and implementation for a mixed-use site in Gosford CBD