Why Asbestos in Soil Is a Serious Concern

Asbestos can enter soil through:

• Demolition or poor disposal of buildings containing asbestos

• Use of contaminated fill or topsoil

• Buried asbestos cement sheeting (fibro) or pipes

• Past illegal dumping or fire-damaged sites

• Contaminated backyards, driveways, or rural properties

When soil is disturbed, fibres can become airborne, posing a serious inhalation risk to workers and nearby residents. NSW regulations classify asbestos in soil as a contaminated land issue, requiring expert assessment and management under:

• The NSW Work Health & Safety Regulation 2017

• The NSW Contaminated Land Management Act 1997

• The National Environmental Protection Measure (NEPM 2013)

Our Services – Asbestos in Soil Management Made Simple

1. Soil Assessment & Sampling

We conduct targeted asbestos-in-soil assessments in accordance with the NEPM and NSW EPA guidelines. This includes:

• Preliminary Site Investigations (PSI) or Detailed Site Investigations (DSI)

• Soil sampling and screening for bonded and friable asbestos

• NATA-accredited laboratory analysis using polarised light microscopy (PLM) or SEM (if required)

• Field inspections to identify visible fragments, debris, or buried asbestos

We identify both Actual Contamination and Potential Contamination to determine risk and response needs.

2. Remediation Planning & Contractor Oversight

If asbestos contamination is confirmed, we develop a Remediation Action Plan (RAP) that outlines:

• Areas to be excavated, capped, or remediated

• Whether a licensed asbestos removal contractor is required

• Health and safety controls including air monitoring

• Soil reuse or off-site disposal protocols (based on waste classification)

We also provide on-site environmental supervision, coordinate licensed contractors, and manage air or dust monitoring during remediation works.

3. Validation & Clearance Reporting

Following remediation or risk management, we prepare clear, regulator-ready documentation, including:

• Validation sampling and analysis

• Documentation of remediation works, air monitoring, and contractor sign-off

• Final asbestos in soil clearance report

• Suitable for submission to council, EPA, certifiers, or auditors

We can also assist with Site Audit Statements (SAS) if your DA or consent condition requires an accredited auditor’s sign-off.

Common Sites Where Asbestos in Soil Is Found

• Former residential or rural blocks with fibro homes

• Sites filled with imported topsoil or road base

• Disused industrial or agricultural land

• Areas near burn piles, sheds, or backfilled demolition debris

• Redevelopment sites with unknown historical use

If you're unsure whether a site is at risk — we can help you screen early and avoid costly delays.

Why Choose Confluence Environmental?

• NSW-specific experience in asbestos in soil assessments

• Licensed asbestos assessors and environmental consultants

• Compliance with NEPM (ASC), WHS Regulation, and EPA waste classification

• Fast, fixed-fee quotes and site mobilisation

• Trusted by developers, councils, and infrastructure firms across NSW

We help you stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your project moving.

Where We Work

We assess and manage asbestos-contaminated soil across:

• Sydney and Greater Western Sydney

• Central Coast

• Newcastle & Lake Macquarie

• Hunter Valley and Upper Hunter

• South Coast, Mid North Coast, and regional NSW