Leading Remediation Action Plans & Reporting

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At Confluence Environmental, we provide practical, science-led solutions across contaminated land, asbestos and hazardous materials, waste classification, acid sulfate soils, and occupational hygiene.

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What Is a Remediation Action Plan (RAP)?

A RAP is a technical document that defines the:

  • Extent and nature of contamination

  • Remediation goals for site safety and regulatory compliance

  • Preferred remediation methods (e.g. excavation, in-situ treatment)

  • Validation and monitoring process to confirm success

  • Contingency and management measures for unexpected issues

A well-prepared RAP ensures that site remediation is conducted:

  • In line with NSW EPA and NEPM (Assessment of Site Contamination) 2013 guidelines

  • Efficiently, cost-effectively, and with minimal environmental impact

  • In a way that facilitates development approval, rezoning, or site reuse

Our RAP Services – Practical, Compliant, Risk-Based Solutions

We develop Remediation Action Plans for residential, commercial, and industrial sites — from minor hotspots to large-scale redevelopment projects. Our consultants work closely with developers, planners, councils, and auditors to align remediation with environmental and planning goals.

1. Site and Contamination Summary

Each RAP begins with a concise, regulator-ready summary of the site’s condition:

  • Site history and previous investigations (PSI/DSI)

  • Identified contaminants of concern (CoCs) (e.g. hydrocarbons, heavy metals, asbestos, PFAS)

  • Summary of receptors and exposure pathways

  • Applicable land zoning and environmental constraints

2. Remediation Objectives & Regulatory Requirements

We define remediation goals based on:

  • Proposed land use (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.)

  • Compliance with NSW EPA guidelines, NEPM (ASC) health and ecological criteria

  • Risk-based remediation endpoints suitable for sign-off by a site auditor or planning authority

  • Integration with Development Application (DA) or construction timelines

3. Remediation Strategies & Technologies

We identify the most appropriate remediation methods based on site conditions, contaminant type, and project goals. Options may include:

  • Excavation and off-site disposal – for contaminated soil, asbestos, or hotspots

  • On-site treatment – bioremediation, chemical oxidation, stabilisation, or thermal desorption

  • Capping and containment – clean fill or geosynthetic caps to prevent exposure

  • Groundwater remediation – in-situ chemical injection, pump-and-treat, or monitored natural attenuation

  • Source removal and infrastructure protection – e.g. removal of underground storage tanks (USTs)

We always balance effectiveness, feasibility, and cost.

4. Validation & Environmental Monitoring

A key part of any RAP is confirming remediation has worked. We develop a site-specific plan for:

  • Validation sampling and testing to compare results against regulatory criteria

  • Ongoing monitoring, where required (e.g. groundwater, soil vapour)

  • Chain of custody documentation, QA/QC protocols, and lab reporting

  • Supporting reporting for EPA, councils, and site auditors

5. Site Management & Contingency Planning

We prepare practical procedures for:

  • Managing unexpected contamination during earthworks

  • Health, safety, and environmental protection during remediation

  • Waste classification and disposal logistics

  • Ongoing Site Management Plans (SMPs) where residual contamination remains

  • Communication protocols for council, contractors, and auditors

Why Choose Confluence Environmental?

  • NSW remediation specialists with experience across diverse sites

  • RAPs aligned with EPA, NEPM, and local council expectations

  • Risk-based solutions that avoid unnecessary excavation or cost

  • Clear, structured reports for DA submission or auditor review

  • Support through remediation, validation, and post-remediation approvals

We make complex remediation challenges manageable and regulator-ready.

Where We Work

We provide Remediation Action Plans across:

  • Greater Sydney

  • Central Coast

  • Newcastle & Lake Macquarie

  • Hunter Valley

  • Mid-North Coast & South Coast NSW

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a Remediation Action Plan (RAP)?

A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) outlines the strategy and methods used to clean up or manage contaminated land to ensure it is safe for its intended future use. It includes remediation goals, preferred techniques, validation procedures, and contingency plans — all aligned with NSW EPA and NEPM (ASC 2013) guidelines.

Q: When is a RAP required in NSW?

A RAP is typically required when:

  • A Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) confirms that contamination exceeds regulatory thresholds

  • You need to demonstrate how risks will be mitigated for planning approval

  • You're preparing for remediation of a known contaminated site

  • An EPA notice or Site Auditor requires formal remediation planning

  • The site is being rezoned, developed, or sold with contamination present

Q: What does a RAP include?

A comprehensive RAP typically includes:

  • Summary of site investigations (PSI/DSI)

  • Identified contaminants of concern (CoCs)

  • Remediation goals and regulatory context

  • Preferred remediation methods (e.g. excavation, on-site treatment, capping)

  • Validation sampling and post-remediation monitoring plan

  • Contingency measures for unexpected contamination

  • Waste classification, safety protocols, and reporting procedures

Q: What remediation methods are used for contaminated land?

The method depends on the contaminant type, site conditions, and intended land use. Common approaches include:

  • Excavation and off-site disposal

  • In-situ chemical treatment (e.g. oxidation, stabilisation)

  • Bioremediation or soil washing

  • Capping and containment

  • Groundwater remediation (pump-and-treat, chemical injection, monitored natural attenuation)

Q: Who reviews or approves a RAP in NSW?

RAPs are typically reviewed by:

  • Local councils as part of the DA process

  • The NSW EPA, especially for sites under regulatory notice

  • An accredited Site Auditor, if the site requires independent verification

  • Environmental certifiers or planning panels for complex sites

We prepare RAPs to meet the standards of all applicable authorities.

Q: What happens after a RAP is implemented?

After remediation works are completed:

  • Validation sampling is conducted to confirm that remediation goals have been met

  • A validation report is prepared and submitted to council, EPA, or the Site Auditor

  • In some cases, a Long-Term Site Management Plan (LTSMP) is required for residual risks

  • Once verified, the site can proceed to development or sale with regulatory clearance