Pre-Purchase & Due Diligence Environmental Assessments
Ready to move your project forward with confidence?
At Confluence Environmental, we provide practical, science-led solutions across contaminated land, asbestos and hazardous materials, waste classification, acid sulfate soils, and occupational hygiene.
Complete the form below to request a tailored quote, book a consultation, or ask us a question about your project. We’ll respond within 24 hours with clear advice and next steps helping you stay compliant, reduce risk, and keep your development on track.
Pre-Purchase & Due Diligence Environmental Site Assessments – NSW Land Risk Experts
Buying land without understanding environmental risk can expose you to major remediation costs, regulatory liability, and project delays.
Confluence Environmental provides professional pre-purchase environmental due diligence across Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and NSW, helping developers, investors, and property buyers make informed decisions before acquisition.
We identify contamination risk early so you can proceed with confidence, renegotiate, or avoid costly mistakes.
What We Do
We deliver clear, defensible environmental due diligence aligned with NSW planning and contaminated land frameworks.
Our assessments typically include:
Contamination risk screening based on historical land use
Review of aerial imagery, regulatory records and environmental databases
Identification of potential soil, groundwater and vapour contamination
Environmental liability and regulatory exposure assessment
Determination of whether a
→ Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI)
or
→ Detailed Site Investigation (DSI)
is requiredEarly remediation cost and development risk insight
You receive clear, decision-ready advice not unnecessary reporting.
Why Environmental Due Diligence Matters
Hidden contamination can:
Trigger mandatory investigation or remediation: remediation-and-validation
Delay Development Applications (DA): development-application
Reduce land value
Create regulatory obligations under the Contaminated Land Management Act
Result in unexpected remediation costs
Our role is to identify risk before you commit financially.
When You Should Get a Pre-Purchase Environmental Assessment
We are commonly engaged when:
Purchasing development land or subdivision sites
Acquiring commercial or industrial property
Buying former agricultural, service station or industrial land
Conducting environmental due diligence for investors or lenders
Identifying contamination risk prior to DA submission
If contamination risk exists, we guide you through the next step - PSI, DSI, remediation or environmental management planning.
→ Environmental Management Plans: environmental-management-plans
What You Receive
Clear, practical and decision-focused outputs:
Environmental risk summary
Contamination likelihood assessment
Regulatory exposure review
Investigation requirements (if any)
Development and remediation risk insight
Practical recommendations
Our reports are clear, concise and commercially focused - designed to support property decisions.
Why Choose Confluence Environmental
Commercially focused - We understand development risk and property transactions
NSW contaminated land specialists - Deep knowledge of NEPM, EPA and planning frameworks
Clear, practical advice - No unnecessary investigations or over-reporting
Fast turnaround - Responsive, decision-driven service
Trusted across NSW - Supporting developers, investors and consultants
We help you buy with confidence - or avoid costly mistakes.
Locations We Service
We provide environmental due diligence across:
Sydney & Greater Western Sydney
Newcastle & Hunter Region
Central Coast
Regional NSW
Speak With an Environmental Consultant
If you're purchasing land or property and need environmental due diligence, we can help quickly assess contamination risk and guide your next step.
→ Request a Fast Quote: fast-quote
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Pre-Purchase & Due Diligence Environmental Assessments
Q: What is a pre-purchase environmental assessment?
A pre-purchase environmental assessment is a risk-based investigation of a site’s history and potential for contamination. It helps buyers, developers, and investors understand whether a site is environmentally suitable for its intended use, and whether further investigation or remediation may be required. It typically involves a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI), with further testing if risks are identified.
Q: When should I get a due diligence assessment done?
You should engage an environmental consultant before you exchange contracts, settle a property transaction, or lodge a development application especially if the site:
Has a history of industrial, agricultural, or commercial use
Is flagged on a contaminated land register or EPA database
Involves a change of zoning or sensitive use (e.g. childcare, residential)
May contain fill, underground tanks, asbestos, or historical waste
Early assessment can protect you from unexpected remediation costs, delays, or compliance issues.
Q: What is included in a due diligence or PSI report?
A standard due diligence assessment includes:
A desktop review of historical aerials, site records, and EPA databases
A site inspection to identify visible contamination or hazards
Consultation with relevant authorities (e.g. council, EPA)
An environmental risk rating and recommendation for next steps
Advice on whether a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) is warranted
Our reports are clear, regulator-ready, and tailored to planning, legal, or transactional needs.
Q: What happens if contamination is found?
If contamination is suspected or confirmed, a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) may be required. This involves soil, groundwater, or vapour sampling to define the extent and level of contamination. Depending on the results, we may recommend a Remediation Action Plan (RAP), risk management, or reporting to authorities.
We help you navigate these next steps without panic focusing on risk, compliance, and commercial strategy.
Q: Can I still buy or develop contaminated land?
Yes, but it depends on the severity of contamination, the intended land use, and how risks can be managed. Many contaminated sites are successfully remediated or made safe through engineered controls. What matters is knowing the facts early and incorporating any required investigation or management into your project timeline, budget, or negotiation strategy.
Q: Do councils require environmental assessments for development approvals?
Yes. Most NSW councils require a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) for development applications where there is a potential for land contamination. This is based on the Contaminated Land Planning Guidelines and supports the planning authority’s obligation to ensure the land is suitable for its intended use. If the PSI identifies potential risks, a DSI and RAP may be required before approval or consent is granted.