Pre-Purchase & Due Diligence Environmental Site Assessments
Environmental due diligence assessments to identify risk, support confident decisions, and keep your land transaction compliant.
Pre-Purchase & Due Diligence Environmental Site Assessments – NSW Land Risk Experts
Why Environmental Due Diligence Matters
Environmental contamination can create major risks for landowners, developers, financiers and insurers. Without due diligence, you may face:
Unexpected remediation costs
Delays to approvals or development
Council or NSW EPA compliance issues
Reduced land value or resale complications
Risk to human health or the environment
That’s why an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a critical part of:
Property acquisitions
Planning approvals (DAs, rezonings)
Loan settlements
Vendor disclosure
Change-of-use planning
Our Environmental Site Assessment Services
We offer a staged and compliant assessment process — aligned with the NSW EPA Guidelines and NEPM (Assessment of Site Contamination) framework.
🔎 Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) – Phase 1 ESA
Desktop review of historical land use
Review of aerial imagery, EPA records, council data
Site walkover and visual inspection
Identification of potential sources of contamination
Site suitability assessment
Recommendations for further investigation (if needed)
Ideal for early-stage risk screening, acquisitions, DAs, or vendor due diligence.
🧪 Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) – Phase 2 ESA
Field sampling of soil, groundwater, vapour (as required)
Laboratory analysis by NATA-accredited labs
Data comparison against NEPM Health and Ecological guidelines
Contamination delineation and risk assessment
Remediation or management recommendations (if applicable)
Required when the PSI flags potential risks or contamination is already known or suspected.
Who We Work With
Our due diligence assessments support:
Property buyers and investors
Developers and construction firms
Real estate agents and conveyancers
Town planners and certifiers
Government agencies and local councils
Banks, insurers, and project financiers
Whether you're working on a DA, managing asset risk, or seeking planning clearance — we provide the insight and speed you need.
Why Choose Confluence Environmental?
NSW-Specific Expertise – We understand EPA, Council and planning frameworks inside out
Trusted by Developers and Buyers – Across commercial, residential and industrial sites
Responsive Turnaround – Fixed-fee quotes and rapid delivery
NATA Lab Testing & NEPM Compliance
Clear, Actionable Reporting — Not Just Jargon
Our reports help you make informed, practical decisions — not just tick boxes.
Service Areas
We offer environmental due diligence assessments across:
Sydney (Metro & Greater Sydney)
Central Coast
Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
Hunter Valley & Upper Hunter
Wider NSW by arrangement
Need advice?
Contact us today, we’re happy to help
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.