Contaminated Land
Summary
Contaminated land refers to land where soil, groundwater, surface water or building materials have been affected by substances that may pose a risk to human health, the environment or future land use. Contamination typically arises from historical or current activities such as industrial operations, fuel storage, waste disposal or uncontrolled fill placement.
Assessment and management of contaminated land is a key consideration for development, redevelopment and land-use change projects in Australia and is often required to support planning approvals and regulatory compliance.
Definition
Contaminated land is land that contains substances at concentrations above background or acceptable levels, resulting from past or present activities, and which may cause actual or potential harm to people, property or the environment.
Contamination may be present in soil, groundwater, surface water, vapour or building materials and may require investigation, remediation or management depending on the nature and extent of contamination and the proposed land use.
Why Contaminated Land Matters
From a health and environmental perspective, contaminated land can present exposure risks through direct contact with soil, inhalation of vapours or dust, or migration of contaminants into groundwater and surface waters.
From a planning and development perspective, contaminated land is a recognised constraint. Many councils and regulators require contaminated land investigations to demonstrate that land is suitable for its intended use or can be made suitable through remediation. Failure to address contamination early can result in approval delays, additional conditions or refusal of development applications.
Contaminated land issues also affect project cost and design. The presence of contamination can influence earthworks methodology, waste classification, groundwater management and long-term site maintenance obligations.
Common Sources of Land Contamination
Land contamination may result from a wide range of historical or current activities, including:
Industrial and manufacturing operations
Fuel storage, service stations and workshops
Waste disposal, landfilling or uncontrolled fill placement
Agricultural chemical use
Demolition and construction activities
Mining or extractive industries
Understanding site history is a critical first step in assessing contamination risk.
When Contaminated Land Is Typically Assessed
Assessment of contaminated land is commonly required where:
Development or rezoning is proposed on land with a history of potentially contaminating activities
A change in land use to a more sensitive use is proposed
Contamination is identified during excavation or construction
Planning authorities request a contaminated land assessment to support a development application
Remediation or validation is required to confirm site suitability
The level of assessment is typically staged and risk-based.
Legislative and Regulatory Context
Contaminated land is managed through a combination of environmental protection legislation, planning instruments and regulatory guidance.
In New South Wales, contaminated land is addressed under the Contaminated Land Management Act, planning legislation and EPA guidance. Councils commonly rely on contaminated land assessments prepared in accordance with relevant guidelines when determining development applications. Similar frameworks apply in other Australian jurisdictions.
Regulatory expectations focus on identifying contamination, assessing risk and demonstrating that land is suitable for its intended use.
How We Can Help
Confluence Environmental provides contaminated land consulting services to support development, remediation and regulatory decision-making.
Our services typically include:
Soil and groundwater sampling and assessment
Human health and environmental risk assessment
We focus on providing clear, defensible advice that supports timely approvals and effective risk management.
Related Terms and Concepts
Environmental Site Assessment
Preliminary Site Investigation
Detailed Site Investigation
Remediation Action Plan
Site Validation
Waste Classification
Acid Sulfate Soils
Asbestos in Soil