Contaminated Land Assessments – Newcastle

Need a contaminated land report for a DA or planning approval in Newcastle or the Hunter? We provide fast, council-ready PSIs, DSIs, RAPs & validation reports.

Environmental Assessments & Management Across NSW

Need a contaminated land assessment or environmental report for your next project?
Confluence Environmental specialises in environmental site assessments and contaminated land consulting across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, the Central Coast, Sydney, and the Blue Mountains.

From early planning to final approvals, we identify and manage contamination risks, deliver council-ready reports, and ensure full compliance with NSW planning laws and EPA guidelines.
Clear advice. Fast turnaround. Compliant outcomes every time.

Environmental Site Assessments for Development in Newcastle & Hunter Region

Confluence Environmental provides fast, reliable environmental site assessments (ESAs) to support development applications, subdivisions, rezoning, and land use changes across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter Valley.

We specialise in:

  • Contaminated land assessments

  • Soil contamination reports

  • Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental site assessments

  • Remediation action plans (RAPs)

  • Site validation and due diligence reports

Our reports meet NSW EPA, NEPM 2013, and local council requirements. Whether you're preparing a DA or responding to a Section 10.7 Planning Certificate, we deliver expert insight and fast turnaround.

Certified Environmental Consultants – Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter

We work with:

  • Town planners

  • Architects

  • Developers

  • Certifiers

  • Conveyancers

  • Landowners

And regularly service:
Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Singleton, Upper Hunter, and Muswellbrook.

Our Environmental Assessment Services

Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) – Phase 1 ESA

A PSI identifies the potential for soil or groundwater contamination through:

  • Desktop review of past land use (mining, agriculture, fuel storage, etc.)

  • Aerial imagery, council records, EPA databases

  • On-site inspection by a qualified environmental consultant

  • Contamination risk screening

Commonly required for:

  • DAs with excavation

  • Rezoning or subdivision

  • Sites flagged as “potentially contaminated” under Planning Certificate 10.7

Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) – Phase 2 ESA

If a PSI identifies contamination risk, a DSI is required to confirm and characterise it. Our DSI includes:

  • Soil, groundwater, and vapour sampling

  • NATA-accredited laboratory testing for heavy metals, asbestos, hydrocarbons, pesticides, etc.

  • Human Health & Ecological Risk Assessment (HHERA)

  • Conceptual Site Model (CSM) and clear recommendations

Used for:

  • DA approval

  • Construction Certificates (CCs)

  • Due diligence before land acquisition

Remediation Action Plans (RAP)

Where contamination is confirmed, we develop and implement a tailored RAP:

  • Site-specific remediation goals

  • Waste classification (VENM, ENM, hazardous)

  • Excavation, capping, or on-site treatment

  • WHS integration & contractor coordination

  • Cost-effective scheduling

Site Validation Reporting

Following remediation, we provide validation reporting to:

  • Confirm clean-up meets DA/CC land use criteria

  • Release DA conditions

  • Support Subdivision Certificates or Statement of Environmental Effects

Due Diligence & Pre-Purchase Site Assessments

Buying a former industrial or agricultural property? We offer:

  • Contamination screening for property acquisition

  • Risk evaluation for future use

  • Advice on regulatory liabilities or clean-up costs

Get a Fast Quote or Book a Consultation

Ready to get started? Whether you’re early in the planning process or responding to a council request, we’ll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Call 0493 042 642, email enquiries@confluence-enviro.com.au or Contact Us to discuss your needs.

High-rise buildings in Sydney, a typical client and location where Confluence Environmental conducts Mergers and Acquisition Pre-Purchase and Due Diligence Environmental Assessments

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Pre-Environmental Project Management

Q: When is an Environmental Site Assessment required for development?

An ESA is typically required when:

  • Lodging a Development Application (DA) involving excavation or land use change

  • Subdividing land, especially where past use may have caused contamination

  • Redeveloping sites previously used for industrial, commercial, or agricultural activities

  • Meeting Planning Certificate 10.7 requirements for potentially contaminated land

Q: What’s the difference between a PSI and a DSI?

  • A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) is a desktop and visual assessment to identify potential contamination risks.

  • A Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) involves physical sampling and lab testing to confirm the presence and extent of contamination.

Both are staged under the National Environmental Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure (NEPM, 2013).

Q: Can you certify reports?

Yes — we offer Certified Environmental Practitioner (CEnvP) sign-off when required by your project, certifier, or DA planner.

Q: What guidelines do you follow?

All our reports are prepared to meet:

  • National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure (NEPM 2013)

  • NSW EPA and Contaminated Land Management Act 1997

  • Local LEP/DCP planning requirements across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Hunter councils

Q: Can you help with remediation and validation?

Yes. If contamination is found, we can:

  • Develop a tailored Remediation Action Plan (RAP)

  • Oversee remediation contractors

  • Complete post-remediation Validation Reporting

  • Liaise with council or certifier as needed to close out DA conditions