Preparing a development application in NSW? Learn when Council may require a Preliminary Site Investigation, what contamination issues can trigger further assessment, and how addressing contamination early can help avoid delays and RFIs.

A Preliminary Site Investigation can help determine whether a proposed childcare site is suitable for development. Learn how contamination history, sensitive exposure pathways, soil sampling and further investigation are considered for childcare centres in NSW.

Some NSW councils require contaminated land reports to be prepared or reviewed by a certified site contamination specialist. We explain where this requirement comes from, what CEnvP(SC) and CPSS CSAM certification means, why review can add to an investigation fee, and how involving a certified specialist early can help avoid unnecessary rework.

A Conceptual Site Model is one of the most important parts of a contaminated land assessment. It brings together the site history, potential contamination sources, pathways and receptors to determine what actually matters to the proposed development.

A straightforward Preliminary Site Investigation can often be completed in around three weeks, although timing depends on site complexity, historical records, sampling and review requirements. We explain what affects the programme.

Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, Stage 1 contamination assessment and Preliminary Site Investigation are often used interchangeably in NSW. We explain the terminology and what you should actually ask your consultant to prepare.

Soil sampling can add useful evidence to a Preliminary Site Investigation, but it is not always necessary and does not replace a Detailed Site Investigation where contamination needs to be characterised. We explain when sampling is useful and what determines how much sampling is appropriate.

How much does a Preliminary Site Investigation cost in NSW? A relatively straightforward PSI may typically fall around $3,500–$5,500, while larger or more complex investigations can cost substantially more. We explain what actually drives the price.

Why does one contaminated land investigation include eight soil samples while another includes 20? We explain how sampling programs are designed, why investigation costs vary and what property owners, developers and planners should look for when comparing proposals.

Newcastle’s industrial history has left a legacy of potentially contaminated land. Learn what developers should check before purchasing or redeveloping former industrial sites and when contaminated land investigation may be required

Groundwater contamination can change over time and, on some sites, a single sampling event is not enough. Learn when ongoing groundwater monitoring is required, what it involves and how monitoring data is used to assess contaminant migration and remediation performance.

Hydrocarbon contamination can result from fuel storage, workshops, spills, underground tanks and historical industrial activities. Learn how petroleum-impacted soils are identified, investigated, assessed and managed in NSW

Confluence Environmental is proud to become a partner of the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association (ALGA), strengthening our commitment to technical excellence, industry collaboration and best-practice contaminated land and groundwater consulting across NSW.

Acid sulfate soils can affect excavation, pools, basements and development on low-lying land across NSW. Learn how ASS mapping works, when investigation may be required and what happens if acid sulfate soils are identified.

Asbestos can be unexpectedly encountered within uncontrolled fill on development and construction sites. Learn how asbestos in fill is identified, investigated, managed, removed and validated in NSW.

Commercial and industrial workplaces in NSW may require an asbestos register where asbestos is present or likely to be present. Learn what an asbestos register includes, when it is required, how often it must be reviewed and how it relates to an asbestos management plan.

Asbestos air monitoring is used to assess airborne fibre concentrations before, during and after asbestos-related work. Learn when monitoring may be required, the different types of monitoring and how results support asbestos removal and clearance.

Asbestos air monitoring can be used before, during and after asbestos-related work to assess airborne fibre concentrations and the effectiveness of control measures. Learn the difference between background, control, reassurance, exposure and clearance monitoring in NSW.

Acid sulfate soil testing involves much more than measuring soil pH. Here are five things to understand before excavation, including investigation depth, field screening, Chromium Reducible Sulfur, net acidity and ASS management.

Excavated Natural Material (ENM) can provide a lawful reuse pathway for suitable excavated soil and rock in NSW. Learn what ENM is, when testing is required and how classification is undertaken.