Contaminated Land Reporting for Development Applications, Rezoning, and Redevelopment

The Northern Tablelands has a rich agricultural and industrial past — from historic fuel storage and rail depots to former abattoirs, orchards, and landfill sites. These legacy land uses can leave behind contamination that affects human health, the environment, and your development application.

At Confluence Environmental, we deliver fast, regulation-compliant Environmental Site Assessments (PSI and DSI) across the Northern Tablelands. Our team supports DA approvals, rezoning, subdivisions, and CDC applications with clear, practical advice and council-ready reporting.

Areas We Cover – Northern Tablelands

We service all major Northern Tablelands LGAs and towns, including:

• Armidale

• Glen Innes Severn

• Inverell

• Uralla

• Tenterfield

• Guyra

• Walcha

• Surrounding rural and peri-urban landholdings

Our consultants have deep experience in assessing contamination on grazing land, former agri-industrial sites, disused town centres, and rural residential blocks.

Stage 1 – Preliminary Site Investigations (PSI)

A Stage 1 ESA is used to assess the potential for land contamination based on historical land use, aerial imagery, government records, and site inspection. In the Northern Tablelands, this might involve old sheep dips, fuel storage, workshops, or chemical application areas.

We provide PSIs for:

• Development Applications (DA)

• Planning proposals and rezoning

• Complying Development Certificates (CDC)

• Council land sales or leases

• Subdivision or change of use applications

Each PSI includes:

• Review of historic land titles, aerial photographs, zoning maps, and EPA databases

• Walkover inspection of the property by an experienced consultant

• Identification of potential Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs)

• Risk-based conclusions and recommendations for further investigation

Accepted by Northern Tablelands councils and certifiers
Prepared to meet SEPP (Resilience and Hazards), NEPM 2013, and local planning policies

Stage 2 – Detailed Site Investigations (DSI)

If the PSI reveals a credible contamination risk, a Stage 2 ESA (DSI) is required. This phase involves intrusive investigation to confirm whether the land is contaminated and if remediation is needed before development.

Our DSIs include:

• Soil sampling using auger or borehole drilling

• Groundwater or vapour sampling where relevant

• NATA-accredited laboratory testing

• Assessment against NEPM Health Investigation Levels and Screening Levels

• Preparation of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM)

Typical contaminants we assess for include:

• Asbestos in soil

• Lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals

• Hydrocarbons (from service stations, depots)

• Pesticides from historical farming

• Fill material containing unknown substances

Suitable for residential, rural, commercial, and sensitive land use types
Optional CEnvP certification available

Remediation Action Plans (RAPs)

Where contamination is identified, we prepare site-specific Remediation Action Plans to help you address contamination and move forward with your development.

RAPs include:

• Clean-up objectives based on land zoning (e.g. RU1, R5, B2)

• Excavation and offsite disposal planning

• Soil classification in line with NSW Waste Classification Guidelines

• Health and safety controls during remediation

• Validation sampling and reporting plans

We also provide contractor supervision, site inspection, and liaison with council or EPA as needed.

Validation Reporting

After remediation is complete, a Validation Report is needed to demonstrate the land is suitable for its intended use.

Our validation process includes:

• Final sampling and lab analysis

• Review of remediation outcomes vs. RAP targets

• Waste tracking documentation

• Reporting to council, certifier, or principal contractor

This is often required before:

• DA sign-off

• Issue of Occupation Certificates

• Sale of subdivided land

Due Diligence Assessments

If you're buying, subdividing, or leasing land in the Northern Tablelands, a due diligence ESA can protect you from unexpected remediation costs or compliance issues.

Our assessments provide:

• Quick-turnaround desktop and field assessments

• Fill testing and asbestos screening

• Historical risk mapping

• Suitability for intended zoning and land use

Who We Help

We support:

• Local architects and building designers

• Planners and DA consultants

• Private developers and landowners

• Regional councils and planning panels

• Civil contractors and infrastructure firms

Whether it’s a 500m² block in Armidale or a 20ha rezoning near Inverell, we help you understand risk and meet your planning obligations.