Excavated Natural Material (ENM) Testing and Classification NSW

If your project is generating excavated soil, classifying it correctly can save significant disposal costs and prevent regulatory risk. Material that qualifies as Excavated Natural Material (ENM) can be legally reused under the NSW EPA Order and Exemption, avoiding unnecessary landfill, haulage and project delays. If it does not qualify, incorrect handling can lead to rejected loads, fines and environmental breaches.

Confluence Environmental provides fast, defensible ENM testing and classification across Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and regional NSW. We give clear answers on whether your material can be reused, transported or must be managed as waste so your project can move forward without uncertainty.

If you need ENM assessment quickly, you can request a quote or contact us.

What We Do

We assess excavated material to determine whether it meets ENM criteria under the NSW EPA Excavated Natural Material Order and Exemption. Our work is practical, regulator-aligned and focused on real project outcomes.

Services include site assessment and sampling strategy, representative soil sampling, laboratory testing through NATA-accredited laboratories, interpretation against ENM criteria and clear reporting accepted by councils, certifiers and waste facilities across NSW.

Where material does not meet ENM criteria, we provide full classification in accordance with the NSW Waste Classification Guidelines with clear advice on lawful disposal or alternative reuse pathways.

Why ENM Matters

Correct ENM classification can significantly reduce disposal costs, allow lawful reuse of clean soil and avoid unnecessary over-classification. Incorrect classification commonly leads to rejected loads, additional transport and landfill costs, stockpile build-up and project delays.

ENM assessment is particularly important for bulk earthworks, subdivisions, trenching, basements, infrastructure works and site remediation. Where excavation forms part of a contaminated land or remediation project, ENM assessment is often integrated with site investigations and remediation.

Our Process

We begin with a targeted assessment of the material origin, site history and volume to design an appropriate sampling strategy. Samples are collected by experienced environmental consultants and analysed at NATA-accredited laboratories using testing suites appropriate for ENM determination. Results are interpreted against EPA criteria and documented in a clear, defensible ENM report suitable for regulatory and operational use.

For projects involving broader environmental controls, ENM and soil reuse can also be aligned with Environmental Management Plans.

Who We Work With

We support developers, civil contractors, builders, excavation teams, planners, engineers, councils, infrastructure managers and waste facilities requiring compliant ENM verification and soil reuse assessment.

Whether your project involves a subdivision, infrastructure works, private development or bulk earthworks, we provide practical, scalable ENM assessment aligned with your program and approval requirements.

Why Choose Confluence Environmental

We specialise in soil classification, contaminated land and regulatory compliance across NSW. Our advice is clear, practical and aligned with EPA requirements, helping you maximise reuse where possible and avoid unnecessary disposal costs or regulatory risk.

We are responsive to construction timelines, provide defensible reporting accepted across NSW and focus on practical outcomes that support project delivery rather than generic documentation.

Service Area

We provide ENM testing and classification services across Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, the Hunter Region and regional New South Wales.

Speak With a Consultant

If you need to determine whether excavated material qualifies as ENM, early assessment can prevent costly disposal and project delays. To request a quote or discuss your project, visit fast-quote or contact-us.