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A lab report is a key part of a contaminated land investigation, providing you with the raw data you need to understand site conditions and meet compliance obligations. However, these reports aren’t always the easiest to understand. For many site owners, developers and project managers, they can feel like a maze of jargon, units and figures.
Knowing how to interpret your results is essential in understanding site risks and making informed remediation decisions. In this article, we breakdown the components of a laboratory report and explain how the West Soil & Water team can help you understand your results.
If you would like more information about laboratory results or remediation services, please contact our team.
Laboratory analysis quantifies contaminants in soil, groundwater, surface water or other environmental components. Results confirm any presence of contamination, its concentration and whether levels exceed those deemed acceptable by regulators.
In WA, laboratories commonly assess for:
Metals and metalloids such as arsenic, lead and mercury
Petroleum hydrocarbons including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX)
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Asbestos (friable and non-friable)
Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus
pH and salinity levels
Acid sulfate soil indicators including Titratable Actual Acidity (TAA) and Potential Sulfidic Acidity (PSA)
Each parameter is a single piece in a bigger picture, helping to identify potential risks to human health, the environment and site viability.
Every laboratory’s report will differ, presenting in different formats and offering different methods of analysis. At WSW, our reports contain these elements:
Each result is linked to a specific sample ID, location and depth. With this, you can match data to specific areas on your site map and construct appropriate strategies.
The contaminant being measured (also known as the analyte) is listed alongside it’s unit of measurement. This is often milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) for soil or milligrams per litre (mg/L) for water.
This is the measured concentration in your sample.
The limit of reporting is lowest concentration of the contaminant that the laboratory can reliably detect and report. If your result reads “<0.1,” it means the contaminant is below the LOR.
A snapshot of the acceptable contaminant levels for your site’s current or proposed land use. This is set by regulations, most often the National Environment Protection (Assessment of Site Contamination) Measure 1999 (NEPM)
An important step when interpreting results is to compare measured concentrations against guideline limits. These guides will vary depending on the intended land use, but as a general rule:
Residential (with gardens) has the strictest limits
Commercial/Industrial sites may be allowed higher concentrations due to reduced exposure risks
Public Open Space has its own set of criteria
If your results exceed the relevant guideline values, you will have to take action before the land can be used as intended. This will likely involve further assessment and contaminated land remediation.
Choosing the right contaminated land remediation provider is more than just comparing quotes. You need a consultancy with proven experience navigating Western Australia’s climate and regulatory landscape. They should also offer a full range of services, from preliminary investigations and risk assessments to remediation design, implementation and monitoring.
At West Soil & Water, we use our 10+ years of local experience to create practical, cost-effective solutions that meet the requirements of the Contaminated Sites Act 2003. Whether it’s brownfield land or an operational property, our team will work with you to ensure the site is restored safely and efficiently.
When you engage an environmental consultant such as ourselves, you can be sure that your results are interpreted within the broader context of your site. At West Soil & Water, we consider factors such as:
Historical site use and known contamination sources
Soil and groundwater movement patterns
Potential human and ecological receptors
Regulatory requirements and approval pathways
We work with NATA-accredited laboratories and present your results in plain language, offering clear recommendations for what to do next.
A laboratory report is a powerful tool when understood correctly. It can guide decision-making, help you meet your regulatory obligations and protect both the environment and your investment.
At West Soil & Water, we help WA landowners, developers and industry professionals interpret laboratory data accurately and develop practical, cost-effective solutions. If you would like assistance in understanding your report, please do not hesitate to contact us.