In Western Australia, land contamination is a significant concern, particularly in construction and industrial sectors. Understanding the main reasons behind contamination and the most effective ways of treating it can empower stakeholders to protect the environment and their compliance.
West Soil & Water has over a decade of experience working with all corners of WA industry, identifying contamination risks early, implementing controls and responding quickly to escalating issues.
This article explains the causes of contamination we see most often and how to approach them. If you would like to speak directly with an environmental professional, you can contact WSW at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or call 0424 021 264.
With nearly 15 years of experience in treating contaminated land, our team of consultants believes the following causes to be the most serious and frequent in WA:
Improper storage of fuels and chemicals can lead to leaks and spills, contaminating soil and groundwater. Underground storage tanks, if not adequately maintained, are especially prone to corrosion and leakage.
Industrial activities often involve hazardous substances or waste. Poor handling and disposal practices can release of contaminants such as heavy metals and solvents into the environment.
Construction sites can contribute to contamination by disturbing existing pollutants and using contaminated fill materials. Activities like earthmoving can expose and spread contaminants if not managed correctly.
Like most other industries, waste disposal is also an issue in construction.
Inadequate waste management, whether it be illegal dumping or poorly managed landfills, can introduce a variety of contaminants into the environment. Hazardous wastes from industrial and construction activities require proper handling to prevent soil and water pollution.
The use of materials containing hazardous substances, such as asbestos, can lead to contamination if not handled and disposed of properly. Residual materials can persist in the environment for an extended period of time, posing long-term risks.
Whilst many contamination events can be the result of historical practices, there are clear, proactive steps that you can take to reduce the risk of further spreading:
Before any earthworks, construction or industrial activity begins, a contaminated land investigation should be conducted. This involves reviewing historical land use, identifying potential contaminants and determining if further assessment is required.
Early identification allows for properly designed environmental controls that prevent the disturbance of already contaminated soils and water.
Hazardous materials should always be stored in bunded areas or spill-controlled zones, in accordance with federal and state regulations. In addition, you may:
Use impervious surfaces and appropriate secondary containment
Ensure storage tanks are maintained and regularly inspected
Establish spill response procedures
Poor storage is an easily preventable cause of site contamination, making spills even more frustrating.
Waste handling should go beyond simply placing materials in a skip. Proper waste management includes:
Segregating hazardous and non-hazardous waste
Ensuring contaminated soils or building materials are identified and disposed of correctly
Keeping accurate waste tracking records
Preventing storm water from entering skip bins or stockpiles, which can carry pollutants offsite
Everyone on site – from machine operators to subcontractors – should understand their responsibilities. At WSW, we create site-specific inductions that include:
Hazardous material handling procedures
Spill response protocols
Waste segregation and storage expectations
Awareness of sensitive receptors (e.g. nearby watercourses, protected vegetation)
Training not only protects your compliance, but also empowers your staff to identify and report contamination risks before they escalate.
Contamination in construction and industrial sites is a pressing issue in Western Australia, with significant implications for environmental and public health. With an understanding of the main causes and effective management strategies, stakeholders can ensure that their projects follow building and industrial regulations for contaminated land.
Proactive management is essential to protect our environment and community well-being. At West Soil & Water, we identify and treat contaminated land on sites across WA. In addition to remediation services, we can also provide:
Contaminated land investigation
Advice on remediation costs
For expert guidance on managing contaminated land, you can contact us at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or call 0424 021 264.
