Contaminated land can create significant challenges for property owners, developers and lessees across Western Australia. Without effective management, you can find yourself hampered by project delays, restricted land use and even legal punishments.
Contaminated land is governed by the Contaminated Sites Act 2003, which can hold land owners responsible for historic and recent pollution.
It is critical to engage an environmental consultant with a firm understanding of the Act. They can help you navigate the regulatory frameworks, ensuring that you fulfil your obligations and protect public health.
At West Soil & Water, we help businesses across WA manage contaminated properties. Our team keeps on top of legislative changes and developments in technology to provide you with the most efficient and effective remediation.
If you would like to speak with a contaminated land consultant, you can contact us at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or call 0424 021 264.
Often, contaminated land is caused by historical activities such as industrial processing, poor waste handling, or unregulated landfills. These activities release hazardous substances at levels high enough to endanger human health, the environment and surrounding land use.
Examples of contaminating substances include:
Fuels
Heavy metals
Asbestos
Solvents
Industrial Waste
Contamination may be found in soil, groundwater or surface water. In some cases, it can even be found it building materials or buried infrastructure.
It is important to understand that the presence of contamination does not necessarily mean that a site is unsafe. Proper monitoring and remediation could rejuvenate or stabilise the area so that it is suitable for the proposed uses.
Engaging trained professionals to identify and manage contaminated land early helps prevent project delays, protect public health, and support compliance with environmental laws.
Contaminated land management is regulated under the Act and supported by detailed guidelines issued by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).
These guidelines ensure that assessments, classifications and remediation efforts are consistent across the state, minimising risks to human health and the environment. Key frameworks include:
Contaminated Sites Guidelines (DWER): Guidance documents that outline how to conduct site investigations, report contamination, engage auditors and develop remediation plans.
NEPM (National Environment Protection Measure): The NEPM for Assessment of Site Contamination provides the national framework for site investigation and risk assessment. In WA, this is used in conjunction with DWER’s requirements.
Reporting Requirements: Any person who knows or suspects land to be contaminated is required to report it to DWER. Sites are then assessed and, if necessary, classified on the public Contaminated Sites Database.
Auditor Involvement: For higher-risk sites or complex contamination, certified contaminated sites auditors may be required to review investigations, remediation, or site management plans before they are accepted by DWER.
These all serve as essential references when carrying out any contaminated land management or remediation. Failure to follow them may result in non-compliance, delays in approval and risk of legal and financial punishment.
At West Soil & Water, we aim to provide a comprehensive service that supports you throughout your management of contaminated land. We offer:
We conduct two types of assessment to identify and evaluate contamination risks:
Preliminary Site Investigations (PSI): A review of historical site data and initial site inspections to identify potential contamination.
Detailed Site Investigations (DSI): Comprehensive sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater and soil vapour to determine the extent of contamination.
Our team performs human health and ecological risk assessments to determine the potential impacts of the identified contaminants. The information gathered forms a foundation for creating appropriate and effective treatment strategies.
Based on assessment findings, we develop contaminated land Remediation Action Plans (RAPs) that outline the most effective methods to address contamination. We may recommend to remediate the land through:
Excavation and disposal: Removing contaminated soil for off-site treatment or disposal.
In-situ treatment: On-site treatment of contaminants using chemical, biological or physical methods.
Containment: Installation of barriers to prevent the spread of contaminants.
We provide ongoing assistance as these strategies are implemented, ensuring that they meet regulatory requirements and project objectives.
For sites where contamination remains at acceptable levels, we develop Site Management Plans (SMPs) that detail ongoing monitoring and maintenance requirements to ensure continued protection of human health and the environment.
In some instances, this may include further assessment and remediation for areas with contaminated land.
Without effective navigation of regulatory frameworks, your efforts may not be enough to prove compliance.
We will assist you as you engage with DWER and other agencies, ensuring that all reporting obligations are met and approvals facilitated.
If you’re facing worried about contaminated land on your property, West Soil & Water is prepared to assist. Our holistic services are designed to guide you through every stage of the management process, ensuring your project proceeds smoothly and responsibly.
Over nearly 15 years of experience, we have dealt with Western Australia’s unique environment and strict regulations. We stay on top of changes to legislation and guidelines, ensuring ongoing compliance.
In addition to assessments and remediation, we also offer the following services for contaminated land:
Due Diligence Investigations
Advice on remediation costs
For more information, you can contact us at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or call 0424 021 264.
