Redeveloping brownfield sites can prove a valuable and sustainable option for Western Australian communities. But before it can begin, these sites may require targeted remediation to ensure they are safe and suitable for future use.
At West Soil & Water, we remediate brownfields as a part of our contaminated land management services. Our plans are tailored to each site and designing to keep projects running safely, smoothly and in compliance with regulations.
In this article we outline what brownfield sites are, the challenges they present to development and how you can remediate them. If you would like more information, you can speak with a member of the West Soil & Water team at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or call 0424 021 264.
Brownfield sites are parcels of land previously developed for industrial, commercial or agricultural purposes but are now underutilised or derelict. They may be affected by real or perceived contamination caused by activities associated with those industries.
In Western Australia, brownfields are commonly found in urban and semi-rural areas. While they come with a host of environmental challenges, brownfields also offer valuable opportunities to reduce urban sprawl and revitalise underutilised land.
Redeveloping brownfield sites plays a crucial role in sustainable urban development. By focusing on revitalising these underutilised areas, cities can:
Prevent Urban Sprawl: Utilising existing urban spaces reduces the need to develop untouched land, preserving natural habitats and agricultural areas.
Revitalise Communities: Transforming derelict sites into functional spaces can rejuvenate neighbourhoods, attract investment and improve local economies.
Enhance Environmental Health: Cleaning up contaminated sites mitigates environmental hazards, leading to safer and healthier communities.
East Perth is a successful example of brownfield development in Western Australia. The project has demonstrated a positive contribution to urban growth and sustainability serving as a residential, commercial and entertainment precinct.
Before a brownfield area can be safely redeveloped, it will likely require remediation to address any contamination left behind. In Western Australia, the remediation process must align with requirements set by the Contaminated Sites Act 2003, DWER and NEPM (Assessment of Site Contamination) standards.
At West Soil & Water, our team typically begins brownfield remediation with thorough environmental assessments, starting with a Phase I ESA and, if needed, a Phase II ESA. These investigations help define the nature, extent and severity of contamination on the site.
From there, we develop a tailored Remediation Action Plan (RAP), which may include:
Excavation and Offsite Disposal: Removing contaminated soil and transporting it to licensed facilities
In-situ Treatment: Using chemical or biological processes to treat contaminants on-site
Containment Measures: Installing engineered barriers or capping systems to isolate residual contamination
Groundwater Management: Preventing migration of contaminants and restoring water quality
To ensure that all of our strategies are efficient, effective and legally compliant, our team are constantly educating themselves on regulatory changes and technological developments. This is the foundation of safe redevelopment and long term land use.
While the benefits are significant, brownfield redevelopment comes with its challenges:
Environmental Assessments: Determining the extent of contamination requires thorough site investigations, including Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments.
Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the legal landscape, including adherence to the Act, is essential to ensure lawful redevelopment.
Remediation Costs: Cleaning up contaminated sites can be costly and securing funding or incentives is often necessary to make projects viable.
Community Engagement: Gaining public support and addressing community concerns are vital for the success of redevelopment projects.
Despite these challenges, a well executed project with proper planning and expertise can transform a brownfield area into a valuable community asset.
Brownfield sites present both challenges and opportunities for urban development. By addressing environmental concerns and leveraging existing infrastructure, these sites can be revitalised to meet the growing needs of urban populations.
At West Soil & Water, our consultants use their near 15 years of experience to create effective RAPs that prepare your site for remediation.
If you would like to speak with a member of our team, you can contact us at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or call 0424 021 264.
