Brownfield sites offer significant opportunities for development, but must be subject to comprehensive environmental assessments to ensure their safety.
If a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment identifies potential concerns, you may consider a Phase 2 assessment to quantify any possible contamination. With those results, you can then create an effective and targeted remediation action plan.
At West Soil & Water, our consultants have been conducting ESAs and contaminated land management services for nearly 15 years. With a thorough understanding of WA’s unique environment and legislation, we help businesses keep their projects running smooth, safe and compliant.
In this article, we explain the steps involved in these assessments. If are looking to conduct an ESA or would like more information, you can contact West Soil & Water at sam@westsoilandwater.com.au or call 0424 021 264.
A Phase 2 ESA is typically initiated when a Phase I ESA uncovers indicators of potential contamination on or near the site. Likely caused by past or present activities, examples include historical industrial use, storage of hazardous materials or proximity to known contaminated sites. Conducting a Phase II ESA helps determine the presence, type and extent of contamination, informing remediation efforts and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
During Phase 2 ESAs, consultants target a range of potential contaminants depending on the site’s history, location and physical characteristics. Common substances found in WA brownfield areas include:
Petroleum hydrocarbons: Typically from underground fuel storage tanks, workshops, or former service stations
Heavy metals: Such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, often found on former industrial or agricultural land
Asbestos-containing materials: Common in old building rubble or fill material
Chlorinated solvents: Used historically in metal cleaning, dry cleaning, and degreasing operations
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): From combustion processes, former gasworks, or creosote-treated timber
Pesticides and herbicides: Especially on land formerly used for agriculture or horticulture
Identifying these contaminants early helps avoid regulatory non-compliance, minimises exposure risks, and allows for more accurate budgeting for potential remediation.
Our team design a site-specific strategy that targets the areas identified during the Phase 1 ESA. The plan will outline the types of samples needed and methods for collection and analysis.
During the on-site phase, we collect samples using the specified techniques:
Soil Sampling: Boreholes or test pits are excavated to collect soil samples at different depths.
Groundwater Sampling: Monitoring wells are installed to obtain groundwater samples.
Soil Gas Sampling: Soil gas probes are used to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may pose vapour intrusion risks.
We analyse the samples in accredited laboratories to identify and quantify any contaminants. Common discoveries include heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pesticides and solvents. We compare the results against regulatory standards to understand the potential risk.
Environmental consultants at West Soil & Water interpret the data to evaluate the extent of contamination and its potential impact on people and the environment. We prepare a comprehensive report that details our findings, conclusions and recommendations for further action.
After conducting a Phase 2 ESA, we will provide you with a full report that will make one of three recommendations for your redevelopment:
No Further Action: If contamination is absent or below regulatory thresholds, we will suggest redevelopment proceed without remediation.
Remediation Required: If contamination exceeds acceptable levels, we will recommend developing a remediation plan to address the issues before or during redevelopment. West Soil & Water can also assist with creating these plans.
Further Assessment: In complex cases, additional investigations may be necessary to fully characterise the contamination and determine appropriate remediation strategies.
The findings of a Phase 2 ESA form the foundation for any remediation efforts on a brownfield area. With an understanding of the type, location and extent of contamination, consultants can plan and execute an appropriate cause of action.
Specifically, Phase 2 results help:
Develop site-specific remediation goals: Based on the proposed land use, regulators like DWER will require that contamination be reduced to acceptable levels
Evaluate treatment options: Certain contaminants may be suitable for in-situ treatment, while others may require off-site disposal
Support submission of a Remediation Action Plan (RAP): A formal document often required by authorities or project stakeholders, especially on classified or high-risk sites
Carrying out a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment ensures the responsible redevelopment of a brownfield site in Western Australia. With a proper understanding of the nature of contamination, developers can make informed decisions that ensure regulatory compliance and environmental health.
To ensure the efficacy of an ESA, it is always best to engage experienced environmental professionals like West Soil & Water. 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.
