Contaminated land remediation isn’t just about technical skills, it’s about understanding the unique conditions, regulations and challenges of your site’s region.
Across Western Australia, land owners and project managers face various contamination risks, from acid sulfate soils in coastal regions to asbestos presence in Perth’s inner suburbs. At West Soil & Water, rather than approaching contamination with a broad brush, we use our local expertise to focus our efforts on what your area actually requires.
In this article, we outline why local knowledge matters and how our team can address contamination risks on your site.
WA has a diverse geography and climate – that means that no two sites are the same. Consultants who know the local environment can create tailored approached that more can more accurately:
Identify contamination sources (based on regional industry history)
Recognise soil and groundwater behaviours unique to WA conditions.
Anticipate risks linked to seasonal rainfall or extreme weather events.
With contextual understanding like this, WSW saves time and resources by focusing on the assessments that are most needed, rather than applying a one-size-fits all approach.
Contaminated land companies work within the boundaries of state-specific legislation, including the Contaminated Sites Act 2003 and Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) guidelines.
Our consultants are familiar with how these regulations work and prepare reports and assessments to meet expectations at the first time of asking.
This experience also reduces the risk of regulatory pushback, approval delays or costly re-submissions, creating smoother progress from planning through to development.
Land use history has a direct impact on the types of contamination you will uncover. WSW understands WA’s industrial history:
Mining regions carry risks of heavy metals and acid mine drainage.
Agricultural zones often harbour pesticide and nutrient residues.
Industrial hubs such as Kwinana, have hydrocarbons and solvents that are widespread.
A good soil remediation contractor will draw on their local knowledge to prioritise investigations and design treatment strategies rooted in the regional experience.
Contaminated land remediation is a collaboration between landowners, contractors, regulators, laboratories and local councils. West Soil & Water has an established local network that allows us to:
Access trusted NATA-accredited laboratories for reliable analysis.
Liaise effectively with DWER and local government officers.
Coordinate with treatment contractors who understand local compliance and safety standards.
These partnerships streamline our projects and reduce risks of miscommunication and non-compliance.
Our local knowledge helps us recognise risks that may go undetected with another consultant.
With over ten years of experience, WSW consultants are well-versed in:
Acid Sulfate Soils: These are widespread in Perth’s wetlands and coastal lowlands, requiring careful identification and management.
Saline Groundwater: Common in coastal and inland areas, they affect both remediation options and redevelopment potential.
Historic Industrial Uses: For example, port regions like Kwinana and Fremantle often carry legacies of hydrocarbon, solvent and heavy metal contamination.
Agricultural Residues: Regional and semi-rural areas with histories of pesticide and fertiliser use can leave persistent chemical impacts.
Sandy Soil Conditions: A highly permeable soils allow contaminants to migrate more quickly, increasing groundwater risks.
Our team are aware of these conditions and where they manifest. That helps us keep site assessments and remediation services targeted, comprehensive and realistic.
West Soil & Water combines technical expertise with over a decade of experience working exclusively in Western Australia. Our team understand how local geology, land use and regulations shape risks and treatment.
Our services include:
Acid sulfate soil management
Working with us, you benefit from a consultancy that doesn’t just know the science, but also understands the local context. That helps you avoid compliance challenges and enjoy smooth project delivery.
Environmental consulting is most effective when it combines technical expertise with truly authentic local knowledge. In Western Australia, that means understanding the diverse natural environment and the intricacies of our regulatory landscape.
With West Soil & Water as your partner, you can move forward with the confidence that your site is being managed by experienced professionals who know WA inside and out.
To see how we can help manage contamination risks on your site, get in touch today.
