Contaminated Land Management
Understanding the Role of Environmental Consultants at Caldera Environmental
Environmental consultants play a crucial role in managing and mitigating the impacts of human activities on the environment. At Caldera Environmental, our team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to providing sound environmental consulting services across various regions, including Brisbane, Newcastle, Northern NSW, Gold Coast, Tamworth and Sydney. Our expertise spans a wide range of services, with a particular focus on Contaminated Land Management.
What is Contaminated Land Management?
Contaminated Land Management involves the assessment, remediation and management of land that has been impacted by both anthropogenic and naturally occurring forms of contamination within soils, groundwater and soil vapour (to name a few). This process is essential to ensure that contaminated sites are safe for future use and do not pose a risk to human health or the environment. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) provides comprehensive guidelines for managing contaminated land, which our consultants at Caldera Environmental strictly adhere to.
Key Components of Contaminated Land Management
Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI)
The first step in managing contaminated land is conducting a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI). This involves gathering historical information about the site, identifying potential contaminants, and assessing the extent of contamination. The PSI helps in developing a conceptual site model and determining the need for further investigation.
Sampling and Analysis Quality Plan (SAQP)
An SAQP outlines the procedures for collecting and analysing soil, water, and air/vapour samples from contaminated sites. This plan ensures that the sampling process is systematic and that the data collected is reliable and accurate. The NSW EPA's Sampling Design Guidelines provide detailed instructions on developing an effective SAQP. Caldera Environmental recently completed a SAQP for a service station site in Tamworth, that has lead to a large scale DSI.
Detailed Site Investigation (DSI)
If the PSI indicates the potential for contamination, a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) is conducted. The DSI involves more extensive sampling and analysis to delineate the extent and severity of contamination. This step is crucial for developing an appropriate remediation strategy. A recent example of a DSI can be taken from a historical service station in the Newcastle region where site wide drilling works were required to assess in situ soil conditions surrounding the former Underground Storage Petroleum System (UPSS). Groundwater monitoring wells were additionally installed to assess localised groundwater conditions, with data used to provide guidance on how to remediate the site for future development.
Remedial Action Plan (RAP)
Based on the findings of the DSI, a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) may be required to be developed. The RAP outlines the methods and strategies for remediating contaminated site. This may include soil excavation, in situ treatment or containment measures. The goal is to reduce contamination to acceptable levels and ensure the site is safe for its intended use.
Validation
After the remediation work is completed, validation is carried out to confirm that the site meets the required environmental standards. This involves additional sampling and analysis to verify that the remediation efforts have been successful. Validation ensures that the site is safe for future use and complies with regulatory requirements. Caldera Environmental staff have extensive experience in providing validation following the removal of redundant UPSS at service station and fuel storage/sales facilities, with a recent UPSS Validation and contaminated soils removal job being undertaken in Sydney in 2025.
Caldera Environmental’s Expertise
At Caldera Environmental, we have extensive experience in managing contaminated land projects across various regions. Our team of Certified Environmental Practitioners (CEnvP) and other accredited professionals are well-equipped to handle complex environmental challenges. Here are some of the key services we offer:
Contaminated Land Investigations: We conduct thorough PSIs and DSIs to assess the extent of contamination and develop effective remediation strategies.
Soil and Groundwater Remediation: Our team uses advanced techniques to treat contaminated soil and groundwater, ensuring that pollutants are removed or contained.
Asbestos Management: We provide specialised services for the identification, removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
Environmental Monitoring: We offer comprehensive monitoring services to track air, water, and soil quality, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Regulatory Compliance: We help clients navigate the complex regulatory landscape, ensuring that all projects meet the necessary environmental standards.
Case Studies
Caldera Environmental has successfully undertaken numerous contaminated land management projects in Brisbane, Newcastle, Northern NSW, Gold Coast, Tamworth and Sydney. Here are a few examples:
Brisbane: We conducted a detailed site investigation (DSI) and developed a remedial action plan (RAP) for a former industrial site, ensuring it was safe for redevelopment into a residential area.
Newcastle: Our team managed the remediation of a site impacted with acid sulfate soils, using in situ treatment methods to treat the material before it was removed from site.
Northern NSW: We provided asbestos management services for a large-scale infrastructure project, ensuring the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
Gold Coast: Our environmental monitoring services helped a construction project comply with dewatering regulatory requirements and the treatment of PFAS in water prior to discharge.
Tamworth: We assisted a local service station owner meet environmental compliance requirements from the NSW EPA to assess the site and integrity of the UPSS.
Sydney: Our team conducted a comprehensive contaminated land investigation for a major development project, ensuring it met all regulatory requirements and was safe for future use.
