The Problem:
During environmental investigations at a large greenfield development site, a fragment of asbestos containing material (ACM) was identified within surface soils near a former stockpiled material area. Questions were raised about whether the fragment originated from the historic stockpile or represented a separate contamination source, creating uncertainty for the project and potential delays to remediation sign off and future development.
Clear, defensible expert advice was required to determine the source of the asbestos, confirm the effectiveness of removal works, and demonstrate the site was safe for ongoing use.
Project Summary:
iEnvi was engaged to provide an independent expert opinion on the provenance of the asbestos fragment and to support validation following targeted asbestos removal works. The scope included a technical review of historical site activities, Nearmap imagery, investigation data and the spatial relationship between the fragment and the former stockpile footprint.
Following removal of the non friable asbestos impacted material by a licensed contractor, iEnvi coordinated and reviewed an independent asbestos clearance inspection, including visual inspection, airborne asbestos monitoring and validation soil sampling undertaken by an occupational hygienist.
An expert opinion letter was prepared by a Certified Environmental Practitioner and Site Contamination Specialist, clearly articulating the mechanisms of mechanical and environmental dispersion and explaining why the fragment was consistent with minor displacement from the former stockpile during handling and removal activities.
Solution & Benefit:
The expert assessment confirmed that the asbestos fragment was directly attributable to the former stockpiled material and not indicative of broader site contamination. Independent clearance inspections and laboratory analysis verified that no asbestos remained within the remediated area, with airborne fibre monitoring results below detection limits and validation soils returning no asbestos detected.
The outcome provided regulators and stakeholders with confidence that the asbestos risk had been effectively managed, enabling the site to progress without unnecessary further investigation or remediation. iEnvi’s clear, technically robust advice reduced uncertainty, protected the client from scope creep, and supported timely project delivery while maintaining compliance with NSW asbestos and contaminated land requirements
