The Problem:
A residential development was proposed on a site in Abbotsford, Victoria, that adjoined/was near several parcels of land covered by an Environmental Audit Overlay. The local council required a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) to determine whether past activities may have led to site contamination and whether a full environmental audit or remediation would be necessary before construction approval.
Project Summary:
iEnvi carried out a PSI to assess the contamination risk and site history. The assessment reviewed historic land uses, planning records, previous environmental reports, aerial photographs, groundwater bore data, and geological and hydrogeological information. The desk-based study was designed to identify potential contaminants of concern and assess whether intrusive soil investigation was necessary and whether details in nearby Audit reports and investigation information presented a potential risk of contamination entering the site.
The site was found to have a long history of residential use. While it is located near a former boot factory and electrical substation, no direct sources of contamination were identified on the property or extending from the adjacent properties toward the site. Given the absence of contamination indicators and the relatively low-risk history, soil sampling was not required.
Solution & Benefit:
The PSI concluded that the site presented a low risk of contamination and was suitable for the proposed residential development without the need for a full environmental audit. This clear finding allowed the planning application to progress without delay, saving the client significant time and cost. The PSI was delivered within seven business days and aligned with local planning permit conditions, helping the client meet council requirements with confidence in the environmental safety of the site.
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