The Process

A Clear Four-Stage Approach to Site Assessment and Management

We follow a standard process as set out in the Ministry for the Environment's Contaminated Land Management Guidelines.Compliance under these guidelines is set out in the National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health) Regulations Revised 2021 (NESCS).

If your site has been used, or is suspected to have been used, for an activity or industry associated with potential ground contamination listed on the Hazardous Activities Industries List (HAIL), and you intend to develop the land in one of the following ways: 

  • Subdivision

  • Change of land use, i.e., vineyard to residential

  • Earthworks

  • Removal or replacement of a fuel storage system

Council is likely to request that you provide some or all of the following information. 

Stage 1:

Prepare a Preliminary Site Inspection (PSI) report. The importance of this stage is often overlooked, but it provides the vital first step in understanding the site's history and the nature and extent of any potential contamination present (if any).  A good PSI can help to avoid significant costs and surprises in the future. 

Stage 2:

Ultimately, the PSI will help determine whether a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) is required.   If needed, a specialist will visit your site to collect and analyse soil samples. The resulting data is then used to assess whether any contamination is present, the level of risk it may pose to human health and the environment, and to guide our recommendations. It also helps determine the appropriate disposal pathway for any soil removed from the site — whether it can be reused within the Marlborough region, sent to cleanfill, or disposed of at a landfill.

Stage 3:

If contamination is found at concentrations above relevant human health or environmental standards, our specialist will clearly explain the results and talk you through the most suitable remediation options. We will then prepare a Remediation Action Plan (RAP) that outlines how the work will be completed and the necessary health and safety requirements. If needed, our specialist can also manage the remediation process through to completion.

Stage 4:

Prepare a Site Validation Report (SVR) outlining all remedial works completed and the validation sampling undertaken to confirm the site meets the required standards and is suitable for its intended use.

Initiate Your Project Consultation

To receive your free 30min initial consultation or for any other enquiries about the services we provide, please call us, send an email, or leave a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you.