There are many instances when land contamination is hidden from view. Soil and groundwater can sometimes contain hazardous waste from previous land uses. As such, conducting a Detailed Site Investigation NSW (DSI) becomes critical.
A DSI is a type of consultation that assesses land for contamination.
DSI is a more thorough examination than the preliminary report. In a DSI,
qualified professionals will acquire samples of soil, groundwater, and vapours,
which will then be analysed at an accredited laboratory for the presence of
contaminants.
There is a straightforward objective in conducting a DSI: to establish
what contaminants are present, the level of spreading that has occurred, and
whether it presents a threat to the health and/or safety of people using that
property.
In New South Wales, a DSI is frequently a prerequisite to the
construction or sale of a property; thus, assisting prospective purchasers or
owners to make safe informed decisions regarding the use of land.
When Do You Need a DSI?
You may need a DSI if:
●
The land
had past industrial use
●
Fuel
storage or waste dumping took place
●
A
preliminary report shows possible risk
● Local rules require it for approval
Skipping this step can lead to legal and safety issues later.
What Happens During the Process?
The procedure has a transparent and organized framework. The process
begins with experts assessing the historical data of the site. The team
proceeds to the site after they create their testing locations. The team can
perform drilling operations to obtain deep earth samples. The team will check
groundwater whenever it becomes necessary.
The testing process leads to result evaluation. The report documents
all findings in a straightforward manner. The document displays both the
contaminated sites and the specific areas which experienced contamination.
What Is a Remedial Action Plan (RAP)?
The next step requires development of a Remedial Action Plan NSW (RAP) when contamination is discovered. The RAP document describes
the procedure which will be used to clean the contaminated site. The document
outlines a detailed procedure which will be used to eliminate or manage
potential hazards.
The DSI results form the foundation of this operational plan. The plan
was developed to comply with all regulations and safety requirements
established by NSW.
What Does a RAP Include?
A good RAP will cover:
●
Type and
level of contamination
●
Cleanup
methods to be used
●
Time
needed for the work
●
Safety
steps during cleanup
● Waste handling and disposal
The plan must be clear and practical. It should also protect workers,
nearby people, and the environment.
Why Both Steps Are Important
The first step is to identify a contamination issue through Detailed Site Investigation NSW (DSI).
The second step is to address that issue through the Remediation Action Plan
(RAP). Without a DSI completed, you will not know the full extent of any
risk(s) to human health and/or the environment. Without a RAP, the issue will
remain in the ground.
When both steps have been completed, they allow the land to be reused
safely in the future. This is vital to the development of housing, business and
public spaces.
Final Thoughts
Land safety assessment is not something that should be based on
guessing. Detailed Site Investigations provide the necessary and factual
information to assess a contamination issue. Remediation Action Plans provide
the necessary process for addressing the contamination issue.
If you are responsible for land use or development in New South Wales
(NSW), take the two steps (Detailed Site Investigation/Remediation Action Plan)
seriously to avoid delays, costs and risks in the long term.









