New South Wales being
particularly contested regarding complicated ownership structures and histories
of the properties before and after their development, it is important that
anyone planning to develop the land should first have a look at the background
of the land that they intend to develop. The two main components of this
process of due diligence are conducting Detailed Site Investigation NSW and
conducting preliminary site investigations.
A Preliminary Site Investigation NSW
has to assess the prior uses of the land in question prior to contamination
based on official records and databases. The aim is as follows to establish the
likelihood of any contaminative events having taken place at the site in
question, including the presence of several large industries, construction
sites, mechanical spaces, gas stations or storage of wastes. A preliminary
actual site survey as a method offers some semblance of visible proof regarding
the existence of contamination on the site. During a PSI, groundwater and
surface water sampling and soil may also be collected.
Preliminary
Site Investigation NSW
In the case of discovering a risk of contamination a Detailed Site Investigation NSW follows the process. A DSI moreover clearly outlines contamination as regards the type of contaminant, the localization and the exact degree. Additional soil and water samples are collected with further chemical examination in order to determine the concentration and the kind of pollutants present. Other activities may be conducted, for example, the taking of asbestos samples, identification of storage tank locations, identification of hazards, and of course action that could transport contaminants now or in the future.
The reasons for understanding the contamination status through detailed site investigations and preliminary site investigations include the following in New South Wales (NSW). Environmental laws demand that protection risks associated with contamination have to be avoided before development is carried out. Developers require proof that the site is appropriate for the intended use to attract finance. And buyers need to avoid potential risks associated with their liability when acquiring properties.
Further treatment and
periodic surveillance may also be required as specified by the investigation
results. It shows that when site contamination issues are successfully managed,
successful development can be achieved without compromising the larger
community and the environment. The advice given to me is that an experienced
environmental site assessor should be consulted at the initial planning stage.