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.

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.