Project overview
Client need: confirm the proposed Wollert school site (two lots, ~9.9 hectares) is suitable for a sensitive land use and free of residual contamination from historical agricultural activities and nearby asbestos findings.
What iEnvi did
- Completed a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) consistent with the NEPM assessment framework.
- Conducted a visual asbestos inspection and targeted soil sampling (11 surface samples plus sampling of nearby soil stockpiles).
- Analysed samples for asbestos, heavy metals, total recoverable hydrocarbons (TRH), PAHs, BTEX and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs).
Key findings
- No visible asbestos fragments were observed within the subdivision during the inspection.
- Laboratory results showed all samples were below Tier 1 screening/investigation levels applicable to sensitive land uses (schools).
- Two soil stockpiles in Lot A contained foreign material on visual inspection, but laboratory testing did not detect contaminants above screening criteria.
- Hydrogeological review indicated surrounding historical sources are downgradient and unlikely to affect the site under current conditions.
Risk, compliance and development benefits
The PSI results provide a defensible, regulator‑recognised basis to progress planning and construction for a school: confirming low site contamination risk reduces the need for further audit work, shortens approval timelines, and lowers transaction and remediation costs. The asbestos clearance certificate (visual inspection by a competent independent person) also supports safe reoccupation and complies with Victorian asbestos procedures where required.
Practical recommendations
- Survey the subdivision boundary to confirm exact stockpile locations and ownership before earthworks.
- If excavation or topsoil reuse occurs during construction, implement waste classification and handling procedures and retain chain‑of‑custody and validation samples.
- Include a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) clause for unexpected finds (archaeological, contaminated fill or asbestos).
Plain‑English takeaway
The site is suitable for school development based on the PSI and laboratory testing. Following our targeted recommendations during the construction phase will manage residual uncertainty, protect project schedules, and deliver a compliant outcome for the developer and approving authorities.
To discuss how we can support your project or obtain the full validation reports and laboratory data, call 13000 43684 or contact our team today.
Need advice on this issue? iEnvironmental Australia provides practical, senior-led environmental consulting across contaminated land, remediation, ecology and environmental risk.
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