What is a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI)?
A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) is a desktop-based environmental assessment that reviews site history, aerial photographs, government databases, and contaminated land registers to identify potential contamination sources. It includes a site walkover and produces a conceptual site model with recommendations on whether further investigation is needed. A PSI typically costs $3,000\u2013$5,000 for a standard residential lot and takes 1\u20132 weeks to complete. It is usually the first step in contaminated land assessment and is commonly required by councils for development applications.
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Contaminated land due diligence
Preliminary site investigations that clarify contamination risk early.
iEnvi prepares preliminary site investigations for acquisition, planning, redevelopment and broader due diligence where the first question is whether contamination is likely, material and decision-relevant.
Typical matters
Typical matters
- Property transactions, site acquisition and refinancing.
- Development applications and early planning-stage contamination review.
- Sites with historical industrial, commercial or fill-related land use risk.
Scope of advice
Scope of advice
- Desktop review, site history assessment and conceptual site model development.
- Site reconnaissance and targeted advice on whether intrusive investigation is warranted.
- Clear reporting on likely risks, data gaps and recommended next steps.
How we work
How we work
- Focus on the commercial and regulatory significance of the likely contamination issues.
- Senior contaminated land judgement available where the matter needs it.
- A practical first-step report rather than a generic template exercise.
Related projects
Selected project summaries.
These published project summaries provide practical examples of adjacent site issues and service delivery.
Project summaryPreliminary Site Investigations for Potential Acquisition, VIC and WA
Two coatings manufacturing sites in Victoria and Western Australia were assessed by iEnvi through preliminary site investigations (PSI) to identify contamination risks, regulatory implications…
Project summaryFrom Quarterly to Biannual: Groundwater Monitoring that Keeps Risk Low
Practical groundwater monitoring that confirms monitored natural attenuation, meets regulator expectations, and supports a safe transition from quarterly to biannual sampling with clear triggers…
Project summaryPreliminary Site Investigation – Abbotsford Residential Development
iEnvi completed a desk-based Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) for a proposed residential development in Abbotsford, VIC. The PSI found a low risk of contamination…
Related pages
Further reading and related service pages.
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Common Questions
What is included in a Preliminary Site Investigation?
A PSI typically includes a review of site history using aerial photographs, historical records, and government databases; a search of contaminated land registers (EMR/CLR in Queensland, EPA records in other states); an assessment of surrounding land use and potential off-site sources; a site walkover to observe current conditions; and a report with a conceptual site model and recommendations on whether further investigation is needed.
How long does a PSI take to complete?
A standard PSI for a residential or commercial property can usually be completed within 1–2 weeks from instruction, depending on the availability of historical records and site access. More complex sites with extensive industrial history or multiple lots may take longer. We provide a clear timeline at proposal stage.
Is a PSI enough to satisfy council requirements?
It depends on the findings. If the PSI concludes that the site has a low risk of contamination and no further investigation is warranted, council will often accept this as sufficient. If the PSI identifies potential contamination sources or data gaps, council will typically require a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) before approving the development application. The PSI report will clearly state the recommended next steps.
