Common Instructions
These are the terms and instructions clients, councils and legal teams commonly use for this work in Australian practice.
- Preliminary Site Investigation
- PSI report
- Preliminary site investigation report
- Phase 1 ESA Australia
Reviewer
Reviewed by Michael Nicholls, Principal Environmental Scientist (CEnvP #0831, Site Contamination Specialist SC40037).
Last reviewed 23 April 2026.
Primary Sources
These official references commonly inform the way this work is scoped, interpreted or defended.
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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Selected project summaries.
These published project summaries provide practical examples of adjacent site issues and service delivery.
Preliminary 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…
From 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…
Preliminary 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…
Further reading and related service pages.
Need advice on this issue?
Contact iEnvi on 13000 43 684 or email hello@ienvi.com.au to discuss the site, timing and available information.
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.