Services

Environmental and Contaminated Site Assessment

EC Otago are a one-stop-shop to assess and manage potentially contaminated land, and we work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.

Land that has previously been used for residential, industrial or agricultural activities can be affected by soil contamination, as noted in the Ministry for the Environment’s Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL).

Under the Resource Management (National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health) Regulations 2011 (NES), any HAIL property may require an investigation when subdivision, land-use change, soil disturbance, soil sampling or removal of fuel storage systems is proposed.

EC Otago can investigate the potential for contamination at a site via a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI), which reviews the history of the site and past sources of contamination. We typically incorporate soil sampling and analysis to provide a factual basis for confirming whether contamination has occurred.

If required by site conditions, a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) can be undertaken, with a more extensive soil sampling and analysis program.

We can prepare resource consent applications and Assessment of Environment Effects (AEE) to address the requirements of the NES.

If contamination is confirmed, EC Otago can assist with the planning for future developments, including a Site Remedial Action Plan (RAP) where required. We can work with your contractor to provide a Contaminated Soil Management Plan (CSMP) and conduct Health and Safety inductions to ensure the safety of everyone working on the project. We provide guidance for the appropriate disposal of contaminated soils and can facilitate disposal if necessary.

We can prepare a Site Validation Report (SVR) or soil disposal reports to confirm to Council that consent conditions have been met and that your site is safe for the proposed future use.

What is required for a contaminated site investigation?

The requirements for a contaminated site reporting are quite prescriptive. The Regulation 3 of the NES defines:

A Preliminary Site Investigation as an investigation that—

is done by a suitably qualified and experienced practitioner; and
is reported on in accordance with the current edition of Contaminated Land Management Guidelines No. 1 – Reporting on Contaminated Sites in New Zealand, Wellington, Ministry for the Environment; and
results in a report that is certified by the practitioner.

A Detailed Site Investigation as an investigation that—

is done by a suitably qualified and experienced practitioner; and
is done in accordance with the current edition of Contaminated Land Management Guidelines No. 5 – Site Investigation and Analysis of Soils, Wellington, Ministry for the Environment; and
is reported on in accordance with the current edition of Contaminated Land Management Guidelines No. 1 – Reporting on Contaminated Sites in New Zealand, Wellington, Ministry for the Environment; and
results in a report that is certified by the practitioner.

Farmyards

Even the most attractive scene can harbour a range of significant contaminant sources. If treated appropriately all of these can be effectively managed, remediated or isolated without significantly impacting on the value of the development.

Orchards and Market Gardens

Most towns in the South were once surrounded by market gardens and orchards that historically used toxic persistent chemicals.

Old Industrial Sites

Our towns and cities in the South Island have a long history of industrial activity, with old industrial sites often capped rather than fully remediated.

Old urban sites

Our town centres were often originally residential areas containing dwellings that contaminated urban land both through the materials of the original buildings and during transitional industrial use prior to their demolition.