Owning or managing a property in Australia, whether it is for residential, commercial, or industrial use, comes with a range of responsibilities—none more important than ensuring the land is safe and free from hidden environmental hazards. These hazards can pose significant health risks, damage ecosystems, lead to expensive remediation work, and even affect property value. From historical land use to naturally occurring contaminants, environmental risks can be buried just beneath the surface. This month, we explore the most common environmental hazards found on Australian properties and how to identify them through a contaminated land assessment and then mitigate their risks. Whether you are buying, selling, developing, or managing land, learn the importance of working with environmental consultants in Melbourne to protect you, your investment, and the environment.
Image: contaminated land assessment
Understanding Hidden Environmental Hazards
Hidden environmental hazards refer to pollutants or dangerous substances present in the soil, water, or air that aren’t immediately visible. These can originate from past industrial activity, agricultural use, illegal dumping, or natural processes. In many cases, these hazards have been buried or are otherwise undetectable without specialised assessment.
Examples of hidden environmental hazards in Australia include:
• Asbestos-containing materials in older buildings or buried on site
• Hydrocarbon contamination from fuel storage tanks
• Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury in soils
• Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
• Groundwater contamination from industrial runoff or leaching
• Mould and biological hazards in poorly ventilated or flood-affected buildings
These risks are particularly common in areas with a history of industrial activity, but they can also appear on rural, residential, or commercial sites—especially those that haven’t been subject to thorough environmental due diligence.
How to Identify Environmental Hazards on Your Property
The best way to identify potential environmental hazards is through a structured environmental site assessment (ESA). In Australia, these typically follow a phased approach:
Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment
This is the preliminary investigation stage. A qualified environmental consultant conducts a desktop review of the site’s history, gathers information from local authorities, and performs a site inspection. They look for signs of current or past activities that could pose contamination risks, such as:
• Former industrial or agricultural use
• Underground fuel tanks
• Waste storage or dumping
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Evidence of chemical use
The outcome of this assessment determines whether further investigation is required.
Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment
If the Phase 1 assessment identifies potential risks, a Phase 2 assessment is conducted. This involves soil, water, and sometimes air sampling to confirm the presence and extent of contamination.
Laboratory analysis determines the concentration of hazardous substances compared to regulatory thresholds set by bodies like the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) in each state.
Specialist Surveys
In addition to standard assessments, other specialist surveys may be required for:
• Asbestos testing (especially on sites with older buildings)
• Groundwater studies (for underground plume migration)
• Mould investigations in flood-affected or poorly ventilated buildings
• Noise and air quality monitoring in urban areas
Mitigating Risks: What You Can Do
Once a hazard has been identified, several strategies can be employed to manage or eliminate the risk. These depend on the type and extent of contamination, the intended land use, and regulatory requirements in your state or territory.
Site Remediation
For contaminated land, remediation may involve excavating and removing polluted soil, capping or containing contamination on-site to prevent further spread, groundwater treatment or pump-and-treat systems, and bioremediation, where microbes are used to break down pollutants naturally.
It is essential to use a qualified and licensed remediation contractor to ensure compliance with EPA regulations.
Asbestos Removal
If asbestos is found in building materials or soil, a licensed asbestos removalist must be engaged. Strict controls exist around the removal, transport, and disposal of asbestos in Australia.
Ongoing Monitoring
In some cases, long-term monitoring is necessary to track contamination levels or ensure containment strategies are working. This is especially true for groundwater plumes or sites with residual contamination.
Development Controls
In areas where contamination cannot be fully removed, land use restrictions or design modifications may be imposed. For example, a site might be deemed suitable only for industrial use unless significant remediation is undertaken.
The Role of Environmental Consultants
An experienced environmental services company plays a critical role in identifying and mitigating environmental hazards. These professionals:
• Conduct site assessments and audits
• Interpret lab results and regulatory standards
• Recommend appropriate mitigation or remediation strategies
• Liaise with environmental authorities
• Provide clearance certificates required for development or sale
In Australia, it is crucial to work with consultants who understand local legislation and are accredited by recognised industry bodies.
Do You Need Environmental Consultants in Melbourne?
If you have concerns about hidden hazards on your property or would like to find out more about what Melbourne environmental consultants can help you with, contact Alpha Environmental. We offer a range of environmental services and are proudly backed by 23 years of experience and expertise.
Contact us by calling 1300 039 181 or fill out our online contact form and we will get back to you.
