220 Lambton Road, New Lambton NSW 2305
Soil Testing & Contaminated Land Assessment Newcastle
Environmental soil testing, site investigations and waste classification for development, due diligence and compliance.
- Preliminary and detailed site investigations
- VENM and ENM soil classification
- Asbestos in soil tested in our NATA accredited laboratory
NATA
accredited asbestos laboratory, No. 19366
40,000+
asbestos samples tested in materials, soil and air
150+ yrs
combined experience across our team
24/7
availability across Newcastle, the Hunter and the Central Coast
Soil testing
Environmental soil testing in Newcastle and the Hunter
EnviroScience Solutions tests soil and assesses contaminated land across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens and the Central Coast. We work for developers, builders, councils, industry and property buyers who need to know what is in the ground before they build on it, buy it, dig it up or cart it away.
Our work is environmental soil testing: contamination, asbestos in soil and waste classification. We do not carry out geotechnical or foundation testing.
Talk to our team
Local conditions
Why soil testing matters in Newcastle
Newcastle grew up around heavy industry, the port, rail and mining. That history has left its mark on the ground: former industrial and commercial sites, land raised with imported fill of unknown origin, old fuel storage, and asbestos fragments from demolished buildings. A site that looks clean can still carry heavy metals, hydrocarbons or asbestos below the surface.
Councils commonly ask for a contamination assessment with a development application, and lenders and buyers increasingly want one before a commercial purchase. Finding a problem early is far cheaper than finding it once the excavator is on site.
Who needs soil testing?
- Developers and builders preparing a development application or starting earthworks
- Property buyers and sellers carrying out environmental due diligence on commercial and industrial land
- Civil contractors who need excavated soil classified before it leaves site
- Councils and government managing landfills, depots and public land
- Manufacturers and industry assessing their own sites
What we do
Our soil testing and contaminated land services
01
Preliminary site investigation (PSI)
A desktop review of the site's history and a site inspection to identify whether contamination is likely. Often the first thing a council or lender asks for.
02
Detailed site investigation (DSI)
Soil sampling and laboratory analysis to measure the type, extent and severity of contamination.
04
Contaminated site management
Management of the site through remediation, and validation once it is complete.
05
VENM and ENM soil classification
Classification of virgin excavated natural material and excavated natural material so soil can be reused or disposed of lawfully.
06
Waste classification
Classification of soil for landfill disposal.
07
Asbestos in soil
Analysed in our own NATA accredited laboratory (Accreditation No. 19366).
Local experience
Experience in the Hunter
We completed a landfill gas risk assessment for a waste management centre in the Hunter Region, reviewing gas concentrations and flows, assessing surface gas and vegetation impacts, and preparing a Landfill Gas Trigger Action Plan that was submitted to the NSW EPA. We were engaged for our long-standing knowledge of the site and our experience assessing privately and publicly operated landfills across NSW.
[SLOT: further Newcastle / Hunter contaminated land projects from owner]
Areas we cover
Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens and the wider Hunter, plus the Central Coast including Gosford and Wyong.
NewcastleLake MacquarieMaitlandCessnockPort StephensHunter ValleyCentral CoastGosfordWyong
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Call 1300 372 436 or send an enquiry and one of our team will get back to you.
What is the difference between a PSI and a DSI?
A preliminary site investigation reviews the site’s history and condition to decide whether contamination is likely. A detailed site investigation follows if it is, with soil sampling and laboratory analysis to measure it.
Do I need soil testing for a development application?
Often, yes. If the land has a history that could have caused contamination, or its use is changing to something more sensitive such as housing, the council will usually ask for a contamination assessment.
What are VENM and ENM?
Virgin excavated natural material and excavated natural material. Classifying soil as VENM or ENM allows it to be reused on another site instead of going to landfill, which can save a project a great deal in disposal costs.
Do you test garden or farm soil for nutrients?
Our focus is contamination. If you are worried that garden soil contains lead, asbestos or other contaminants, we can test for that.
Do you do geotechnical soil testing?
No. For foundation design and soil reactivity you need a geotechnical engineer. We test for contamination and classify soil for reuse or disposal.
Get a quote
Discuss soil testing in Newcastle
Tell us about your property or site and what you are concerned about. We will come back to you with a scope and a quote.
EnviroScience Solutions Newcastle
See our Newcastle office for all local services.
Get in touch