Detailed Site Investigations
Detailed Site Investigations (DSI) are required when a proposed development site has been involved in HAIL activities that prevent the project from going ahead. It is typically the second stage in the investigation process after undertaking a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI).
Whilst the PSI is a desktop exercise that provides an understanding of former land use activities, a DSI takes your investigation one step further. It involves designing a sampling and analysis plan, collecting and testing samples, reporting how the results compare to relevant soil contamination standards, and providing recommendations for how your project can proceed from here.
When you engage HAIL Environmental to do your DSI, you're working with Aotearoa’s leading experts in contaminated land, and we only hire seasoned professionals. Every step along the way, you’re looked after by a senior consultant - ensuring precision and adaptability tailored to your project's needs.
Sampling Methods and Analysis
Building upon the foundations laid by a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI), the DSI is your key to unlocking a deeper understanding of any contaminated land risks at your site.
You need accurate, tangible evidence of how former land use activities have affected the soil and groundwater, and what that means for the future of your project.
Here's how we can help:
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The sampling and analysis plans we employ consider various factors: the site's previous hazardous substance storage and use, the nature of the contaminants involved, and the potential receptors and pathways that affect contamination migration, including; site topography, geology, and depth to groundwater.
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Our sampling activities primarily focus on the areas of the site that are most likely to have been impacted by HAIL activities. We work with reputable laboratories to thoroughly analyse the samples and report relevant results. We use efficient data collection and management platforms such as datanest.
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Depending on the specific requirements of your project, we can use a wide range of techniques and equipment, from basic hand-augured soil samplers to advanced drill rigs, photoionisation detectors for volatile compounds, x-ray spectrometers for instant semi-quantitative heavy metals, and more. We also own a wide range of groundwater, surface water, and sediment sampling equipment.
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After conducting an in-depth analysis, we usually measure our findings against the relevant Soil Contaminant Standards (SCS) and use this to form the basis of recommendations in the reports you receive.
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If our initial tests identify significant soil impacts that need more in-depth analyses, we can undertake groundwater, sediment, soil gas, and surface water testing to fully characterise potential human health and environmental risks. We can also develop site-specific criteria for unique land use activities not covered by the soil contaminant standards. This can demonstrate that soil quality is suitable for the land use proposed or reduce the remediation requirements within a site.
Sustainable Remediation Through Precision
In partnering with HAIL Environmental, you're choosing precise, sustainable solutions backed by decades of niche experience. We don't just identify problems; we craft tailored strategies to address them efficiently and effectively.
Here’s what sets our DSIs apart:
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The person collecting your samples is not just any technician; they're a senior contaminated land specialist. This ensures a nuanced and insightful approach to data collection. Whilst many other providers are known to send non-specialists to collect samples, we prioritise expertise at every touchpoint.
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Rushing to remediation without getting the right data is more often than not costly and inefficient. We can pinpoint specific areas of concern, avoiding broad-brush sampling methods. And by gathering real-time insights and observations on-site, we’re able to adapt our approach as new information presents itself - to ensure that your project gets the best results.
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The most eco-friendly and usually cost-effective form of remediation is to avoid 'dig and dump' unless absolutely necessary. We’re often able to isolate remediation to a small part of the site by presenting a compelling data-driven case that meets regulatory requirements. And when on-site remediation is required, we have a range of innovative techniques that can be used to treat contaminants locally.
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We're not just versed in identifying and treating typical hazardous substances like hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Our experience extends to handling more complex, phased-out chemicals, ensuring your land is free from even the most persistent organic pollutants.
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Depending on the project's scale, we can work solo or collaborate with other consultants, offering a degree of flexibility that aligns with your objectives.
Reporting and Resolving Issues
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Your site meets the land use standards, requiring no further investigation or remediation.
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Only specific areas of your site need attention, limiting the scope of investigation or management.
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Based on the data and specifics of your site, certain zones require remediation.
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For larger undertakings, we might recommend calling in other experts. Whether we manage everything or just a segment, our focus always remains on delivering top-notch, sustainable solutions.
Once we've comprehensively sampled and analysed your site, one of the following results will typically emerge:
If you decide to engage our remediation and management services after completing the DSI, we will undertake an Assessment of Remediation Options, craft a Remediation Action Plan, acquire the necessary consents, solve the relevant problems, then validate our efforts through a Site Validation Report, ensuring the contamination issue is resolved for good.
Why work with HAIL Environmental?
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Seasoned Experts
Every consultant is an experienced professional. We have over 100 years of combined experience. We know what to expect and how to overcome it.
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Industry Leading Quality
We have robust internal QA/QC processes, all investigations are designed to meet MfE requirements, and are signed off by a SQEP that is a certified contaminated land specialist under the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) accreditation scheme.
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Award Winning
We’ve won a range of industry accolades for innovative sustainable remediation techniques, and we’re continually looking for better, more sustainable ways to solve client challenges.
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Ethical Kaupapa
We take our commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship seriously. Click here to learn more.
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Practical Approach
We are pragmatic and solutions focused. We are here to help enable you to achieve the desired outcome for your project, instead of simply identifying issues and barriers.
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Collective Model
We operate as a collective that prioritises client results and staff wellbeing over profits.
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Remediation Expertise
We have the expertise and capability to deliver the most suitable remediation approach to address your contaminated land issues. Where possible, we avoid dig and dump.
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Nationwide Service
No matter where in the country you are, we’re here to help. You get a dedicated consultant, with support from our wider team throughout Aotearoa.
Results Driven. Client Endorsed.
“Sarah has been providing contaminated land expertise to the NZ Defence Force for many years. She is approachable and friendly, and her input is always pragmatic and achievable. Sarah has taken the time to get to know NZDF as a client, and pitches the information to be delivered at the required level. She was a key part of the 2018-2020 PFAS investigation team, assisting in leading the sampling and stakeholder engagement teams, interpreting lab data and more. Sarah has also provided a wide range of ad-hoc support and skillsets to the NZDF's local environmental team over the years.”
Kate Leydon, Principal Environmental Officer (Central) @ Defence Estate and Infrastructure, NZDF
Our Sustainable Remediation Framework
Each service we provide fits into one of three phases. Combined, we can solve almost any contaminated land issue on your site.
Identify
Establish an understanding of what land use activities have been carried out and if these activities may have resulted in contamination.
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Understand the potential contamination issues preventing consent from being granted.
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Quantify the site contamination risks and estimated remediation costs before purchasing a business or property.
Classify
Determine the level of risk and ascertain if it requires remediation or management to enable your project to go ahead.
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Gain an in-depth understanding of your property’s contamination issues and remediation requirements.
Rectify
Find and implement the best suited solution to the problem using the most sustainable and cost effective methods.
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Determine the best course of action to fix your contaminated land issues by comparing the options available for your site.
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Resolve your contamination issues sustainably, with the level of help that suits your needs and budget.
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Ensure that all relevant needs are addressed and people are kept in the loop with our award winning engagement services.
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Outsource your compliance monitoring responsibilities to us and free up time to focus on your core business.
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Get expert consultants at short notice to address pressing issues and help resolve your contamination emergency.
How to get started
Step 1: Get in Touch
Contact one of our consultants below and share more information about your project.
Step 2: Initial Findings
We will review your correspondence and documentation. Then, we will provide a recommended course of action, with a proposal to engage our help.
Step 3: Engage Our Services
If you wish to proceed, we will onboard you as a client and get to work on your DSI.
