Preliminary Site Investigations
A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) is usually the first step in assessing potentially contaminated land. The report identifies what further actions (if any) should be undertaken to determine if there is contamination, the extent of such issues, and the next steps required to proceed with your project.
PSIs are the most important part of identifying contaminated land issues, but they’re often overlooked. Investing in a thorough PSI in the early stages can help to avoid major unexpected costs and roadblocks down the line.
Our approach is rigorous, and we’ve been able to help many clients avoid expensive headaches by providing clear visibility of potential risks and solutions upfront.
The Problem: Navigating Contamination Concerns
You've been notified by the council that your land may have contamination issues. Before any development can go ahead, you are required to show that site contamination is not a problem. Enter the Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI).
Here's why the PSI is essential:
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The PSI determines if your site has had past or ongoing HAIL (Hazardous Activities and Industries List) activities that may lead to land contamination due to the use, storage, or disposal of hazardous substances.
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If your land has been used for HAIL activities, you must adhere to the National Environmental Standards for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health (NES CS). This ensures that the proposed developments don't pose risks to human or environmental health.
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New Zealand operates under a "buyer beware" system. As the landowner, it is your responsibility to address potential contamination, not the original polluter.
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The PSI doesn't just identify potential issues; it includes data-driven recommendations on what to do next. It may indicate that contamination is unlikely and it is safe to proceed with your development, or it could involve progressing to a detailed site investigation to undertake soil and groundwater sampling and analysis.
Our Solution: Thoroughness Meets Expertise
When you engage HAIL Environmental for a PSI, you can rest assured in the knowledge that you’re working with New Zealand’s most experienced contaminated land specialists.
The decisions made during this stage can have significant knock on effects in the subsequent phases of your project - so we are extremely thorough to help you avoid hidden costs down the line.
Here’s what to expect:
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Your land has a story, and we’re here to unearth it. Before beginning analysis, we gather a range of records - such as historical aerials, certificates of title for ownership, property file information, anecdotal information, and anything else we can get our hands on.
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Using the information gathered, we then analyse and cross reference it to develop a conceptual site model. Think of this as a desktop risk assessment. It identifies potential hazard zones, receptors, and pathways that have the potential to spread contamination and cause harm to human and ecological health.
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With the model as our roadmap, we then use it to determine if a detailed site investigation is required. If so, we will also develop a sampling and analysis plan that can be carried out during the next stage.
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The most sustainable (and cost effective) method of remediation involves not moving soil in the first place. With our in-depth understanding of NZ’s regulatory environment, we’re often able to avoid or reduce the scope of remediation by presenting a compelling case backed with solid data.
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Quality doesn't have to break the budget. Our efficient process and level of experience allows us to deliver much more in-depth PSIs than most, at competitive prices.
The Outcome: Guiding Your Next Steps
Once our analysis is complete, we will report one of the following results:
Your site has not had a HAIL use, and therefore doesn’t require further investigation or management related to contaminated land.
Your site currently or previously had a HAIL use, but the proposed development is unlikely to result in human health issues, so no further investigation is required.
A small area of your site was involved in a former HAIL use, thereby limiting the need for further investigation or management to that specific location.
If a detailed site investigation is required, the PSI will be used to design a sampling and analysis plan for the site to ensure a robust and defensible investigation is completed.
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.
“GHC Consulting Limited uses the specialist experts of HAIL Environmental. Their team are pragmatic, solution-focused, and offers great value for money. They are simply just so good - you will not be disappointed.”
Dave Hanan, Director & Principal Environmental Engineer @ GHC Consulting Limited
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
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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
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Gain an in-depth understanding of your property’s contamination issues and remediation requirements.
Rectify
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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, the potential outcomes that a PSI might uncover, and 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 PSI.
