What Are Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) & Why Are They Essential?
Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) are crucial in identifying contamination risks and ensuring land is suitable for development or sale. Whether you’re purchasing a property, developing land, or remediating contamination, an ESA provides the necessary insights to make informed decisions.
What is an Environmental Site Assessment?
An ESA is a systematic investigation used to evaluate environmental risks associated with a site. There are two primary phases:
Phase 1 ESA – A non-intrusive assessment that includes reviewing historical land use, conducting site inspections, and analysing environmental records.
Phase 2 ESA – A more detailed analysis involving soil and groundwater sampling to confirm contamination levels and determine remediation requirements.
When is an ESA Required?
Property Transactions & Due Diligence – Buyers and sellers need an ESA to ensure there are no hidden contamination liabilities.
Development & Construction Projects – Builders and developers must assess land for potential environmental risks before construction begins.
Regulatory Compliance – Businesses operating in regulated industries must conduct ESAs to comply with environmental laws and avoid penalties.
Benefits of Conducting an ESA
Identifies Contamination Risks Early – Prevents costly legal and cleanup liabilities.
Ensures Regulatory Compliance – Meets environmental protection standards and minimises fines.
Protects Public Health & Ecosystems – Ensures land is safe for use and prevents pollution of water sources.
How Terralis Can Help
At Terralis, we specialise in groundwater assessment, contamination mitigation, and compliance solutions. Contact us today on
0425 741 022 or fill in our contact form to discuss how we can safeguard your water resources and ensure environmental sustainability.