Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI)
Know the environmental risk before you commit
Find the risk before it escalates
Historical industrial activity, imported fill, fuel storage or contamination from neighbouring land can affect planning permits, purchase decisions and future development. Missing these indicators early may lead to unexpected investigation, environmental audit or remediation costs.
Geotesta combines desktop research, regulatory records, site inspection and a conceptual site model to assess whether a credible contamination pathway exists. Where a limited concern can be clarified through targeted sampling, we take a practical approach before recommending more extensive work.
Investigation Methods
Desktop review
Available plans, aerial photographs, mapping and other records are reviewed to understand how the site and surrounding land have changed over time.
Site history
Past land uses and activities are assessed for potential contamination sources such as fuel storage, industrial processes, imported fill or waste handling.
Regulatory records
Relevant EPA, planning, geology and hydrogeology information is reviewed to identify known issues, notices and environmental conditions affecting the site.
Site inspection
A site walkover checks current conditions, visible staining, tanks, fill, waste, drainage pathways and other indicators that may require closer assessment.
Conceptual site model
We assess potential sources, pathways and receptors to determine whether a credible contamination risk exists and where further work may be justified.
Targeted sampling
Limited soil sampling may be used where a specific concern can be checked without moving immediately to a full Detailed Site Investigation.
Environmental judgement built on experience
Frequently Asked Questions
A PSI is an initial environmental assessment that reviews site history, records and current conditions to identify whether contamination may be present and further investigation is needed.
Yes. Preliminary Site Investigation and Phase 1 environmental assessment are commonly used for the same initial review of potential contamination risk.
A PSI may be required before land purchase, redevelopment, a change to a more sensitive land use or to satisfy an environmental condition in a planning permit or as part of a Preliminary Risk Screening Assessment (PRSA) in Victoria.
The assessment may review historical land uses, aerial photographs, planning and EPA records, geology, hydrogeology, surrounding properties and observations made during a site inspection.
Not always. A PSI identifies potential contamination and assesses whether a credible risk exists. Confirming its presence or extent may require a Detailed Site Investigation.
It links potential contamination sources, the pathways contaminants could travel and the people or environmental features that may be affected, known as receptors.