Contamination Assessment and Remediation for Childcare Centres

The development and operation of childcare facilities require a high level of confidence that environmental conditions are safe for children, particularly where land has the potential to be affected by historical contamination. Geotesta has extensive experience investigating and managing contamination issues at both proposed and existing childcare centres, including sites impacted by lead, asbestos and PFAS.

Our work includes Preliminary Site Investigations (PSIs), Detailed Site Investigations (DSIs), soil sampling, contaminant assessment, evaluation of potential human exposure pathways, remediation planning, supervision of remediation works and preparation of validation reports. Investigations are tailored to the specific conditions and history of each site, with particular attention given to the ways children may come into contact with contaminated soil or dust within outdoor play areas and landscaped environments.

Geotesta supports developers, planners, childcare providers and project teams through the complex environmental requirements associated with site acquisition, development approvals and service approvals. In New South Wales, applications for service approval for proposed centre-based childcare services must include a soil assessment, together with any previous soil assessments undertaken for the site. Under Regulation 25 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations, as amended for NSW in 2025, the assessment must be completed by an environmental consultant, environmental consulting firm or environmental auditor to determine the nature, extent and levels of contamination and any resulting actual or potential risks to human health. Geotesta provides site-specific investigations and risk assessments that support these approval requirements and help project teams demonstrate compliance.

Geotesta also assists clients in meeting planning and development requirements under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards) 2021. Where a development application involves a change to childcare use and the land meets the contamination-history criteria outlined in Section 4.6(4), a Preliminary Site Investigation is required prior to determination of the application. Our investigations provide the information needed to assess contamination risks, identify appropriate management measures and support informed decision-making throughout the planning process.

By combining technical environmental expertise with a practical understanding of regulatory obligations, Geotesta helps clients navigate approval pathways, manage contamination risks and create safer environments for children, educators and the broader community.