Land management
Our team supports clients during the construction of large-scale wind and solar projects, roads and railways, residential subdivisions, water supply infrastructure such as pipelines and storage dams, mining, industrial and commercial developments.
Land management services
Contaminated land management
Contaminated land management is a complex technical and regulatory issue requiring specialised expertise and knowledge.
We offer professional services in Contaminated Site Assessment, Remediation and Management (CSARM), environmental monitoring and hazardous materials assessment. Our experience includes the assessment and management of soil and water contamination, environmental monitoring and hazardous materials assessment in accordance with legislation and industry guidelines and standards.
We provide expert advice while maintaining a cost-effective and practical approach to CSARM, environmental monitoring and hazardous materials assessment across construction projects such as land development, road and railway infrastructure, water supply and treatment infrastructure, mining, industrial and commercial developments.
Our capabilities include:
- Preliminary and Detailed site (PSI and DSI) investigations
- Contaminated land management plans
- Remediation action plans (RAP)
- Environmental monitoring programs (soil, water, air)
- Acid sulphate soil investigation and management
- Land condition assessments
Erosion and sediment control
Construction works can accelerate erosion and sediment run-off causing negative environmental and have major impacts on construction works.
Uncontrolled or accelerated erosion can pose a significant threat to the stability of structures and lead to sediment build-up, which can block drainage networks, cause siltation in water bodies, and negatively impact aquatic ecosystems.
Given the potential for harm, sediment that enters the environment through human activities is considered a pollutant, and it is an offense to pollute waterways or allow pollution to occur.
We apply recognised guidelines, standards and principles in our preparation of on-site management tools such as Soil and Water Management Plans (SWMP) and Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ECSP).
Our on-site advice includes implementation of erosion and sediment controls and maintenance of these controls throughout the project, through to rehabilitation on completion of works. Our experts can also provide training programs on erosion and sediment controls, management principles and the application of various industry products, ensuring that you and your staff are fully versed in this area.
Soil and water management plans
NGH’s experienced professionals provide soil and water management plans (SWMPs) to support sustainable development and alleviate legal compliance risks and potential for reputational loss.
A SWMP is a more technical plan requiring a higher-level of detail than the ESCP and is a mandatory requirement for larger or more environmentally sensitive construction projects.
Our soil and water management services include:
- Construction EMPs
- Soil and Water Management Plans and associated monitoring procedures
- Primary and Progressive Erosion and Sedimentation Plans (ESCPs)
- Site soils and constraints assessments
- Construction ESC advice and training
- Environmental Work Method Statements
Acid sulphate soils
Managing acid sulphate soils during construction requires careful planning and implementation to minimise environmental damage.
Our experienced team identifies areas with acid sulphate soil and develops soil management plans (SWMP) which includes measures to prevent disturbance of the soil, such as reducing excavation and minimising soil exposure to air and water.
Acid sulphate soils, which contain tiny iron sulphide minerals (typically pyrite), are prevalent in many regions in Australia. These soils are waterlogged, nearly devoid of oxygen, and pose no threat when undisturbed.
However, construction works can disturb acid sulphate soils through digging or draining which in turn exposes them to oxygen, initiating a reaction between the pyrite and oxygen that oxidises the pyrite. This process results in the formation of sulfuric acid, which can cause significant harm to the environment and built structures such as roads and buildings.
Soil disturbance can also cause acid attacks soil minerals, releasing metals like iron and aluminium. The resulting acid and metal runoff from the disturbed soil can be washed away by rainfall, contaminating the surrounding environment.
Australia’s contaminated land hot buttons
Many sites across the country pose threats to human health, the environment, and property values due to contaminated land threats.
Industrial pollution: Many former industrial sites, such as factories and mines, have left behind toxic chemicals and heavy metals in the soil and groundwater.
Landfills and waste disposal: Landfills and other waste disposal sites can leach chemicals and other contaminants into the surrounding soil and groundwater, leading to contamination of nearby waterways.
Agricultural practices: The use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in agriculture can result in soil contamination.
Urbanisation: Urbanisation can lead to soil contamination due to the construction of roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, as well as the use of chemicals and other pollutants in urban areas.
Mining activities: Mining activities can result in soil and water contamination from the use of chemicals and other pollutants, as well as the release of toxic waste materials.
Oil and gas exploration and production: Oil and gas exploration and production can lead to soil and groundwater contamination, as well as air pollution from drilling and extraction activities.
Our experienced team is qualified to address contaminated land concerns and regulations through a combination of monitoring and remediation efforts.
Healthy soil is essential for maintaining the health of our planet and supporting the production of food, fibre, and other essential resources. By taking steps to protect and restore soil health, we can help to ensure the sustainability of our planet and our food systems for future generations.
Healthy soil is essential for maintaining the health of our planet and supporting the production of food, fibre, and other essential resources. By taking steps to protect and restore soil health, we can help to ensure the sustainability of our planet and our food systems for future generations.
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