Environmental Site Assessments & Audits for Victorian Land Projects
Preliminary & detailed site investigations, environmental audits, hydrogeological assessments and soil hygienist reports — trusted across thousands of Victorian sites since 1996.
Employee-owned Victorian consultancy · Certified Environmental Practitioners · 125 years combined team experience
Practical, evidence-based advice — clear reporting that supports planning approvals and regulatory requirements, not just data for its own sake.
EPA & Council audit experience — we work directly alongside appointed Environmental Auditors to progress sites toward approval.
Fast, clear scoping — we review your project and advise on risk and next steps before you commit to a full investigation.
Request a Site Assessment Quote
Tell us about your site and project — our team will come back with clear, practical advice.
Environmental Assessment Services
From pre-purchase due diligence through to detailed investigation and audit support, we bring the technical insight needed to navigate contamination across Victorian land projects.
Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI)
Assesses the likelihood of contamination through site history research, an inspection by an experienced environmental scientist, and targeted sampling where required.
- Prior to purchasing potentially contaminated land
- For planning permit applications (subdivision, rezoning)
- Environmental Audit Overlays (EAOs)
Detailed Site Investigation (DSI)
Systematic, targeted sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater and vapour to assess the presence and extent of contamination identified in a PSI.
- Where a PSI identifies a contamination risk
- Where Duty Holders have a Duty to Manage
- For planning permits or environmental audits
Environmental Audit Assessment
Independent assessment support led by an EPA-accredited Auditor to determine whether a site is suitable for its intended use.
- Where an Environmental Audit Overlay applies
- When required by Council or EPA
- For higher-risk or contamination-history sites
Vapour & Landfill Gas Assessment
Sampling of the subsurface atmosphere to identify volatile contaminants that could migrate into buildings, or gases from former landfill sites.
- Development within 500m of a former landfill
- Site history indicates volatile contaminants
- Risk of vapour intrusion into buildings
Hydrogeological / Groundwater Assessment
Evaluates whether groundwater poses a risk to development, or whether a development might impact groundwater flow and quality.
- Subdivision or planning permit applications
- Sensitive land use developments
- Mandatory groundwater monitoring requirements
Soil Hygienist Report
Assesses soil for contamination such as asbestos and chemical residues, particularly for works at childcare centres, kindergartens and schools.
- VSBA Building Blocks grant applications
- Importing soil/mulch to schools or childcare sites
- Planning permits or environmental audits
Science-led advice, from a team that's seen thousands of sites
Atma undertakes site assessments across a wide range of commercial, industrial and government projects. With experience across thousands of Victorian sites over 30 years, we understand the conditions, risks and regulatory expectations that move projects forward.
30+ Years in Contaminated Land
Trusted since 1996 across thousands of Victorian commercial, industrial and government sites.
Employee-Owned Company
Shared accountability creates a stable, committed team genuinely invested in project outcomes.
Certified Environmental Practitioners
Our A-Team includes CEnvP-certified consultants with deep regulatory and technical expertise.
Practical, Cost-Effective Advice
Clear, actionable reporting designed to keep your project moving — not overwhelm you with data.
Our Process
Site assessments can introduce uncertainty into a project. We provide a clear, structured pathway forward, from first review through to ongoing advice.
Initial Review
We review project documentation and provide early advice on risks and next steps before you commit.
Site Investigation
Desktop research to define the appropriate scope and the most effective approach for your site.
Fieldwork & Sampling
Our consultants plan and carry out investigations designed to meet your specific project objectives.
Analysis & Reporting
Clear, practical reporting with recommendations to support decision-making and project progression.
Ongoing Advice
We help you understand findings, engage with regulators, and define the right path forward.
Complex Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Investigation & Remediation, Cheltenham VIC
This project demonstrates Atma's capability in chlorinated solvent assessment, vapour risk assessment, groundwater investigation, environmental audit support and remediation planning for complex brownfield redevelopment sites.
A former dry-cleaning site proposed for high-density residential redevelopment required detailed assessment of chlorinated hydrocarbon impacts to support a statutory Environmental Audit.
Atma delivered a staged PSI, DSI, soil vapour investigation, groundwater assessment, remediation feasibility study and remediation action plan, in consultation with the auditor.
On and off-site soil bores, groundwater monitoring wells, soil vapour probes, multiple monitoring events and targeted laboratory analysis.
A practical remediation framework aligned with the proposed basement excavation, integrating source removal with future construction and supporting the statutory audit pathway.
Recognised Industry & International Standards
Our A-Team includes Certified Environmental Practitioners, supported by professional indemnity and public liability insurance policies on every project.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is an environmental site assessment required?
An assessment may be required where there is potential for contamination to affect a proposed use or development. Common triggers include planning permit applications, subdivisions, rezoning, environmental audit requirements, and land with a history of potentially contaminating activities. Atma helps clients understand requirements and develop practical, cost-effective strategies to support approvals.
Should I obtain an assessment before purchasing land?
While not every purchase requires one, environmental due diligence before acquisition can identify contamination risks, regulatory obligations and liabilities that may affect value or development potential. Atma provides due diligence assessments that give purchasers greater certainty and help avoid costly surprises later.
What's the difference between an audit and a site assessment?
A site assessment investigates and identifies potential contamination risk. An environmental audit is a formal, independent process conducted by an EPA-appointed Auditor, typically required for significant contamination or sensitive land uses. Assessments are often undertaken before an audit and inform the auditor's findings.
What happens if contamination is found during investigation?
It doesn't necessarily mean a project can't proceed. Depending on the type and extent, further investigation, targeted remediation, management plans or site-specific controls may allow the project to proceed safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements. Early identification and planning are key to minimising delays and costs.
Get Clear, Practical Advice for Your Site
Speak to our team before you commit — we'll help you understand risk, obligations and the most cost-effective path forward.
