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Published: August 2023
Last updated: February 2026
Contaminated soil is a serious issue that affects the health and well-being of both humans and the environment. It is defined as soil that has been polluted with harmful chemicals, pollutants, or other hazardous materials, such as asbestos and different types of fuel (petrol and diesel).
In this article, we will explore the dangers of contaminated soil, the causes of soil contamination, and the effects it has on community health and the environment. We will also discuss remediation and prevention techniques, as well as the role of government and industry in addressing this problem.
In Australia, contaminated soil is commonly identified during property transactions, development applications, infrastructure projects, and construction works, where contaminated land management is often required to address health, environmental, and regulatory risks.
Industrial pollution is one of the major causes of contaminated soil. Factories and industrial plants can release a wide range of pollutants into the air and water sources (groundwater and surface water), which can then settle onto the ground and contaminate the soil. These pollutants can include heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides.
Agricultural practices, such as the use of pesticides and fertilisers, can also contribute to soil contamination. The overuse of these chemicals can lead to a buildup of harmful substances in the soil, which can be harmful to both community health and the environment.
Improper disposal of hazardous waste, such as chemical waste or medical waste, can also lead to soil pollution. Landfills and illegal dumping sites are common sources of soil contamination. If these materials are not properly managed, they can leach into the soil and contaminate it.
Leakage from underground storage tanks, such as petroleum, diesel and oil tanks, can also be a source of soil contamination. These tanks can corrode over time and release harmful chemicals into the soil.
Common indicators that soil contamination may be present include:
These indicators are often used to determine whether further investigation is required.
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Exposure to contaminated soil can have a significant impact on community health. The exposure routes to contaminated soil can include inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
Short-term health effects from exposure to contaminated soil can include respiratory problems, skin irritation, and headaches. These symptoms can be temporary and may go away once the person is no longer exposed to the contaminated soil.
Long-term exposure to contaminated soil can lead to more serious health problems, such as different types of cancer and neurological disorders. These effects can be particularly severe for vulnerable populations, such as children and the elderly, who are at a higher risk of health problems.
Exposure to contaminated soil may occur through:
Understanding these pathways helps inform appropriate site management and control measures.
For development and construction projects, identifying contamination early allows appropriate controls, investigations, and remediation strategies to be implemented before works commence.
Contaminated soil can also have a significant impact on the environment. It can damage ecosystems and harm wildlife and plant life. For example, contaminated soil can lead to the death of plants and animals and can make it difficult for new life to take hold in the area.
Contaminated soil can also lead to the corruption of water sources, which can have a ripple effect on the entire ecosystem. For example, if a water source is contaminated with harmful chemicals, it can be harmful to the fish and other aquatic life that depend on it.
Environmental impacts of contaminated soil may include:
These impacts can extend well beyond the source area if contamination is not identified and managed appropriately.
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Remediation and prevention are critical in addressing the problem of contaminated soil. There are several techniques that can be used to clean up contaminated soil, including:
Remediation is often part of a broader contaminated land management process that considers site conditions, regulatory requirements, and the intended land use.
Best practices for preventing soil contamination include proper waste management, sustainable agricultural practices, and regular monitoring of industrial and agricultural activities. Governments and industries play a critical role in regulating and enforcing these best practices to prevent and clean up contaminated soil.
Proper waste management is an important aspect of preventing soil contamination. This includes properly disposing of hazardous waste and ensuring that landfills and waste disposal sites are properly managed.
Sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing the use of pesticides and fertilisers, can also help to prevent soil contamination. Additionally, farmers can implement practices such as crop rotation and soil conservation to help protect the soil from contamination.
Regular monitoring of industrial and agricultural activities is also important in preventing soil contamination. This can include monitoring for leaks and spills, as well as regular testing of soil and water to ensure that they are not contaminated.
For development and construction projects, remediation planning often involves:
Early planning helps reduce delays and unexpected costs during construction.
Contaminated soil is a serious issue that affects the health and well-being of both humans and the environment. It is caused by industrial pollution, agricultural practices, improper disposal of hazardous waste, and leakage from underground storage tanks. The effects on human health and the environment can be severe. Remediation and prevention techniques, as well as the role of government and industry, are crucial in addressing this problem.
It is important that we take action to prevent and clean up contaminated soil to protect the health and well-being of future generations. Individuals, industry, and government must work together to ensure the safety of our soil for the benefit of all.
Need clarity before you build, buy, or develop? Request a scope and quote for your project.
Common indicators include historical industrial or commercial land use, unknown or imported fill, nearby service stations, evidence of dumping, legacy asbestos materials, or underground fuel storage systems.
This depends on site history, but commonly assessed contaminants include hydrocarbons (fuel and oils), heavy metals, pesticides, asbestos, and in some cases PFAS where relevant.
Yes. If contamination is identified, investigation, waste classification, remediation, and validation may be required before earthworks or construction can proceed, potentially affecting timelines and approvals.
Not always. Depending on the type and extent of contamination, soil may be managed on site using containment or treatment methods, or removed and disposed of at an approved facility.
Responsibility typically sits with the property owner or developer, with investigations and remediation managed by suitably qualified environmental consultants in line with regulatory requirements.
Whether you're early-stage or ready to build, this tool helps you work out what reports you need — and how to bundle them into a single site visit.
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