Glossary

Friable asbestos is asbestos-containing material that can be easily crumbled or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. This makes it more likely to release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air, posing serious health risks when inhaled. Examples include sprayed coatings, insulation, and certain pipe lagging materials.

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) is a comprehensive document that outlines how environmental risks will be managed during construction activities. It details control measures for noise, dust, vibration, water quality, waste, and ecological protection, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and project-specific conditions.

Soil classification in NSW is the process of categorising soil and waste material according to its chemical composition, physical properties, and contamination levels. This classification is guided by the NSW EPA’s Waste Classification Guidelines and determines the appropriate handling, transport, and disposal methods for soil generated during construction, demolition, and remediation projects.

A Remediation Action Plan (RAP) is a detailed strategy outlining the steps required to manage and remove contamination identified during a site investigation. It specifies remediation objectives, methods, timelines, and compliance measures to ensure the site meets environmental and regulatory standards. In Australia, RAPs are prepared in line with contaminated land management guidelines.

A Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) is a comprehensive, intrusive site assessment that builds on the findings of a PSI. It involves soil, groundwater, surface water, or air sampling to confirm the presence, type, extent, and concentration of contamination. The results are compared against environmental guidelines to assess potential risks to human health and the environment.

A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) is the first stage of a formal site assessment, involving a desktop review of historical land uses, environmental records, and an initial site inspection. The goal is to determine whether there is a potential for contamination that warrants further investigation. PSIs follow regulatory guidelines to assess site risk without intrusive testing at this stage.

An Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a structured investigation of a site’s environmental condition, identifying potential or existing contamination and assessing risks to human health and the environment. ESAs are typically carried out in stages, with a focus on gathering historical information, conducting site inspections, and collecting soil, water, and air samples for analysis. In Australia, ESAs are a key step in meeting regulatory requirements before land development, sale, or change of use.

Contaminated land refers to sites where the soil, groundwater, or surface water contains hazardous substances at levels that pose a risk to human health or the environment. Contamination can result from industrial activities, waste disposal, accidental spills, or historical land uses. In Australia, the identification, assessment, and management of contaminated land are guided by strict environmental legislation and industry standards to ensure safe redevelopment and ongoing site use.