Contaminated Land
Protecting land and people is at the heart of what we do.
PDP’s contaminated land experts help clients across Aotearoa New Zealand understand, manage, and safely develop land that may be affected by contamination.
Our team of experienced environmental scientists and engineers includes Suitably Qualified and Experienced Practitioners (SQEPs), as well as CEnvP-SC certified practitioners, providing specialist expertise where needed. We deliver clear, practical advice grounded in science to help clients meet New Zealand legislation and make confident decisions. Whether it’s a small residential site or a complex industrial property, we guide you through every step — from investigation to consent, remediation, and long-term management. Established in the late 1980s, PDP has built a strong reputation as an industry leader at the forefront of legislation, guidance, and best practice across the sector.
How we help:
Contaminated Site Investigations
We carry out Preliminary Site Investigations (PSI) and Detailed Site Investigations (DSI) in line with the National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health (NES-CS).
- Identify contamination sources from past or current land use
- Undertake soil, soil-gas, groundwater, air, or surface water testing
- Support pre-purchase baseline assessments and due diligence
- Provide practical advice on soil and groundwater management, remediation, and disposal
- Undertake remedial works and develop management strategies
- Prepare SMPs, RAPs, SVRs, and OSMPs
Monitoring and Modelling
We monitor contaminants in air, soil-gas, groundwater, surface water, and soil to understand how they move through the environment and whether they present a risk.
Our contaminant modelling helps predict potential impacts, providing confidence in design and decision-making.
Risk Assessment
We assess potential risks to people and the environment through Conceptual Site Models and advanced risk assessment modelling. This helps determine a site’s suitability for current or future land use, and whether remediation or management is required.
Consents and Compliance
We prepare NES-CS and regional consent applications, complete HAIL assessments, and provide expert evidence where required. Our team works closely with councils and regulators to help streamline the process and support clients in meeting compliance obligations.
Soil Optimisation / Disposal Assessment
We provide timely, practical advice to maximise sustainable soil reuse and streamline soil disposal decisions for projects of all sizes.
PFAS and Emerging Contaminants
We have extensive experience in the investigation and management of PFAS and other emerging contaminants in New Zealand. Our work includes desktop assessments, sampling programmes, contaminant modelling, remedial option assessment, remediation, consenting, management, and long-term monitoring.
Asbestos Building and Ground Contamination
From buildings to soils, our team of SQEPs, CEnvP-SC certified practitioners, Licensed Asbestos Assessors, and experienced building surveyors deliver end-to-end asbestos contamination services using a pragmatic, risk-based approach.
Why PDP
With decades of experience across New Zealand, PDP is recognised as a leader in contaminated land management.
We combine deep technical expertise with practical solutions that balance environmental protection and development needs.
Our approach ensures compliance, reduces uncertainty, and supports better outcomes for people, place, and planet.
Related projects
MfE Waste Composition and Landfill Gas Assessments
Completion of tailored SWAP surveys including visual surveys and sort-and-weigh audits at Class 2, 3 and 4 landfills to provide a real-time assessment of incoming waste composition.
Environmental Assessment at Service Station Site
PDP was commissioned to undertake an environmental assessment following the discovery of contamination in soils located immediately adjacent to an operating service station.
Z Crofton Downs – Site Closure
PDP was engaged by Z Energy to provide environmental support for the closure of the Crofton Downs service station in Wellington.
Fuel Spill Emergency Response and Environmental Management
PDP oversaw remedial works and environmental monitoring following a diesel fuel spill event at a rural property.
Watercare Onehunga Aquifer PFAS Source Investigation
Watercare detected Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) above the Drinking Water Standards Maximum Acceptable Value (MAV) on several occasions in 2019 and 2022, resulting in the Onehunga Water Treatment Plant shutting down.
New Zealand Defence Force – PFAS Investigations
Since 2015 PDP have been engaged by the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) to lead the investigation and management of the emerging contaminants per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) on Defence properties.
Kōwhai Park Solar Farm
Christchurch International Airport Limited, in partnership with Contact Energy and Lightsource bp, is developing Kōwhai Park – beginning with a 300-hectare solar farm designed to generate up to 168 MWp of electricity.
Palmerston North Airport PFAS Investigations
PDP has completed detailed investigations into the impacts of residual PFAS contamination from the historical use of fire-fighting foams at Palmerston North Airport.
Ruakākā Energy Park – Environmental Secondment
Meridian Energy is delivering a major renewable energy development near Marsden Point, Northland – a 100-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) and a 130-megawatt solar farm.
Huriwaka Wind Farm, Manawa Energy
PDP was engaged by Manawa Energy to undertake a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) of a large piece of rural land in the Central North Island for potential contaminated land matters.
BP EV Gigahub, Christchurch and Nationwide EV Roll-Out
PDP has been supporting BP in the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across New Zealand, including the flagship Gigahub at Christchurch Airport.
Due Diligence Investigations
PDP has extensive experience undertaking contaminated land due diligence investigations to support the sale and acquisition of commercial and industrial properties across New Zealand.
Peel Forest Closed Landfill – Investigation and Remediation
Timaru District Council engaged PDP to address ongoing erosion at the Peel Forest closed landfill, where waste was being exposed and a high risk of it being released into the Rangitata River.
Stormwater Drain Sediment Disposal Consenting
PDP was engaged by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to support a district-wide consenting process for the ongoing removal and disposal of stormwater drain sediments across nine catchments in the Napier and Hastings districts.
Our Contaminated Land Specialists
Erin Richards
Gerard Stark
Guy Knoyle
Hamish Wilson
Jordan Vaughn
Nerena Rhodes
Rowan Freeman
Scott Wilson
Susie Humphrey
