Our Services

Cornerstone works closely with landowners, developers, contractors and other stakeholders to provide practical advice on managing contaminated land and environmental risks, ensuring informed decisions and regulatory compliance. Our services include:

Glenmorgan, Queensland, Australia, April 21, 2023.
The service station used to be part of a vintage car museum but is now closed and old cars are rusting away in the backyard

Phase 1

Preliminary Site Investigations

A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) generally comprises a desktop study, site inspection, and stakeholder interviews to gather site information and identify potential contamination sources, areas of potential concern, and affected media, such as soil and groundwater. The findings help develop an initial Conceptual Site Model (CSM). Limited sampling can also be conducted to provide greater confidence on the site’s contamination status.

Phase 2

Detailed Site Investigations

A detailed site investigation (DSI) is required when a PSI identifies contamination or potential contamination at a site and further information is required for site management. The DSI comprises an intrusive investigation, generally with sampling and laboratory analysis of soil and groundwater to assess risks to human health and the environment, and to provide a thorough understanding of site conditions for informed decision-making.

A work excavator digs a trench in a country house 2018

A closeup shot of the professional worker testing and sampling oil sands tailing ponds

Brownfield land, site of former chemical factory manufacturing pesticides, recently demolished.

Piles of the different garbage on a ground

Layout of UK market gardens producing a variety of vegetable crops grown in both the open air and in polythene tunnels

Environmental Due Diligence

Environmental due diligence investigations are critical in real estate transactions to identify and mitigate environmental risks. These investigations help buyers, lenders, and developers make informed decisions and avoid potential liabilities during property acquisition, divestment, or development. Failing to conduct environmental due diligence can lead to significant consequences, such as unexpected cleanup costs, legal liabilities, and a decrease in property value.

Hazardous Ground Gas and Soil Vapour Assessments

Hazardous ground gases and soil vapours often originate from landfills, old mines, brownfield sites, and historically contaminated industrial land. These gases, including methane, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and hydrogen sulphide, can migrate through soil and accumulate in buildings, posing risks such as explosions, asphyxiation, and long-term health effects. Cornerstone specialises in evaluating these gases and their impact on human health, conducting assessments through well installations, soil gas measurements, and sampling with canisters and adsorbent tubes.

Braunschweig, Germany, December 15., 2021: Soil air level with connected soil air pump with sensors for measuring the soil gases methane, carbon dioxide and oxygen

Soil sampling technology in livestock farming. Sampling soil in pasture. detail for soil sampler equipment

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Biologist that collects samples in a water course for the analysis of its pollution and for the study of its characteristics.

Groundwater and Surface Water Assessments

Cornerstone has extensive experience in installing groundwater monitoring wells, conducting groundwater and surface water monitoring and sampling, and advising contractors on the discharge of groundwater and surface water from sites. Our expertise ensures effective environmental management and compliance with regulatory standards.

Asbestos in Soil Assessments

Asbestos may be present in soil through improper disposal of asbestos-containing materials and/or demolition of buildings with asbestos. Cornerstone provides specialised asbestos in soil assessments to identify and quantify asbestos content. We develop comprehensive management plans to mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and safeguarding public health.

Nest Habitat of Little Ringed Plover. Landscape. Charadrius dubius.

A pool of golden rusty color water from the ground

Acid Sulfate Soils Assessments and Management Plans

Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are naturally occurring soils containing iron sulfides that become acidic when exposed to air, causing environmental and structural damage. These soils are commonly found in waterlogged areas like estuaries, wetlands, and coastal regions. An assessment of ASS by soil sampling and laboratory analysis can identify if they are present, and a management plan can be prepared so that the environment and the project can be protected during soil disturbance.

Remediation, Management and Validation

At Cornerstone, we are experienced in the preparation of Remediation Plans (RP), monitoring of remediation works, management of contractors, validation sampling, and the preparation of validation reports. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, reliable services that help our clients achieve their environmental goals while protecting human health and the environment.

close-up of the excavator bucket while working

Personnel overseeing the operations of this project is collecting a soil sample to be tested for constituents of contamination and for the provision of analytical results on the amounts of specific chemicals identified

Excavator heavy equipment on shore of glowing modern city digging soil in night time, Brisbane

Construction site with deep excavation and machinery with workers in SYdney city - Australian Technology park.

Construction Environmental Management Plans

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) outlines how construction activities should be managed to mitigate environmental impacts during development. Preparation of a CEMP will ensure regulatory compliance and promote sustainable practices during construction.

Regulatory Approvals and Permit Applications

Cornerstone has extensive knowledge of obtaining regulatory approvals and permit applications including, but not limited to, preparation of Contaminated Land Investigation Documents, removal of sites from the Environmental Management Register (EMR) or Contaminated Land Register (CLR), soil disposal permit applications to remove contaminated soil for treatment or disposal from land listed on the EMR or CLR and applications for exemption from the waste levy.

Let’s Work Together

We’re here to help you move forward with confidence. Whether you need a detailed site assessment, regulatory support, or remediation guidance, Cornerstone Environmental is ready to support your next project.