Expert Preliminary Site Investigations for risk & compliance
Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) overview
A Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) is a critical first step in assessing a site’s environmental conditions, contamination risks, and regulatory compliance. Designed to provide a comprehensive risk assessment, a PSI helps developers, environmental managers, and compliance professionals make informed project decisions while minimising delays and unexpected costs.
At Automated Environmental, our environmental consultants leverage automation and AI-driven analytics to deliver PSI reports that:
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Identify potential site contamination and environmental hazards
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Support compliance with EPA Victoria’s General Environmental Duty (GED)
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Support smooth project approvals by local councils and regulatory bodies
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Provide cost-effective, data-driven solutions for site assessment
Unsure if your project requires a PSI? Speak with a site assessment expert today!

Our PSI process
We streamline Preliminary Site Investigations using a structured, technology-driven approach that enhances efficiency and accuracy.
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Initial consultation & planning
- Understand project scope, objectives, and site-specific concerns
- Provide an overview of regulatory requirements and compliance pathways
- Gather existing environmental data and site history records
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Site history review & data collection
- Analyse historical land use, zoning records, and previous investigations
- Identify potential contamination risks
- Review previous regulatory approvals and compliance conditions
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On-site inspection & risk assessment
- Conduct a comprehensive site walkover to identify evidence of contamination
- Assess soil, groundwater, and surface conditions
- Identify environmental risks impacting project feasibility
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Sampling & analysis (if required)
- Collect soil and groundwater samples in accordance with regulator guidance and best practice
- Analyse for contaminants aligned with EPA Victoria regulations and guidelines
- Evaluate potential exposure risks and mitigation requirements
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PSI report & next steps
- Deliver a detailed Preliminary Site Investigation Report
- Outline potential risks, required further assessments, and compliance actions
- Provide strategic recommendations for project progression
Don’t leave your project exposed to environmental risk
Benefits of a Preliminary Site Investigation
Reduce risk & avoid project delays
Early identification of the potential for contamination at your site prevents costly, unexpected regulatory roadblocks and project disruptions.
Support regulatory compliance
A PSI is often a mandatory requirement for development applications under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 . Our PSI reports assist with council approvals and navigating the Environmental Audit system.
Strengthen investment & planning decisions
By assessing historical land use and contamination risks, a PSI provides clear insights for project feasibility and budgeting.
How we help
At Automated Environmental, we combine expertise, technology, and a client-first approach to deliver accurate, regulatory-compliant PSIs tailored to your needs.

Contaminated land specialists
- Industry-leading expertise in preliminary and detailed site investigations
- Proven experience in contaminated land assessment & risk mitigation

Technology-driven efficiency
- AI-powered Datanest and industry focussed automation software streamlines data collection, analysis & reporting
- Fast, cost-effective assessments aligned with latest regulations

Accuracy
- Meticulous site inspections & sampling protocols for precise reporting
- Comprehensive PSI reports to support approvals
Our approach
Best practice & compliance-driven
Best practice & compliance-driven
Dynamic solutions for site assessment strategists
Dynamic solutions for site assessment strategists
PSI compliance & standards
Under EPA Act 2017, Victorians have a duty to understand, and actively prevent harm to human health and the environment, including from potential and confirmed contaminated land
Our PSI services support compliance with:
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Planning and Environment Act 1987
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Environmental Protection Act 2017
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EPA Victoria’s Contaminated Land Guidelines
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Preliminary Risk Screen Assessments (PRSA) & PSI Reporting Standards
We help clients navigate Victoria’s evolving environmental regulations, ensuring due diligence and risk management strategies are in place.
Getting started with your PSI
Contact us for an initial discussion
✔ Contaminated land consultants
✔ Data-driven Preliminary Site Investigations
✔ Regulatory-compliant reporting for seamless approvals
Let’s support your business to stay compliant & operational