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Charlotte Stephen-Brownie
Senior Engineering Geologist
Environmental science
Investigation, assessment, monitoring and risk management to support resilient development and help clients make sound decisions, whether for a small stand-alone site or a part of a multidisciplinary project.
Science for resilient and sustainable development Suitably Qualified and Experienced Practitioners (SQEP) Certified Environmental Practitioner – Site Contamination Specialist (CEnvP – SC) Science for resilient and sustainable development Suitably Qualified and Experienced Practitioners (SQEP) Certified Environmental Practitioner – Site Contamination Specialist (CEnvP – SC) Science for resilient and sustainable development Suitably Qualified and Experienced Practitioners (SQEP) Certified Environmental Practitioner – Site Contamination Specialist (CEnvP – SC) Science for resilient and sustainable development Suitably Qualified and Experienced Practitioners (SQEP) Certified Environmental Practitioner – Site Contamination Specialist (CEnvP – SC)
OUR SERVICES
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Bespoke end-to-end contaminated land investigations and risk assessments, and environmental advice.
Our environmental scientists support projects of all scales, from small‑scale residential developments through to large industrial facilities and legacy sites.
Our assessments are tailored and start with understanding the site, its setting and its past and current land use. Where further assessments are required, investigations to collect soil, vapour, gas, surface or groundwater samples are completed. This helps identify potential environmental and financial risks relevant to the site or proposed project.
Where sites are associated with activities on the Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL), we prepare Preliminary Site Investigations (PSI) and Detailed Site Investigations (DSI) in line with NES requirements, with reporting certified by a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Practitioner (SQEP).
We work closely with lawyers, planners, engineers and regulators, providing clear, practical recommendations that inform regulatory compliance and land use decisions.
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Environmental monitoring and advice for consent and regulatory reporting.
We deliver tailored environmental monitoring programmes covering soil, surface water, groundwater and air, as well as ecological indicators.
Our team collects and provides accurate field data, undertakes analysis and prepares reporting for regulatory and resource consent purposes. With strong local and regional knowledge and integrated technical expertise, we complete both oneoff investigations and ongoing monitoring programmes across a range of commercial and industrial discharges.
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Specialist groundwater and hydrological assessments for informed project planning.
Our hydrological capability supports projects interacting with water. This includes construction requiring dewatering of groundwater, a proposed discharge to land, stormwater quality or quantity assessments, hydrogeological interpretation, contaminant fate and transport and water related risk evaluation.
Site investigations are combined with regional hydrological datasets in the context of national and regional rules to build a clear understanding of site conditions and solutions. This information supports land development, infrastructure design and resilience project planning.
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Asbestos assessment and management services delivered by qualified environmental scientists.
Our qualified environmental science team provides asbestos assessment and management services across the South Island and further afield. We have expertise in the identification, assessment and management of asbestos in aboveground assets, including buildings and structures, and in soil, dust, air and water where asbestos-containing materials might be present.
Our services include asbestos management, refurbishment and demolition surveys, building due diligence assessments, emergency response assessments, asbestos removal planning, clearance certificates, asbestos management plans and asbestos risk registers. We also undertake compliance air monitoring and provide stakeholder engagement, training and the development of procedures, safe work methods and hazardous waste management procedures.
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Our team of scientists helps identify, manage and prevent potential adverse health effects caused by exposure to hazards in the work environment.
We deliver occupational hygiene services focused on identifying and managing exposure to environmental hazards in workplace and project environments. This includes monitoring for hazardous chemicals, dust, noise, vibration, air quality and drinking water.
Our team undertakes exposure and air monitoring for substances such as mould, solvents, diesel particulates, asbestos and other airborne contaminants and provides reports to assist with health and safety compliance.
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Resource management support grounded in technical environmental expertise.
We support clients through the resource consent process by preparing clear, technically robust environmental inputs. This includes environmental components for consent applications, Assessments of Environmental Effects (AEEs) and supporting documentation.
With experience working alongside councils and multidisciplinary project teams, we help streamline approvals, reduce delays and help projects align with environmental policy and best practice.
HOW WE HELP
We partner with clients who need reliable environmental science expertise to guide sustainable development and informed decision‑making.
From private developers, local and central government (including agencies such as DOC, LINZ, MfE and Defence) and infrastructure providers, we provide environmental insights that support compliant and resilient projects. We work collaboratively, integrating science with practical engineering and planning knowledge to support decisions at every stage of project development.
01
PROPERTY DEVELOPERS
Environmental assessments and monitoring that support subdivision planning, land development, and risk management from concept through to completion.
02
LOCAL & CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
Technical environmental reporting and investigations that inform policy, consenting decisions, and sustainable infrastructure planning.
03
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS
Due diligence assessments to evaluate the potential risks and liabilities associated with the acquisition of a site. We identify regulatory constraints that land contamination may present for your intended purchase and potential ongoing site management requirements.
04
INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDERS
Specialist contamination, hydrology and environmental risk assessments that underpin resilient infrastructure and long‑term asset planning.
Contact our leaders
Have a project in mind? Contact our multidisciplinary team to see how we can help.
Our full team:format(webp))
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We have extensive hands-on experience and are solution-focused. So, we’re not just thinking about the results from our environmental sampling in isolation; we’re also mindful of communicating early and helping our clients to understand their results and what that means for their site or project.
Gareth Oddy
Technical Director, Environmental Scientist
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Talk to an environmental scientist
Tell us about your project or what you need and we’ll be in touch.
FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers.
We provide contaminated land investigations and risk assessments, environmental monitoring and reporting, groundwater and hydrological assessments, air quality and environmental risk assessments, asbestos assessment and management, occupational health and hygiene services, and technical environmental inputs for resource management and Assessments of Environmental Effects (AEE).
If a site has a history of potentially contaminating activities, or you’re planning a change of land use, subdivision or soil disturbance, a contaminated land assessment is often required to meet regulatory requirements and manage risk. Under New Zealand’s National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil (NESCS), sites associated with activities on the Hazardous Activities and Industries List (HAIL) must be assessed before developments can proceed.
Contaminated land assessments are a combination of disciplines, including geology, hydrogeology, chemistry and environmental science, and typically start with understanding site history.
The first stage is the Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI), which is a desk study with a site visit. We review the site history to understand what the site has been used for and to confirm what and where contaminants may be located. We then review the current land uses and develop a sampling and analysis plan, which is essentially the investigation methodology.
Once potential contaminants of concern are identified and areas on site are known, we complete the intrusive investigation, known as the Detailed Site Investigation (DSI). This typically includes the screening of environmental media, logging of soil geology, collection and analysis of soil and groundwater samples, and assessment and interpretation of contaminant data. If contamination is identified and a risk posed, management or remediation options may be required.
Contaminated land assessments are typically required for land development, changes in land use, subdivision, or where past activities may have caused contamination.
Assessments are also beneficial prior to divestments and property transactions to inform project planning and for surplus soil characterisation.
Yes. Our environmental science team provides asbestos assessment and management services, including the identification, assessment and management of asbestos in soils and aboveground assets such as buildings and structures. We are qualified asbestos surveyors and asbestos assessors and can assist with providing advice on risk, pre-removal planning, removal clearances, monitoring and ongoing asbestos management where required.
Yes. We prepare technical environmental inputs and clear, evidence‑based assessments to support resource consent applications and Assessments of Environmental Effects (AEE). We work closely with planners, engineers and councils throughout the consent process to streamline approvals.
As early as possible, ideally at the feasibility or concept stage. Early involvement can identify constraints, clarify requirements and inform design and consenting pathways.
Yes. With teams based in Christchurch, Nelson, Greymouth, Timaru and Wānaka, we support projects throughout the South Island and further afield.
Initially, a conversation and a site address allow us to understand your project requirements and timeframes. Plans which help describe what you propose to do are also very useful, as well as your programme or consent milestones. We can obtain additional background data as needed.
Yes. Our team has a collective 65 years of contaminated land assessment and remediation experience. Our approach combines tailored remediation strategies designed for the site conditions, contaminants to be remediated and the risk posed. From initial investigations through to project completion and council approvals, we work closely with stakeholders to deliver cost-effective, compliant, sustainable and practical remediation outcomes.