Contaminated Sites

Find out who is responsible for managing contaminated sites and how to report any known or suspected contamination. 

Definition of contamination

The Contaminated Sites Act 2003 defines 'Contaminated' in relation to land, water, or a site as "having a substance present in or on that land, water or site at above background concentrations that presents, or has the potential to present, a risk of harm to human health, the environment or any environmental value." 

Causes of contamination

Several activities can result in contamination. Common sources include leaks from fuel or chemical storage, as well as inadequate management practices at industrial facilities.  

Specific land uses that may lead to contamination encompass service stations, landfills, power stations, historic gasworks, and market gardens. 

Management of contaminated sites

The responsibility for overseeing and managing contaminated sites lies with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. They collaborate with the Department of Health to evaluate the severity of contamination, assess risks to the public and environment, and determine any necessary remediation actions. 

Report suspected contamination

Landowners, tenants, and those responsible for contamination are legally obliged to report any known or suspected contaminated sites to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. 

Visit the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation website to report a known or suspected contaminated site

More information and contact

Detailed information about contaminated sites, including the contaminated sites database and auditors of contaminated sites, is available on the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s website.

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaadatj dayin boodja, kep wer malayin. Ngalak kaadatj koora koora wer yeyi ngalang birdiya.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.