CARAS is an advisory and project management company dedicated to delivering better environments by providing expert guidance on contaminated land remediation. Our expertise spans a diverse range of industrial and commercial sites, including petrol stations, factories, former industrial sites, gasworks, steelworks, landfill sites, chemical production facilities/storage areas, railway yards, sheep and cattle dipping zones, waste storage and treatment facilities, firefighting training locations, and airports.

The remediation of contaminated land is complex and costly, directly influencing the value and viability of land transactions and development projects. CARAS has provided advice on over $750 million worth of contaminated property transactions and contaminated land remediation projects, ensuring that our clients fully understand the cost, risk, and regulatory requirements associated with their sites.

Properties can become impacted by a wide range of contaminants, including asbestos, PFAS, hydrocarbons, lead, mercury, nickel, PCBs, and PAHs. These contaminants may be present in groundwater, surface water, sediment, or soil and are often concealed beneath buildings, topsoil, or fill material. The remediation of such sites is essential to facilitate safe development and compliance with environmental regulations. Contamination issues typically emerge when a site is being acquired, sold, or developed. The financial and operational impact on these transactions can be substantial, particularly when remediation costs are underestimated. Accurate estimation of remediation costs beyond standard earthworks costs is critical to managing risks and ensuring project success.

CARAS specialises in mitigating project risks by managing contaminated land remediation projects from inception to completion or by providing targeted expert advice at key project stages. Our multidisciplinary team of cost, construction, scientific, and engineering professionals possesses an in-depth understanding of regulatory compliance, environmental planning, and the commercial realities of remediation.

Our services include:
• Procurement of Environmental Consultants: We assist in engaging qualified environmental consultants to undertake Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI), Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) and develop and implement Remediation Action Plans (RAPs), ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Procurement of EPA-Accredited Site Auditors: We facilitate procurement of  EPA-accredited site auditors under the to review investigation, remediation, and validation work done by contaminated land consultants.• Independent Reviews of Remediation Action Plan (RAP): Our expert team work closely with clients to review RAPs to ensure that they are fit for purpose, cost-effective and align with both regulatory and development goals.
• Procurement of Remediation Contractor: We oversee the procurement and coordination of remediation contractors, ensuring efficient and compliant project execution.
• Contract Administration/Superintendence: We manage the delivery of the works and administer the contract, looking after payment claims, EOT claims, Variation claims, WHS compliance and environmental compliance.

At CARAS, we recognise that challenges on remediation projects can lead to budget overruns and project delays if not managed effectively. Common pitfalls include underestimating contamination volumes, unexpected finds, poorly structured contracts, and inadequate contingency planning. Our experience ensures these risks are identified early and managed proactively, minimising financial and operational disruptions.

Originally founded to provide planning, procurement, construction, and post-construction services for contaminated land remediation, CARAS has since expanded into broader environmental and infrastructure services. However, our expertise in contaminated land remains at the core of our business.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we are certified carbon-neutral by Climate Active. Delivering better environments means not only remediating contaminated land but also ensuring that future projects contribute positively to the places where we live and work.

We don’t just get your project done—we do it better.