Land contaminated with hazardous substances such as heavy metals (e.g.; lead and arsenic), pesticides and hydrocarbons may pose a risk to human health and the environment. Land contamination can occur as a result of poor environmental management and waste disposal practices, use of contaminated fill to reclaim or level the site, leaking underground storage tanks and accidental spills in industrial, agricultural or commercial  activities.

There are specific industries and common land uses which have been associated with site contamination. Some of the activities include: service stations, chemical plants, tanneries, cattle dips, fuel and oil storage, foundries and landfills. Contaminated Land Management legislation and guidelines place obligations upon local governments, owners and occupiers relating to the identification, notification and management of contaminated land.