Defence engaged multiple consultancies and analytical laboratories to perform investigation and remediation programs of work. This work involved the collection of large volumes of historical and ongoing site investigation data, and Defence needed to ensure that all this data was consolidated into one secure place, while also ensuring the highest quality of data management, security and accessibility.
After assessing the options available in 2017, Defence engaged EarthScience Information Systems to provide a dedicated instance of the ESdat software and associated implementation and support services to ensure Defence’s data objectives were met. This resulted in a centralised ESdat solution being adopted for Defence’s environmental site data, including groundwater, surface water and soil investigations across the entirety of the Defence Estate.
EarthScience Information Systems, Defence and Consultants worked collaboratively to ensure protocols were developed and implemented so consultants and laboratories could load data directly into the Defence ESdat system, and all data was reviewed, complete, consistent, and reliable. A key principle was that all results be verified and traceable to the original data provider. The Protocols developed to achieve this were published by Defence in 2018 and amended in 2021 at: DCMM-AnnexL-DataManagement.pdf
After 9 years of usage, Defence have consolidated over 20 million results into ESdat, collected by numerous consultancies and laboratories. As a result, Defence and key stakeholders can view the locations where sampling has occurred, visualise and monitor trends over time, and easily filter data to view analytical results and other site data using the tools available within ESdat and internal Defence systems linked to the ESdat database.
Consultants can rely on the existing data set when planning investigations and remedial activities, and stakeholders can review data for planned construction and maintenance, reducing sampling requirements and facilitating optimum material reuse. This accessible data system supports the critical large scale and long-term decision-making requirements for the Defence Estate.
Defence has an authoritative, centralised, reliable, industry-leading solution, giving them defensible contaminated land monitoring data from across their entire Defence estate.
Defence is able to easily access contamination data on its properties, and use the data for reporting, re-use assessments, and to inform future activities regarding land contamination and management across the Defence estate.
This has saved countless hours in administration, ensured all stakeholders can efficiently deliver and access quality data, and ultimately supported Defence in how they manage their overall risk and compliance.
About EarthScience Information Systems
EarthScience Information Systems produces Environmental Data Management Software 'ESdat', which is used by many of the world’s leading consulting, industrial, government, and mining organisations. Within the Defence Sector ESdat is used by the Australian Department of Defence, NZ Defence Force, and the Canadian Department of National Defence.EarthScience Information Systems’ vision is to always deliver the world’s best environmental and groundwater data management system, supporting our clients to work smarter and affect real change by understanding and providing solutions to their core data challenges.
1 Who We Are. (n.d.). Australian Government Department of Defence. Retrieved September 30, 2026, from https://www.defence.gov.au/about/who-we-are
2 Blenkin, M. (2026, February 5). Defence to consolidate its estate. Australian Defence Magazine. https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/defence-to-consolidate-its-estate
3 Security and Estate Group. (n.d.). Australian Government Defence. Retrieved September 30, 2026, from https://www.defence.gov.au/about/who-we-are/organisation-structure/security-estate-group
4 Gregory, X. (2026, August 18). 3M accused of withholding toxicity of PFAS firefighting foam for decades. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-18/pfas-3m-court-case-claim/107027292
5 PFAS Investigation and Management Program. (n.d.). Australian Government Department of Defence. Retrieved September 30, 2026, from https://www.defence.gov.au/about/locations-property/pfas
6 Commane, L. (2007). HMAS Arunta conducts fire training at the School of Survivability and Ships Safety on HMAS Stirling [Graphic]. https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=20070704ran8109430_159020.jpg&Type=Filename
7 PFAS Investigation and Management Program Snapshot – July 2026. (2026, July). Australian Government Department of Defence. https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-09/Defence-PFA-Program-Snapshot.pdf
8 2025 Ongoing Monitoring Report: Jervis Bay Range Facility and HMAS Creswell. (2025). Australian Government Department of Defence. https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-07/2025-Ongoing-Monitoring-Report-Factsheet.pdf
9 Annex L Data Management. (2021, June). Australian Government Department of Defence. Page 7. https://www.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/DCMM-AnnexL-DataManagement.pdf
NSW DPHI modernised water quality compliance monitoring with ESdat, integrating decades of field and laboratory data to simplify reporting and strengthen environmental decision-making.
NZ Department of Defence manage their contaminated sites data.
Helping DOE&E protect Australia’s pristine environments
Shoalhaven Council Aquadata Public Portal.
ESdat Implementation at Northern Territory Department of Primary Industries and Resources
