Environmental Assessment of Contaminated Land

Previously developed land may be contaminated and this poses risks to human health and the environment. This needs to be addressed during redevelopment. A phased geoenvironmental investigation not only complies with best practice, optimising understanding, but also ensures legal compliance; minimising future liabilities and potential remediation costs.

Legislation and industry guidance are under continuing review and update. In assessing your site, we take one considered step at a time.

Phase 1 Desk Study Report: The first step

The Phase 1 Desk Study Report collates and reviews a wide variety of site specific data, enabling recommendations for any further investigation phases required to be made in an informed manner. All our Phase 1 Desk Study Reports include:

• Site walkover survey and photographic record
• Review of published geology
• Site centred data set of historical maps and published environmental data (Envirocheck Report)
• Tabulation of historical development, both on and in vicinity of site
• Consideration of published environmental data
• Identification of potential contamination linkage elements (source, pathway, receptor)
• Initial Conceptual Model
• Preliminary Risk Assessment
• Comment on completeness of data and any uncertainties
• Recommendations for Phase 2 intrusive investigation scope if required

Dependant on site history, further data and research may be required to complete the Desk Study including potential undermining (e.g. Coal Authority Report), archaeological interest, buried ordnance. We would also suggest a review of any previous site investigation data, or anecdotal information you may have.

Phase 2 intrusive investigation and beyond..

A Phase 2 intrusive investigation confirms the extent of contamination in areas where it is suspected and determines the presence or absence of contamination in the remainder of the site. We provide the appropriate ground investigation resources. Representative samples are obtained with care and analysed for both commonly occurring contaminants and those linked to site history.  Standpipes for post fieldwork monitoring are installed where groundwater or gas contamination is suspected.

We are also able to provide the benefits of combining Phase 2 geoenvironmental intrusive investigation with geotechnical investigation of the site, in an integrated approach.

Factual or Interpretative Phase 2 Investigation Reports are available. In addition to providing the factual data, our Interpretative Reports include geoenvironmental (and geotechnical) assessment, drawing conclusions and providing recommendations specific to your project.

Our geoenvironmental assessment capabilities include:

• Comment on the nature and extent of contamination, the geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology and hydrology of  the site
• Statistical analysis of chemical test results and comparison with published guideline values
• Update of Preliminary Risk Assessment and  Initial Conceptual Model
• Classification of gas protection measures
• Selection of materials for water supply pipes
• Comment on health and safety aspects for proposed development
• Recommendation for further phases of investigation if required, e.g. to achieve delineation of contamination detected in the Phase 2 investigation
• Identification of any remediation requirements

Additional geoenvironmental services during construction

• Waste categorisation for off-site disposal
• Post remediation validation testing
• Selection of materials for water supply pipes

During construction, time really is money. So we provide a quick response to undertake sampling, analysis and interpretation of results. This can be for a single visit, or as an on-going part of the construction process.

Contact us now for more information on our services or to discuss your next project.