Contamination Investigation and Assessment          

Due Diligence, Site Audits & Pre Purchase Guidance

We carry out initial investigations and provide advice to people considering purchasing sites and wanting to better understand potential environmental liabilities.

Desk Studies - Preliminary Contamination Risk Assessments

National planning and NHBC guidance documents require desk studies to be submitted with applications for the redevelopment and construction of properties and or buildings on potentially contaminated sites. A desk study is a minimum requirement for the construction of a residential development.

A well designed desk study can negate the need for further intrusive works, or it can highlight issues requiring further investigation, potentially saving thousands of pounds and preventing delays in a project at a later stage. Our desk studies are prepared in line with current industry best practice. We undertake site walkover surveys, inspecting both the site and surrounding area. We also review historical maps, aerial photographs and environmental database information.

Risk assessments and recommendations are clearly presented, together with a Conceptual Site Model.

Site Investigation And Quantitative Risk Assessments

Using our extensive in house expertise and capabilities we tailor ground investigations to optimise information collection whilst on Site, targeting potential sources of contamination highlighted by the desk study. If required, we install standpipes to allow ongoing monitoring of groundwater and ground gas conditions. Results of the chemical analysis and monitoring are clearly presented within the reports. Our consulting team provide quantitative contamination risk assessment reports that can be presented either as stand alone documents or as part of a combined report with geotechnical advice.

Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessments

Detailed quantitative risk assessments for soil, groundwater contamination and ground gases are carried out in line with current guidance and industry best practice. We use a variety of assessment criteria including those derived in house using the CLEA model and Environment Agency methodologies, and those produced by other organisations or agencies where appropriate. Where necessary we are able to undertake extended groundwater and gas monitoring programmes to assist with detailed quantitative risk assessments and the development of remediation action plans where required.

Part 2A Investigation and Consultancy Advice

Our staff have a wide experience of the contaminated land regulatory regime under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act. We undertake ground investigations and provide risk assessments to assist clients with determining and assessing whether a site meets the legal definition of contaminated land under the Act as defined by the legislation.

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