Contamination Assessment

Ground contamination assessments

As government policy drives development of brownfield sites, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires local authorities to ensure that sites are properly assessed so that they do not pose an unacceptable risk to either end users of the development or any sensitive controlled waters that may be present beneath or in the vicinity of the site. Similarly, building warrantors typically require risks in this regard to be assessed.

We have many years of experience in undertaking ground contamination risk assessments for both human health and groundwater. We tailor our ground investigations to optimise information collection by targeting potential sources of contamination highlighted by the desk study. If required we also install and monitor standpipes to determine the gas and groundwater regime beneath a site, to assist in the risk assessment process.

Groundwater Risk Assessments

The Environment Agency is responsible for ensuring the protection of controlled waters, which includes both groundwater and surface water.

Many contaminants have the potential to pose a risk to controlled waters. By liaising with the Environment Agency where required, we plan and undertake ground investigation works providing assessment of risks that may be present, and identifying key issues that need to be considered by the project team. On heavily contaminated, or highly sensitive sites, this may include, for example, the direct remediation of groundwater, or the adoption of protective measures when piling into a sensitive aquifer.

Pre Purchase and Due Diligence Advice

In addition to carrying out investigations for the purposes of satisfying regulatory conditions, we also carry out works to assess the current contamination status of the site to assist with pre-purchase assessments and due diligence work.

Part 2a Investigations and Advice

We have experience of assisting local authorities in assessing sites under Part 2a of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 which forms the basis for the UK contaminated land regulatory regime.

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