If you’re reading this then you’ve probably been asked by your local planners or funders to undertake a site environmental survey, including intrusive investigation where necessary, to establish any environmental risks that may exist on your site.
The process to achieve this is fairly straight forward and follows a standard method – see LCRM for more details.
Visit our detailed Site Investigations Guide
Answers to all of your questions about Phase 1 and Phase 2 site investigations
Some example answers
What is contaminated land?
What is the definition of a site investigation?
What are the stages of a site investigation?
What is the importance of site investigation?
Why do I need a Phase 1 Desk Study Report?
What is a Phase 1 Desk Study Report?
What is a walkover survey?
How long does a Phase 1 Desk Study Report take to produce?
How much does a Phase 1 Desk Study Report cost?
Firstly you require, what is called in the trade, a ‘Phase 1 Report’ that should include;
- Historical research from available maps, plans, records, etc to discover the past and current activities of the site and those of adjoining properties to establish any likely sources of contamination e.g pollution incidents
- Identification of potential receptors (you, me, surface water courses, aquifers, buildings, ecological receptors, etc) that can be affected by any sources of contamination.
- Determination of the site’s environmental setting i.e. location, geology, hydrogeology, proximity to open/closed landfill sites, etc.
- A site walk over – not Google Street View! (It’s a useful tool but not a replacement for visiting the site and seeing it through trained eyes).
- Consultation with relevant environmental regulators – the earlier we communicate with them the less pain we all have throughout the process.
The Phase 1 report will detail our findings together with a conceptual model for the site. Should the report identify any potential environmental risks that cannot be mitigated through an environmental management plan then we will also include a strategy for the next step in the process, which is called a Phase 2 Intrusive Ground Investigations and Quantitative Risk Assessment.
If you don’t know where to start, why not send a message or phone us on (0800 0209 307) to find out more.
Free eBook: 'Phase 1 Desk Studies / Preliminary Risk Assessments Explained'
This eBook has been written specifically for those new to contaminated land. It’s a brief introduction for the uninitiated and gives an overview of the steps you need to follow. Download "Phase 1 Desk Studies / Preliminary Risk Assessments Explained" now for free!
