Geo-Environmental Services

Geo Environmental / Contaminated Land Survey

We have a team of experienced Geo-Environmental specialists with the knowledge of current UK standards and guidelines. We are able to provide a full contaminated land survey or soil screening as necessary to fulfil the requirements of construction projects and to satisfy the planning process. We understand the risk based approach to the assessment of land contamination.

Working across the construction industry, we can provide competitive and comprehensive investigations within a wide range of environments. These include rail and road infrastructure, commercial settings, public buildings and private residences.

Our geo-environmental specialists can undertake every phase of a contaminated land survey in accordance with current legislation and protocols. These include; a Phase 1 Desk Study, Phase 2 Site Investigation, Phase 3 Remediation and Phase 4 Validation.

Phases of Contaminated Land Survey

Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment

This non-intrusive assessment considers the past and present uses of an area through on-site reconnaissance and the study of historical maps, industrial / trade records and the environmental setting. This allows a list of relevant potentially contaminative land uses to be established for the site in question. Once the potential contaminated land hazards are identified, the relevant level of risk is determined for each in relation to the specific development proposals for the site. This information is displayed as a preliminary Conceptual Site Model (CSM) and is included in the report.

Phase 2 Intrusive Site Investigation

The intrusive investigation utilises ground investigation techniques such as percussive boreholes and trial pitting to recover samples. Necessary sample analysis can be carried out in line with the risk assessment from the Phase 1 report. Intrusive drilling also allows standpipe wells to be installed to allow monitoring of ground gases and groundwater quality, should this be a requirement of the risk assessment process. All samples are analysed at UKAS and MCERTS accredited laboratories, with ground gas and vapour monitoring carried out using calibrated specialist equipment. Once the intrusive work and analysis is complete, the results are used to update the CSM, allowing our geo-environmental specialists to advise what, if any, remedial measures are required for the proposed development, or whether any further testing is required. Investigations can be tailored to suit the specific needs of projects, including for waste disposal such as Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) testing, or Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment (DQRA) as required. We also offer soil screening services in lieu of full Phase 1 and 2 surveys, as may be required for due diligence or warranty company requirements.

Phases 3 & 4 Remediation and Validation

A Phase 2 report will establish the control measures and remedial actions required to protect human health and environmental receptors. These requirements will be set out and detailed in a Remediation Method Statement, which is produced for approval by the local authority and Environment Agency.
It is imperative that these requirements are concisely recorded through the build programme, in order that the Validation report can be compiled. This report serves as a record for the relevant consultees that any unacceptable risks have been suitably controlled and remediation works completed. The record of necessary remedial works and their correct implementation are then submitted to gain discharge of relevant planning conditions.

Why Choose us?

We have experience working on a wide range of projects, from the decommissioning of fuel filling stations to the redevelopment of historic landfill sites into residential end use. Our clients range from individual developers to major civil engineering firms, and local and national government bodies. The geo-environmental team work closely with our in-house geotechnical engineers as sites often require both disciplines. We work closely with local planning authorities, the Environment Agency and NHBC to make sure they are content to sign off the development and troubleshoot problems as soon as they arise.

Accredited Services (Contaminated Land)

All soil and water testing is undertaken at a UKAS and MCERTS accredited laboratory. We also have the capability to perform in-house geotechnical analysis. We undertake ground gas and groundwater monitoring as required in order to compliment the soil analysis to help inform the CSM and Risk Assessment. These are key to the evaluation of potentially contaminated sites. We provide our clients with a full and comprehensive service to meet their requirements and those of the regulatory authorities.