Contaminated Land

Assessment of risks associated with potentially contaminated land follows a phased approach, adhering to UK policy and technical guidance provided by the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination: Risk Management (LCRM) procedures and British Standard BS10175. The process consists of four stages:

1. Phase I Desktop Study and Preliminary Risk Assessment (Stage 1), involving data review and risk assessment.

This initial stage involves a comprehensive review of existing data and documents related to the site. The objective is to identify potential environmental and regulatory risks associated with the land. This phase aims to provide an initial understanding of the site’s history, potential sources of contamination, and potential risks. The findings from this stage inform the need for further investigation.

2. Phase II Intrusive Site Investigation (Stage 2), which includes physical sampling and testing to further assess contamination.

If the Phase I study identifies potential contamination concerns, Phase II begins. It involves physically sampling and testing soil, groundwater, or other site materials to assess the extent and nature of contamination. This stage aims to provide a more detailed and accurate understanding of the site’s contamination levels, distribution, and the potential risks it poses to the environment and human health.

3. Phase III Remediation Method Statement (Stage 3), where a detailed plan for clean-up and restoration is developed.

After the contamination has been characterized in Phase II, Phase III focuses on developing a Remediation Method Statement. This stage includes the creation of a detailed plan that outlines the specific methods, techniques, and procedures to be employed for cleaning up and restoring the contaminated site. The Remediation Method Statement is designed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards and to minimize the risks associated with the contamination.

4. Phase IV Remediation Verification and Validation (Stage 4), which ensures the effectiveness of the clean-up efforts and regulatory compliance, thus completing the risk management process for contaminated land.

In the final phase, the effectiveness of the remediation efforts carried out in Phase III is assessed. This phase involves rigorous monitoring, testing, and evaluation to verify that the contamination has been adequately addressed, and the site is now in compliance with regulatory requirements. Validation confirms that the remediation goals have been achieved, and the site is suitable for its intended use.

These four stages collectively provide a comprehensive and systematic approach to managing and mitigating risks associated with contaminated land, ensuring that the land can be safely and effectively remediated and returned to productive use in compliance with environmental regulations and standards.

Other Services

We can also offer a variety of specialist services through our Partners, including:

– Groundwater, Gas and Leachate Monitoring