|
Contaminated Land Consultancy
We adopt a ‘staged approach’ to contaminated land studies as being the most efficient and cost-effective
means of site management. We use initial background data to construct a conceptual model of site-specific
ground conditions, which in turn is used to identify the information required from subsequent intrusive works.
Any investigation can then be targeted to the most appropriate exploratory locations; sampling and testing can
be related to previous land use and areas of concern can be addressed.
Studies which omit this initial stage often result in the collection of ‘random’ data, which can be costly to
the client. Additional investigation works may be necessary (often at critical stages of divestment or development)
or additional costs may be incurred due to unforeseen circumstances during construction. We believe that
preliminary data collection and risk assessment provide the most cost-effective approach to managing clients assets.
Risk assessments can even negate the need for expensive contamination testing on some sites.
Our full consultancy service includes:
- initial data collection and site reconnaissance
- design of site-specific investigations
- on-site monitoring services
- site appraisal and risk assessment
- design of site remediation schemes
- supervision and monitoring of site remediation
- asset management
Awareness of environmental issues, together with current legislation and government policy, has led to
increasing reuse of derelict land. Such redevelopment carries with it considerable potential liabilities
and this must therefore be properly managed with the minimum possible environmental damage.
We believe that successful development of contaminated sites requires a staged approach to the gathering of
relevant data, supplemented by risk assessments to identify linkages between pollutant sources and targets
such as site users, the public and controlled waters.
Knowledge of contamination levels in soils, groundwater or surface waters is obviously essential, but real
solutions to geoenvironmental problems also require a detailed appraisal of site geology and hydrogeology.
Our geoenvironmental staff will determine the scope of your investigations, evaluate the results and prepare
design solutions for remedial measures.
Contact us now for any of the following services:
- desk studies
- contaminated land investigation and appraisal
- landfill gas studies
- groundwater contamination studies
- surface water contamination studies
- pre-acquisition surveys
- risk assessment
- contaminant transport modelling
- site remediation
- monitoring and control of remedial works
A full site appraisal of contaminated land usually includes three stages of investigation:
- desk studies and site reconnaissance (often known as Phase 1 Environmental Assessments)
- preliminary investigation
- detailed investigation
Desk Studies and Site Reconnaissance
We consider a desk study to be an essential ingredient of a well performed site appraisal. The desk study provides:
- background information on the history of the site
- geological and hydrogeological information
- groundwater vulnerability data
- environmental information, such as the proximity of landfills and potentially contaminative sites
- data on potential sources of contamination (on or off site)
- preliminary identification of areas, people, etc potentially at risk from contamination
- preliminary identification of means by which such contamination could be transmitted
Exploratory Investigations
Phase 2 investigations are designed to test conceptual ground models developed during the desk study.
The data obtained are used to refine the design of the detailed investigation and to evaluate
the safety measures for the protection of site personnel. Subject to the results of Phase 1 sampling may be:
- random
- targeted at specific features
- limited to surface sampling of soils or waters
- from a small number of exploratory holes
Detailed Investigations
The information gained from a detailed contaminated land appraisal should be sufficient to:
- assess health and environmental hazards and risks
- evaluate financial and technical options for the subsequent development
- select and plan any remedial work
- design the works
- ensure safe working for personnel on site
- establish requirements for both short and long term monitoring
We will design and supervise the investigation to meet these objectives. We only use UKAS accredited laboratories
for chemical testing of the samples recovered during the site works. From the results of the investigations we will
undertake a risk assessment to identify or confirm pollutant linkages and design the remedial works for the site.
Our staff are also available for site services, supervising and monitoring the remedial and validation works.
Measurements and observations made on site are as fundamental to a chemical investigation as laboratory analysis.
On-site determination of water quality and in-situ inspection of soils and wastes by experienced professional
personnel will provide an immediate evaluation of site contamination and contamination hazards and hence help to
dictate a practical and cost-effective sampling programme.
The use of on-site inspection and analysis offers an immediate understanding of the extent and nature of
contamination to avoid project delay or disruption, particularly during remedial works. It may also be used for
the validation of remediation.
Our site services include:
- sampling of contaminated soils
- in-situ monitoring and sampling of gases and groundwater
- trial pits, window sampling, boreholes and installation of monitoring standpipes
- supervision and monitoring of remedial works
- post remediation validation and monitoring
|
