There are thousands of sites across the UK that have been contaminated to some degree as a result of past uses.
A Contaminated land assessment is often required as part of a planning application or to discharge planning conditions imposed by a local planning authority, the Environment Agency or the NHBC.
Regulatory bodies apply the “source-pathway-target” pollutant linkage when assessing the risk to sensitive receptors. Land is declared contaminated if:
- It contains significant levels of a pollutant (the source),
- Someone or something (the target) could be affected by the pollutant.
- The pollutant can get to the target in significant quantities (the pathway).
Contaminated land assessment generally follows a phased approach as follows:
Phase 1 – Desk study and site reconnaissance
A preliminary risk assessment is required in order to obtain a good understanding of the sites history, setting and potential to be affected by contamination. The risk assessment comprises desk study research, a site walkover and the development of a conceptual site model.
Phase 2 – Site investigation
If the desk study indicates that there is a potential for contamination, an intrusive site investigation and refined risk assessment will be required. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether there are any unacceptable risks to people, property or the environment.
Phase 3 – Remediation
If the intrusive investigation identifies any unacceptable risks, then remediation will be required. Remediation involves the clean-up of a site to ensure that it is safe and suitable for use. Remediation may include excavating the contamination or installing clean cover.
Phase 4 – Verification
Verification (or validation) works are undertaken following remediation. The purpose is to confirm the success of the remediation works.
Grange Geo are here to help you through the process. Our background is in civil engineering, so we offer a pragmatic approach to resolving the technical issues, in combination with an awareness of the need to balance development viability with public safety.
Drilling with a Sonic Drilling Rig in east London
Remediation of a former colliery site.