Frequently Asked Questions

A desktop study is the first part of the site investigation process. It involves a desk based collation of documentary evidence such as site history, geology, records of pollution incidents etc. to produce a preliminary conceptual model (see below). This enables the initial risk assessment to be carried out.

The same thing. A desktop study may also be referred to as desk study, a phase 1 assessment, phase 1 site assessment, phase 1 site investigation, a soil survey, a site survey and many other names. If in any doubt contact us.

A desktop study allows an initial assessment of the likelihood of contamination on the site to be made. It is there for an essential part of the process and forms the basis of subsequent stages if they are required.

If you have a condition on your planning permission related to contaminated land then you will need a desk top study unless one has been carried out previously. If you are in any doubt, please feel free to call us and we can advise.

It depends on whether the desktop study concludes that there is the potential for a pollution linkage (see below) or not. However, in many cases we find that a desktop study is adequate to discharge planning conditions of this sort. We never propose carrying out more work unless it is absolutely necessary.

No. The planning condition will require that a desktop study is carried out before sampling takes place. A site investigation without a desk top study will lead to the condition not being discharged costing both time and money as it will have to be carried out at a later date.

A conceptual model, conceptual site model or CSM, is a way of describing the way contaminants may interact with ‘receptors’ i.e. site users or controlled waters such as groundwater in aquifers or nearby water courses. It describes the link between the contaminant ‘source’ and the ‘receptor’ via a ‘pathway’ which is how the contaminant may reach the receptor. Examples can be ingestion of the soil, inhalation of dust, leaching of contaminants into an aquifer. If one of these elements is missing then there cannot be said to be a pollutant linkage and therefore the site is not classified as contaminated.

No. It is critical that the desktop study is carried out by somebody who is suitably experienced and qualified to enable all of the relevant factors to be taken into account.