What is an Environmental Survey?

An environmental survey is a comprehensive assessment of potential environmental risks associated with a property or piece of land. For anyone buying commercial property, development land or even residential property on a former industrial site in the UK, an environmental survey is essential due diligence that can save you from inheriting costly contamination liabilities.

At Wesson Environmental, we conduct environmental surveys across Bristol and throughout the UK. Our surveys identify potential contamination, assess environmental risks and provide clear recommendations before you commit to a purchase.

Why Do Property Buyers Need an Environmental Survey?

When you purchase land or property in the UK, you can inherit environmental liabilities from previous owners. Under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, if contamination is discovered, the current landowner may be held responsible for remediation costs – even if the contamination occurred decades before you bought the property.

An environmental survey before purchase can:

• Identify contamination risks that could cost thousands to remediate
• Provide negotiating power to reduce the purchase price
• Prevent deals falling through after exchange due to contamination discoveries
• Ensure you meet lender requirements (many banks require environmental surveys for commercial property)
• Give you peace of mind about the environmental condition of your investment

The cost of an environmental survey is minimal compared to the potential liability you could inherit. We have seen cases where buyers faced remediation bills exceeding £100,000 for contamination they knew nothing about when they purchased.

What Does an Environmental Survey Include?

A comprehensive environmental survey typically includes several components:

Historical Land Use Assessment

We review historical Ordnance Survey maps dating back to the 1800s to identify previous site uses. Former industrial activities, landfills, petrol stations, dry cleaners, engineering works and many other uses can leave contamination in soil and groundwater.

This historical review often reveals surprising information. A site that appears to be clean agricultural land may have been a brickworks, coal yard or chemical storage facility 80 years ago. These historical uses create contamination risks that persist for decades.

Environmental Database Search

We search environmental databases for records of:

• Pollution incidents on or near the site
• Landfills and waste sites within 250-500 metres
• Fuel storage tanks and petrol stations
• Industrial processes requiring environmental permits
• Contaminated land register entries
• Groundwater source protection zones

This data helps identify off-site sources of contamination that could affect your property, such as migrating landfill gas or groundwater plumes from nearby industrial sites.

Geological and Hydrogeological Assessment

Understanding the geology beneath your site is crucial for assessing contamination risks. We review:

• Soil types and their permeability
• Presence of aquifers and groundwater vulnerability
• Depth to groundwater
• Nearby surface water courses
• Flood risk

Clay soils tend to contain contamination, whilst permeable sands and gravels allow contaminants to migrate more readily. Sites above principal aquifers face stricter regulatory scrutiny.

Site Walkover Survey

Our consultants visit the site to observe current conditions and look for visual evidence of contamination such as:

• Staining or discolouration of soils
• Unusual odours
• Areas of stressed or dead vegetation
• Made ground or evidence of infilling
• Asbestos-containing materials
• Storage of chemicals or fuels
• Fly-tipping or waste deposits

The walkover also assesses surrounding land uses and identifies sensitive receptors like residential properties, schools or water courses that could be affected by contamination.

Conceptual Site Model and Risk Assessment

All the gathered information is synthesised into a conceptual site model (CSM) which identifies potential pollutant linkages. We assess whether there is a credible risk pathway between contamination sources and receptors (people, buildings, water resources).

This risk assessment determines whether further investigation is needed. For many sites, particularly those with low-risk historical uses, the environmental survey alone is sufficient to conclude that risks are negligible.

When is Further Investigation Required?

If the environmental survey identifies potential contamination risks, we may recommend a Phase 2 intrusive investigation. This involves soil sampling and testing to quantify contamination levels.

However, we never recommend intrusive work unless it is genuinely necessary. Many environmental surveys conclude that risks are low and no further action is required. We have a reputation for honest appraisals – we will not suggest expensive investigations if they are not warranted.

When intrusive investigation is needed, it should be carried out before you complete the property purchase. This allows you to:

• Negotiate a price reduction to cover remediation costs
• Request that the seller carries out remediation before completion
• Walk away from the deal if contamination is too severe
• Plan remediation into your development budget and timeline

Environmental Surveys for Different Property Types

Commercial and Industrial Property

Commercial property purchases almost always require an environmental survey, particularly for:

• Former industrial sites
• Retail properties with historical dry cleaning or fuel storage
• Warehouses and distribution centres
• Sites near railways or former gas works

Lenders typically require an environmental survey as part of their due diligence before approving commercial mortgages.

Development Land

If you are purchasing land for development, an environmental survey is essential. Planning authorities often impose contaminated land conditions on brownfield sites. Understanding contamination issues before purchase allows you to factor investigation and remediation costs into your development appraisal.

Our Phase 1 Desktop Study services are designed to meet planning condition requirements and provide the foundation for development projects.

Residential Property on Former Industrial Land

Even residential purchases may benefit from an environmental survey if the property is built on former industrial land. Whilst modern developments should have addressed contamination during construction, older conversions of industrial buildings may not have been properly assessed.

How Much Does an Environmental Survey Cost?

A Phase 1 environmental survey (desktop study and walkover) typically costs between £800 and £2,000 depending on site size and complexity. This is a small investment compared to the potential liabilities you could inherit.

For commercial property transactions worth hundreds of thousands or millions of pounds, the cost of an environmental survey is negligible – yet it can identify issues that fundamentally affect the value and viability of your purchase.

What Happens if Contamination is Found?

Discovering contamination during an environmental survey is not necessarily a deal-breaker. Many contaminated sites can be successfully developed with appropriate remediation.

Options include:

• Negotiating a price reduction to cover remediation costs
• Requesting that the seller remediates before completion
• Planning remediation as part of your development works
• In some cases, using contamination as grounds to withdraw from the purchase

Our team can advise on remediation options and costs to help you make informed decisions.

Choosing an Environmental Survey Provider

Not all environmental surveys are equal. A poor quality survey may miss important contamination risks or recommend unnecessary further work.

Look for consultants who:

• Have experience working with UK regulators
• Provide clear, jargon-free reports
• Offer fixed-price quotes
• Have professional indemnity insurance
• Will liaise with your solicitor and lender
• Provide honest recommendations without upselling unnecessary work

At Wesson Environmental, we have conducted environmental surveys on hundreds of sites across the UK, from small residential plots to multi-hectare industrial sites. Our reports are designed to be clear and actionable, giving you the information you need to make confident purchasing decisions.

Get Expert Advice Before You Buy

If you are considering purchasing property or land in Bristol or anywhere in the UK, contact Wesson Environmental for a free, no-obligation discussion about whether an environmental survey is appropriate for your transaction.

Our environmental surveys provide peace of mind and protect you from inheriting unexpected contamination liabilities. We work quickly to meet tight transaction timescales and provide clear, practical advice.

Call us on 0117 369 0156 or email enquiries@wessonenvironmental.co.uk to discuss your property purchase.

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What is a Land Contamination Investigation?

A land contamination investigation is a systematic process used to identify, assess and quantify potential contamination in soil and groundwater. For property developers, homeowners and businesses across the UK, understanding whether your land is contaminated is not just a regulatory requirement – it can save you thousands of pounds and prevent serious health and environmental risks.

At Wesson Environmental, we carry out land contamination investigations across Bristol and throughout the UK. Our approach follows UK guidelines including CLR11 and BS10175 to ensure your investigation meets all regulatory requirements.

Why Do You Need a Land Contamination Investigation?

If you have a planning condition related to contaminated land, you will need a land contamination investigation. But even without a planning condition, there are several situations where an investigation is essential:

• Before purchasing land or property (to avoid inheriting contamination liabilities)
• When developing brownfield sites with previous industrial use
• For sites near former landfills, petrol stations or industrial facilities
• When building on agricultural land that may have been treated with pesticides
• If you notice unusual odours, staining or vegetation die-off on your site

Historical land uses across the UK have left a legacy of contamination. Even sites that appear clean on the surface may harbour contaminants from decades-old activities. For example, old orchards were often treated with lead and arsenic-based pesticides, whilst former gas works can leave behind coal tar and heavy metals.

The Land Contamination Investigation Process

A proper land contamination investigation follows a phased approach. Trying to skip stages will cost you more time and money in the long run, as regulators will reject incomplete reports.

Phase 1: Desktop Study

Every land contamination investigation begins with a Phase 1 Desktop Study. This desk-based research examines:

• Historical maps showing previous site uses
• Geological and hydrogeological data
• Environmental database records of pollution incidents
• Nearby sensitive receptors (water courses, aquifers, residential areas)

The desktop study produces a conceptual site model (CSM) which identifies potential pollutant linkages. A pollutant linkage requires three elements: a source (contamination), a pathway (how it travels) and a receptor (what it affects). If any element is missing, there is no risk.

In many cases, particularly for sites with low-risk historical uses, a desktop study alone is sufficient to discharge planning conditions. We never recommend further work unless it is genuinely necessary.

Phase 2: Intrusive Investigation

If the desktop study identifies potential risks, a Phase 2 intrusive investigation is required. This involves:

• Soil sampling using appropriate techniques (hand augers, window sampling or drilling)
• Installation of monitoring wells for groundwater assessment
• Laboratory analysis of soil and water samples
• On-site screening for volatile organic compounds
• Assessment of ground gas risks where relevant

The scope of the intrusive investigation must be based on the conceptual model from Phase 1. Random soil sampling without proper planning will not satisfy regulators and wastes your money.

Our contaminated land site investigations are designed to gather the right data efficiently, keeping costs down whilst ensuring regulatory compliance.

Phase 3: Risk Assessment and Remediation

Once laboratory results are available, we refine the conceptual model and carry out a detailed risk assessment. This compares contaminant concentrations against appropriate guideline values for your intended land use.

If risks are identified, remediation may be required. Remediation is not always about excavation and disposal – we assess all options including:

• Soil capping and cover systems
• Bioremediation
• Chemical treatment
• Stabilisation techniques
• Controlled removal and disposal

The most cost-effective solution depends on your site’s specific conditions and your development plans.

Common Contaminants Found in UK Soils

Different historical land uses leave different contamination signatures:

Former industrial sites: Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium), petroleum hydrocarbons, asbestos, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Agricultural land: Pesticide residues (arsenic, lead), fertiliser compounds, fuel storage contamination

Former gas works: Coal tar, benzene, cyanides, phenols

Landfills and filled ground: Methane and carbon dioxide gases, leachate, heavy metals

Railway land: Creosote, heavy metals, asbestos

Each contaminant requires specific assessment criteria and may need different remediation approaches.

How Much Does a Land Contamination Investigation Cost?

This is one of the most common questions we receive. The honest answer is: it depends on what is actually required.

A Phase 1 Desktop Study typically costs between £800 and £2,000 depending on site size and complexity. Many sites require nothing further.

Phase 2 intrusive investigations vary widely based on:

• Site size and accessibility
• Number of sampling locations required
• Depth of investigation needed
• Types of laboratory analysis required
• Presence of groundwater or gas monitoring needs

We provide fixed-price quotes after reviewing your Phase 1 findings. We will always give you an honest appraisal of what is required – we never recommend unnecessary work.

Choosing the Right Contaminated Land Consultant

Not all land contamination investigations are created equal. Poor quality reports get rejected by regulators, costing you time and money to redo the work.

Look for consultants who:

• Have regulatory experience and good relationships with local authorities
• Follow current UK guidance (LCRM, BS10175, CLR11)
• Provide clear, fixed-price quotes
• Communicate directly with regulators on your behalf
• Never recommend work that isn’t necessary

At Wesson Environmental, our team has worked both in consultancy and in regulatory roles. This gives us insight into what regulators actually require, allowing us to have sensible discussions that benefit your project.

Next Steps

If you have a contaminated land planning condition or are concerned about potential contamination on your site, the first step is a Phase 1 Desktop Study. This will establish whether further investigation is needed and provide a clear roadmap for your project.

We offer free, no-obligation advice to help you understand your requirements. Our Bristol-based team works with clients across the South and throughout the UK, providing fast, cost-effective land contamination investigations that satisfy regulators first time.

Don’t let contaminated land issues delay your development. Contact Wesson Environmental today on 0117 369 0156 or email enquiries@wessonenvironmental.co.uk to discuss your project.

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What is a Soil Contamination Survey?

A soil contamination survey refers to the whole site investigation process. This commences with the phase desktop study covered in a previous post. If a pollution linkage is identified, this is followed by a a Phase 2 site investigation or intrusive investigation, which is the actual physical testing of soils to determine whether contamination is present and whether it poses a risk to human health or the environment.

For property developers, homeowners, and businesses across Bristol and the UK, understanding when and why a soil contamination survey is needed can save significant time and money during the development process.

When Do You Need a Soil Contamination Survey?

A soil contamination survey is typically required when:

Planning Conditions Require It

Local planning authorities often impose conditions requiring contaminated land assessments. If your Phase 1 desktop study identifies potential contamination sources, the planning officer will require a soil contamination survey to quantify the risks before development can proceed.

Previous Site Uses Suggest Contamination

Former industrial sites, petrol stations, factories, dry cleaners, or even old orchards may have left contaminants in the soil. Lead, arsenic, petroleum hydrocarbons, and asbestos are common contaminants we encounter during soil testing services across the South of the UK.

Property Transactions

Buyers and lenders increasingly require soil contamination surveys before completing property purchases, particularly for commercial or industrial land. Understanding contamination liabilities protects all parties and can affect property valuations significantly.

Waste Classification is Needed

If you need to remove soil from your site, you must classify it correctly under UK waste regulations. Our waste classification services determine what the appropriate route for disposal is. This may form of the phase 2 investigation or it may be seperate activity.

What Does a Soil Contamination Survey Involve?

Site Investigation Design

Based on the findings of the Phase 1 desktop study, our contaminated land consultants design a targeted investigation. We determine:

• How many soil samples are needed
• Where samples should be taken
• How deep to sample
• Which contaminants to test for
• Whether groundwater monitoring is required

This targeted approach ensures you only pay for testing that is actually necessary, rather than expensive blanket sampling across the entire site.

Soil Sampling Methods

We use various techniques depending on site conditions and investigation objectives:

Hand sampling – Suitable for shallow investigations (up to 1.2 metres depth) on accessible sites. Cost-effective for residential developments where contamination risks are limited to surface soils.

Window sampling – A drilling technique that allows sampling to greater depths (typically 3-5 metres) without installing permanent boreholes. Ideal for assessing risks to groundwater and deeper contamination.

Trial pits – Excavated using a mechanical digger, trial pits allow visual inspection of soil layers and collection of bulk samples. Useful when waste materials or visual contamination need to be assessed.

Rotary drilling – Required for deep investigations or when drilling through rock. Often combined with installation of groundwater monitoring wells.

Laboratory Analysis

Soil samples are sent to UKAS-accredited laboratories for analysis. The testing suite depends on the potential contaminants identified in the Phase 1 assessment. Common analyis includes:

• Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, etc.)
• Petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH, BTEX, PAH)
• Asbestos identification and quantification
• pH and soil chemistry
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

We use on-site screening techniques where appropriate to reduce laboratory costs while still ensuring comprehensive assessment.

Understanding Your Soil Contamination Survey Results

Once laboratory results are received, our environmental consultants compare contaminant concentrations against relevant assessment criteria. In the UK, we typically use:

Generic Assessment Criteria (GAC)

Published by the Environment Agency and other bodies, these provide screening values for common contaminants based on different land uses (residential with gardens, residential without gardens, commercial/industrial).

Site-Specific Assessment

Where contaminants exceed generic criteria, we can carry out detailed quantitative risk assessment. This considers the specific characteristics of your site and proposed use to determine whether risks are actually present.

Conceptual Site Model

The contaminated land risk assessment is based on the source-pathway-receptor model. For contamination to pose a risk, there must be:

• A source (contaminated soil)
• A pathway (how people or the environment could be exposed)
• A receptor (people, buildings, groundwater, etc.)

If one of these elements is missing, there is no risk. For example, contaminated soil beneath hardstanding with no gardens poses minimal risk to residents because the pathway is broken.

What Happens if Contamination is Found?

If the soil contamination survey identifies unacceptable risks, several options are available:

Remediation

Our contaminated land remediation services can address contamination through various methods including excavation and disposal, soil treatment, or capping with clean material. The approach depends on the contaminants present and the proposed site use.

Planning Design Changes

Sometimes simple changes to site layout can eliminate risks. Installing hardstanding over contaminated areas, adjusting building locations, or modifying landscaping plans can be more cost-effective than soil removal.

Ongoing Monitoring

For some sites, particularly where groundwater contamination is present, long-term monitoring may be required to demonstrate that risks remain acceptable.

How Much Does a Soil Contamination Survey Cost?

Costs vary significantly depending on:

• Site size and complexity
• Number of samples required
• Depth of investigation
• Laboratory testing required
• Site access and ground conditions

A simple soil contamination survey for a single dwelling might cost between £1,500-£3,000, while larger commercial sites could require £10,000-£50,000+ of investigation. However, investing in a properly scoped investigation saves money in the long run by avoiding unnecessary testing or remediation.

At Wesson Environmental, we provide fixed-price quotes and never recommend work that is not necessary. We have extensive experience liaising with planning authorities across Bristol and the South of the UK to establish exactly what is required, ensuring you get value for money.

Choosing a Contaminated Land Consultant

Your soil contamination survey must be carried out by suitably qualified and experienced contaminated land consultants. Look for:

• Relevant qulifications, meberships or experience
• Experience with your type of site and development
• Good relationships with regulators
• Clear, understandable reporting
• Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

We have completed hundreds of soil contamination surveys across Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Exeter, and throughout the UK. Our reports are designed to meet regulatory requirements while providing practical, cost-effective solutions for your development.

Getting Started with Your Soil Contamination Survey

If you need a soil contamination survey for a planning condition, property transaction, or development project, contact our team for a free consultation. We can review your Phase 1 desktop study, discuss your requirements, and provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours.

Call us on 0117 369 0156 or email enquiries@wessonenvironmental.co.uk to discuss your soil testing services requirements. Our Bristol-based team is here to make contaminated land assessment as straightforward and cost-effective as possible.

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Understanding Phase 1 Environmental Reports

If you are planning to develop land in Bristol or anywhere across the UK, you have likely encountered planning conditions requiring a Phase 1 environmental report. But what exactly is this document, and why is it so important for your project?

A Phase 1 environmental report, also known as a Phase 1 desktop study or Phase 1 site assessment, is the essential first step in assessing whether land contamination poses a risk to your development. This comprehensive document reviews the history and characteristics of your site to identify potential contamination sources before any physical investigation takes place.

What Does a Phase 1 Environmental Report Include?

A thorough Phase 1 environmental report examines multiple aspects of your site:

Historical Land Use

Our contaminated land consultants review historical maps dating back over 100 years to identify previous uses of the site. Former industrial facilities, petrol stations, factories, or even old orchards can leave contamination in soils that poses risks today. Understanding what happened on your land historically is critical to assessing current risks.

Geological and Hydrogeological Conditions

The report assesses the underlying geology and groundwater conditions. Clay soils behave very differently to sandy soils when it comes to contaminant migration. Sites with shallow groundwater require different assessment approaches than those with deep water tables. This information shapes any future soil testing services that may be required.

Environmental Data

We review records of pollution incidents, landfill locations, and environmental permits in the area. A former landfill 200 metres away could generate ground gas that migrates to your site. Understanding the wider environmental context is essential for a complete contaminated land risk assessment.

Site Walkover Survey

Our environmental consultants visit your site to observe current conditions. We look for visual evidence of contamination, assess site access for future investigations, and verify information from historical records. This hands-on inspection is a vital component of every Phase 1 site assessment Bristol project we undertake.

Why is a Phase 1 Environmental Report Required?

Local planning authorities across Bristol and the UK require Phase 1 environmental reports to protect public health and the environment. The report allows planners to understand contamination risks before granting permission for residential, commercial, or industrial development.

In many cases, a well-prepared Phase 1 environmental report demonstrates that contamination risks are negligible, allowing planning conditions to be discharged without expensive soil sampling. This can save developers thousands of pounds and weeks of project time.

However, where the Phase 1 assessment identifies potential risks, it provides the roadmap for targeted soil contamination surveys in Phase 2. Rather than random soil testing, the Phase 1 report ensures that any intrusive investigation focuses on the actual risks present at your specific site.

How Long Does a Phase 1 Environmental Report Take?

For most sites in Bristol and across the South of the UK, we can complete a Phase 1 desktop study within 5-10 working days. The timeline depends on the complexity of the site history and the availability of historical records. Straightforward residential sites with minimal historical use are typically faster than former industrial facilities.

What Happens After the Phase 1 Report?

Once we complete your Phase 1 environmental report, we submit it to the local planning authority for review. There are three possible outcomes:

1. No further action required – The report demonstrates negligible contamination risk and the planning condition is discharged. This is the outcome in approximately 40-50% of cases we handle.

1. Phase 2 investigation required – The report identifies potential contamination sources that require soil testing to quantify risks. We design a targeted soil contamination survey based on the Phase 1 findings.

1. Additional information needed – The planning authority requests clarification or additional desk-based research before deciding on next steps.

Our contaminated land consultants liaise directly with planning officers on your behalf to resolve any queries quickly and efficiently, ensuring your project stays on track.

Choosing the Right Consultant for Your Phase 1 Report

Not all Phase 1 environmental reports are created equal. A poorly prepared report can lead to planning delays, unnecessary soil testing, or even rejection by the local authority. When selecting environmental consultants in Bristol or elsewhere in the UK, look for:

• Proven experience with local planning authorities
• Membership of relevant professional bodies
• Clear, jargon-free reporting that planners and developers can understand
• Fixed-price quotes with no hidden costs
• Direct communication with regulatory bodies

At Wesson Environmental, we have completed hundreds of Phase 1 site assessments across Bristol, Bath, Swindon, and throughout the South of the UK. Our reports are designed to meet regulatory requirements while providing practical, cost-effective recommendations for your project.

Getting Started with Your Phase 1 Environmental Report

If your planning permission includes a contaminated land condition, do not delay commissioning your Phase 1 environmental report. Early assessment allows you to understand potential costs and timelines before committing to land purchase or starting detailed design work.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your site and explain what a Phase 1 assessment will involve. Our team can review your planning conditions and provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours.

Contact our Bristol office today on 0117 369 0156 or email enquiries@wessonenvironmental.co.uk to discuss your Phase 1 desktop study requirements. We are here to make the contaminated land assessment process as straightforward and cost-effective as possible for your development project.

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We have had a few recent projects where phase 1 desktop studies have highlighted a potential risk from unexploded ordnance (UXO) from WWII. In some cases, these sites were fairly obvious – anti-aircraft gun emplacements for example where you might expect bombing to have possibly occurred or UXO from incorrectly disposed of or stores munitions. In the one case a thorough review of the history showed that this was an unlikely scenario, with the store rooms intact and pressed into use for more mundane activities.

Potential risks have been highlighted in less obvious locations. These were n areas of housing dating back to the early 20^th Century or before. Reviewing historical maps can be quite telling in these locations, especially comparing pre-war and post-war maps. In a number of cases, the latter show buildings missing on or near to the site and even more tellingly the word ‘ruin’ where a building had previously stood. In these situations, we would carry out an internet search to establish records of bombing in or near to that location. It can also be fruitful to talk to the relevant contaminated land officer at the local authority to check any information. Still, you may ask, the bomb didn’t hit my site and it was years ago so there cant be any risk can there? Unfortunately that is not a given. Not all unexploded bombs were recorded, and if they entered the ground, the may travel prescribing what is know as a ‘J-Curve’ and may exit elsewhere away from the site of impact – depending of course on the underlying geology. Consequently, there is a potential risk away from the site of the impact and a big unknown is the stability of any explosives. This is not something that you would want to hit with an excavator during development! In this situation we would then recommend the involvement of UXO specialists to  further assess risks and suggest mitigation measures.

Conversely, we also worked with an organisation who are developing a technology to safely disarm munitions in conflict zones. Our role in this was to determine the risks from explosive residues in soils following disarming/destruction of the munitions. This required specialist laboratory analysis as most labs do not accept materials with explosive residues present. It also required strict adherence to safety protocols in the field. The munitions used actually underwent detonation and despite being over 500m away, we could feel the ground shake despite being only small artillery pieces (105mm calibre). This therefore as well as giving us useful experience in assessing risks from soils contaminated with explosive residues, gave us a new perspective on the potential risks from UXO, which would have many times the explosive power of what we encountered!

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One of our more unusual site investigations has recently been completed. We were called out to a site where a helicopter had crashed some days previously, in the middle of a field. The helicopter had caught fire and thankfully nobody was hurt. As a consequence, there had been spillage of aviation fuel and the fire brigade had attended to control the fire. In addition to petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in the soils, we suspected that Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) may be present originating from the fire fighting foam. We carried out window sampling to recover samples and determine the contaminant distribution, screening each sample using a photo-ionisation detector (PID) and submitting samples for laboratory analysis.

Risk assessment was a little different to most sites as the concern was over potential impacts on crops as opposed to human health due to the location being fairly remote, and people being unlikely to come into contact with soils. By working out the contaminant distribution, we were able to come up with a remedial strategy that will be implemented in due course.

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Contaminated land site investigation is very much a process. We have produced the below flow chart to explain where various parts of the site investigation fit including the desktop study, intrusive investigation with soil sampling through to remediation. We hope this helps to clarify how various parts of contaminated land risk assessment and management interact.

If you need more information on the site investigation process or contaminated land in general, please contact us.

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