Phase 1 – Environmental Desktop Reports, Soil Survey & Ground Investigations
Bristol & South UK
Our Bristol-based team provides fast, reliable, and cost-effective Phase 1 Desktop Study and Site Investigation services for clients across the South and throughout the UK. Each Phase 1 Desk Study is designed to meet planning condition requirements and includes a detailed assessment of environmental and contamination risks through comprehensive Contamination Surveys
A Desktop Study (also known as a Phase 1 Investigation) is a crucial step when dealing with contaminated land planning conditions. Conducting a Desktop Study or Desk Survey can identify potential contaminated land issues early, helping save time and money. By undertaking a Phase 1 Desktop Study Site Investigation, we identify the most appropriate strategy for assessing and mitigating environmental risks. This essential Phase 1 Desk Study forms the foundation for any Contamination Survey or Soil Survey, completed before intrusive sampling begins.
Our Desktop Study and Phase 1 Investigation services from our Bristol office are also essential to inform geotechnical investigations, waste classification, and subsequent Site Investigations.
Guidance on Contaminated Land and Soil Contamination Surveys
Guidance on contaminated land and soil contamination surveys can be found here.
The technical guidance on risk assessment (LCRM) is available from here.
There is also useful guidance on development of housing on contaminated soil from NHBC.
What is a Desktop Study?
A Desktop Study is the first stage of the Phase 1 Ground Investigation process, carried out for clients across the South and wider UK. This process involves detailed desk-based research, collating documentary and environmental data to assess potential contamination. The Desktop Study reviews the site’s history, geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, waste records, and any previous pollution incidents to build a conceptual understanding of the site.
In essence, a Desktop Study or Desk Survey combines documentary research and a Site Investigation walkover to create a clear picture of the site before intrusive works begin. No sampling of potentially contaminated soils is undertaken at this stage, forms the basis of further investigations making it a vital first step before any intrusive testing .
A Phase 1 Desk Study may also be referred to as:
- Desk Study
- Phase 1 Assessment
- Phase 1 Site Assessment
- Phase 1 Site Investigation
- Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA)
- Preliminary Investigation
- Contaminated Soil Survey
- Site Survey
Together, the Desktop Study and walkover Site Investigation form the full Phase 1 Investigation, allowing an accurate assessment of contamination risks to human health and the environment.
The collected information is used to produce an Initial Conceptual Site Model (CSM) — a visual and written explanation of how potential contaminants might interact with people, buildings, and the wider environment. This conceptual model is key to determining the level of risk and whether further intrusive Site Investigation or Phase 2 Investigation is necessary.
Why a Desktop Study is Essential
Current guidance requires all contaminated land Site Investigations to be conducted in a phased approach. This begins with a Phase 1 Desktop Study, also referred to as a Desk Survey or Phase 1 Investigation, which gathers existing information and data from visual inspections to complete a Preliminary Risk Assessment.
If your Phase 1 Desk Study Site Investigation identifies no significant contamination risk, no further action is needed. However, where risks are identified, a Phase 2 Investigation — an intrusive Site Investigation which may include soil sampling, borehole drilling, and laboratory analysis — may be required to quantify contamination levels and confirm the extent of any issues.
This Phase 2 Site Investigation follows naturally from the findings of the Desktop Study, ensuring the right scope and sampling techniques are used. The results of both the Phase 1 Desk Study and Phase 2 Investigation inform the final conceptual model and confirm whether remediation or mitigation is necessary.
About our Desktop Study & Report Services:
- They are designed to meet the requirements of UK regulators
- Detailed, accurate, and specific to your site
- Quick, affordable, and offered at fixed prices
- We never recommend unnecessary additional work
- If further Site Investigation or Contamination Survey work is required, there is no obligation to use our services
- Experienced in liaising with regulatory bodies across the South and throughout the UK
Our Phase 1 Desktop Studies, Desk Surveys, and Site Investigations have helped hundreds of clients in Bristol, Bath, Swindon, Exeter, and across the South to meet their planning conditions. In many cases where previous site use poses low environmental risk, a Phase 1 Desk Study and Contamination Survey are sufficient to discharge contaminated land planning conditions without the need for further intrusive work.
We handle communication with UK regulators on your behalf, resolving any issues quickly and efficiently at no extra cost. If you are uncertain about whether your site requires a Desktop Study, Desk Survey, or Phase 1 Site Investigation, contact our Bristol team for free, no-obligation advice.