BRD Environmental Ltd services

Phase 1 contamination assessments comprise the collation of desk based research together with the understanding gained from a site walkover. This phase of investigation provides an initial overview of the nature and extent of geotechnical or contamination hazards that may exist. The desk study typically includes a review of historical maps and aerial photographs, consideration of the geological and hydrogeological setting of the site from published sources, contact with regulatory authorities and retrieval of ground information from database resources. Desk studies are critical in revealing potential ground hazards such as mining hazards, landfill operations, nearby pollution incidents, naturally occurring radon gas, potentially contaminating land uses and pollution incidents. Desk studies also help to understand the wider environmental setting of the site so that potential receptors to contamination, such as groundwater resources, are identified.

Ground investigation involves the inspection of soils and rock layers by the excavation or trial pits and/or the drilling of boreholes.  Different techniques are applicable to different geology and site conditions.  The soils and rocks encountered are inspected by a supervising Geo-Environmental Consultant to provide a detailed engineering description of the ground.  Samples are obtained from the exploratory holes for laboratory analysis.