Contaminated Land Services

Land contamination has become an important environmental issue since 1995 with the development of the contaminated land regime (set out in part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990). It was introduced in England on 1st April 2000 and on 1st July 2001 in Wales, hence the need for in-depth contaminated land surveys by Stansted Environmental Services.

When may you be asked to undertake a contaminated land survey?

• Local authorities can place conditions on planning permission requiring that developers investigate land contamination and, where it is found, clean it up to a standard where it is considered that there is no risk to future users of the site, controlled waters or environmentally sensitive habitats.
• Under the contaminated land regime investigation may also be enforced by the local authority or Environment Agency even if a site is not being redeveloped, but is causing, or has the potential to cause, significant harm.

Contaminated Land investigations are typically carried out in a phased approach as follows;

Phase I - Desktop Study (Prices starting from £950)
The principal aim of a Phase I environmental report is to gather the information needed to form a conceptual model in order to be in a position to assess the presence and/or significance of any land contamination on site. The resultant information then enables a preliminary risk assessment to be carried out. Part of the assessment involves a site walkover in which the land area is visually surveyed in order to highlight any possible contamination hot spots. In many cases the Phase I contaminated land survey will not highlight any significant risks and will provide sufficient information for planning consent. However, where the conceptual model identifies areas of high risk that cannot be mitigated, or further information is required this will be highlighted and will form the scope of the Phase II Intrusive investigation.

Phase II - Intrusive Investigation
A Phase II contaminated land assessment is required where the conceptual model developed during Phase I identifies areas of high risk that cannot be mitigated, or where further information is required (i.e. where a risk of soil or groundwater contamination exists). These investigations involve intrusive sampling of the soil and groundwater and sometimes soil gas.

Phase III - Remediation Method Statement
If remediation is deemed necessary following the Phase 2 works, then a site specific remediation methodology can be produced. Design of a site specific remediation methodology, as with all stages of investigation, involves consultation with the regulatory authorities to ensure satisfactory design and implementation of the remediation programme.

Phase IV - Validation Study
Following the remediation of the contaminated land there is a possibility that the Local Authority and or the Environment Agency will require verification that remediation has been completed. SES will prepare a verification report to meet the request and will compile supporting documents outlining the utilised process.

Our competent consultants have a number of years of experience in dealing with Contaminated Land conditions and working with Local Authorities.