Carrying out a site investigation: excavating a trial pit
Site investigations may be required following a Phase 1 Environmental Study / Environmental Screening which identifies significant potential risks to human health or the water environment. This might be needed to comply with conditions of planning consent for new developments or where the risks identified could give rise to a claim for damages, prosecution or action by the Regulatory Authorities and/or third parties.
Wilbourn Associates can assist with investigations for contamination, geotechnical (foundation design) or to confirm the presence of shallow mine workings.
Each contamination site investigation may include:-
- Preliminary research, site inspection and initial Conceptual Site Model
- Consultation with the Local Authority on the scope of the investigation if planning permission for redevelopment has been granted or is pending;
- Excavation of trial pits and/or drilling of boreholes:
- Installation of gas and/or groundwater monitoring standpipes within boreholes;
- Collection and chemical analysis of soil and groundwater samples by a UKAS and MCERTS accredited laboratory;
- Chemical analysis of surface water samples from any watercourses within or adjoining the site;
- Soil vapour survey if there is a potential risk of contamination from organic compounds;
- Contamination assessment in accordance with the Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment (CLEA) model and other suitable assessment criteria incorporating a Tier 1 screening assessment and possible Tier 2 detailed quantitative risk assessment:
- Interpretative report presented in the form of a Land Quality Statement with updated Conceptual Site Model and recommendations.