Contaminated Land Survey -
Investigation and Consultancy Services

Contaminated land surveys and consultancy for safer, sustainable development. Reclaim, recycle and redevelop on brownfield sites safely.

SOCOTEC has been involved in a wide range of development projects that have required the investigation of potentially contaminated sites. We are able to provide a comprehensive contaminated land investigation service.

Talk to our experts

John Almond

Business Manager, Environmental Consultancy

John.almond@socotec.co.uk 07483 074662

Our services include:

Contaminated land investigations

Environmental due diligence

On-site chemical analysis

Waste management

Groundwater contamination investigations

Environmental monitoring

Environmental science services

Occupational exposure on contaminated sites

Supporting the demand for ground contamination surveys

With increasing development on sites which have had a past, often industrial use, there is an increasing demand for reclamation, recycling and redevelopment of ‘brownfield sites’.

The legacy of this industrial use is often seen in the presence of ground contamination on or under the site and in the surrounding environment. The Environment Agency estimates that there could be between 5,000 and 20,000 contaminated sites within England and Wales alone that could potentially have an impact on human health or the wider environment.

This growing requirement for reclamation and redevelopment, coupled with a better understanding and wider awareness of issues associated with polluted land and other contamination such as asbestos in soil, has led to an increase in the need for contaminated land investigations.

Stages of a contaminated land survey

Phase 1 – Contaminated land survey – Desk Study

A Phase 1 desk study is an initial risk assessment that is conducted to determine the likelihood of contaminant substances being present within or beneath the land, and to review the risks associated with potential contaminants being present.

After the risk assessment is conducted, a desk study report will be produced, containing an executive summary, site details, historical appraisal, geological appraisal, environmental appraisal and conceptual ground model.

Phase 2 – Contamination Survey – Intrusive Site Investigation

If the Phase 1 desk study identifies that land could be contaminated, a Phase 2 intrusive site investigation will be conducted to confirm the extent of the contamination. This involves sampling, a site inspection and UKAS accredited laboratory testing.

Phase 3 – Review options and remediation strategy

Phase 3 involves creating a remediation strategy that will work to mitigate the impacts of pollution on the contaminated site with the intention of making the site safe for use. This includes setting objectives to monitor the success of the remediation plan.

Phase 4 – Verification and Validation

Verification and validation involve assessing whether the proposed strategy created during Phase 3 has been properly carried out. A validation report will be issued that will cover all remediation activity completed on the contaminated land, with technical insight and photographic evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions: Contaminated Land Investigation

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[{"title":[{"value":"What is considered as contaminated land?"}],"text":[{"value":"Land is considered contaminated when there are polluting substances present in or under the land that could cause significant harm or water pollution.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>The definition set out in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/ukpga\/1990\/43\/contents\">Environmental Protection Act 1990<\/span><\/a> defines contaminated land as:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\u2018Any land which appears to the local authority in whose area it is situated to be in such a condition, by reason of substances in, on or under the land, that: (a)&nbsp;significant harm is being caused or there is a significant possibility of such harm being caused; or (b)&nbsp;pollution of controlled waters is being, or is likely to be, caused\u2019.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>"}]},{"title":[{"value":"Who decides if land is polluted?"}],"text":[{"value":"Where planning or other legislation requires it, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/environment-agency\">environment agency<\/span><\/a> and your local council will decide whether your land is contaminated. SOCOTEC can liaise with regulators to ensure the best outcome and also provide advice and guidance on how to treat your contaminated land.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>"}]},{"title":[{"value":"What happens if land is contaminated?"}],"text":[{"value":"If a contaminated land investigation confirms that land is polluted with harmful substances, the person who caused the contamination is often responsible for resolving the issue although where sites are being developed, the cost of remediation often falls on the developer.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>"}]},{"title":[{"value":"How can contaminated land be treated? "}],"text":[{"value":"There is a range of treatment methods to eliminate contaminants from land or soil, including:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><ul><li>Biological treatment<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><li>Chemical oxidation<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><li>Soil stabilisation<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><li>Physical methods.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ul>"}]},{"title":[{"value":"Why is my land being investigated for contamination?"}],"text":[{"value":"A contaminated land survey could be conducted for a variety of reasons, including:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p><ul><li>Land is being sold or let<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><li>Land is proposed for redevelopment<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><li>There has been an incident such as a spillage or illegal waste disposal<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><li>Local councils conducting routine inspection of their area<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><li>An application is submitted for an environmental permit<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><li>Surrounding land is polluted.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li><\/ul>"}]}]

Contaminated Land Survey -
Investigation and Consultancy Services