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1.
Review of the site history
The
history of the site can be researched back to the 1850s using
commercial map bank resources such as LandMark™. This will establish
for example whether the site has always been green field, and in the
case of former or existing brown field sites will indicate the former
industrial use and hence the likely nature of any potential
contaminants present in soils or groundwater.
2. Review of
recent/ current contamination
A site visit is
considered essential. In the case of a green field site a rapid walk-
over visit may be all that is necessary. If the site is developed or
derelict, a more detailed walk- over visit will be required to
identify potential problems. Access to site will require the agreement
of the landowner. If necessary, with the agreement of senior members
of the site occupying company we can adopt a suitable cover in
sensitive situations.
If the site is
derelict, the site history can usually be compiled from local
authority or Environment Agency public register records.
3. Sensitivity
Assessment of site and surroundings
LandMark™ surveys,
map databases and public register information are used to acquire
information on:
· Groundwater
abstractions in the vicinity
· Geology
and hydrogeology
· Aquifer
status
· Grading
of surface water courses (GQA classification, and indicators of
chemical/biological status)
· Off-site
sources of contamination (e.g. leachate or gas from landfill sites)
that might affect site value
· Proximity
of likely polluters (e.g. petrol stations)
· Flood
Risk
· SSSIs
and other sensitive receptors
· Forthcoming
and recent planning consents
4. Qualitative
Environmental Risk Assessment
The acquired data is used to develop a
qualitative environmental risk assessment using the
source-pathway-receptor framework. The environmental risk assessment
is presented in simple, tabular form for ease of reference and the
risk is assessed on a scale from Low to High.
The environmental
risk assessment will answer the basic question of whether the site
poses an environmental risk that may result in liabilities for a
potential purchaser/developer. If the degree of risk remains
uncertain, further site investigative works may be recommended. If
so, such work would be scoped and costed in the Phase 1 report but
would form part of a Phase II risk assessment. |
