Phase 1 Site Investigation
Phase 1 Site Investigation or Preliminary Risk Assessment (Desk Studies) are an integral and founding part of the site investigation process. They are used to create a preliminary Conceptual Site Model (CSM) in order to identify any potential pollutant linkages. The CSM is then refined and conclusions and recommendations are provided.
The desk study process involves putting together a picture of a sites environmental setting by collating site specific data and information which includes the geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, site history, mining & quarrying, landfill & waste, and any regulatory concerns from statutory bodies such as the Local Authority and the Environment Agency. This allows our team of Environmental Consultants to build a picture of a site by identifying any potentially significant features such as potential contamination sources, pathways and receptors, and subsequent ‘pollutant linkage’; where all three must be present for a pollutant linkage to exist. If present, then further investigation would be required (see our page on Phase II Site Investigations).In addition to the above our Phase I Site Investigations also identify the anticipated ground conditions beneath any proposed buildings for geotechnical purposes.
In accordance with guidance set out in Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM – Formerly CLR11), Guiding Principles for Land Contamination (GPLC) 1-3 and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states the following:
“The minimum requirement that should be provided by an applicant is the report of a Preliminary Risk Assessment and site reconnaissance (walk-over). This will, in some cases, be sufficient to develop a conceptual model of the source of contamination and pathways by which it might reach vulnerable receptors as well as the means by which the identified pollutant linkages can be broken”. Where development is proposed, the developer is responsible for ensuring that development is safe and suitable for use for the purpose for which it is intended. The developer is thus responsible for determining whether land is suitable for a particular development or can be made so by remedial action.”
GeoCon prepare all our Phase 1 Site Investigations in accordance with LCRM GPLC, NPPF, BS10175 and BS5930.
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