Phase 1 Contaminated Land Desk Study Lincolnshire

What is Contaminated Land?

Contaminated land refers to any land that has been polluted with substances to a degree that can potentially harm human health or the environment. This can include industrial sites, other previously developed (brownfield) sites, and areas that have been subject to waste disposal, such as landfills.  A Preliminary Risk Assessment is typically conducted at an early stage to determine the potential risk for contamination to be present at a site. This assessment is usually carried out by a geo-environmental consultant and involves a desk-based study of available environmental data, a site walkover, and analysis of historical documents such as maps, plans and photographs.  A Phase 1 Desk Study and Preliminary Risk Assessment forms part of the due diligence required to ensure all potential risks are considered and managed as part of a development.

What is a Phase I Desk Study?

A Phase I Desk Study, also known as a Preliminary Risk Assessment, Desktop Survey and Phase I Land Contamination Assessment, among others, includes a review of all accessible sources of information, such as site plans, photographs, maps (current and historical), environmental data records, local authority records, petroleum officer records, mining records and any previous site investigation reports. Such information may be available electronically from various online sources, or as hard copies from the current or former site owners and occupiers, the local council, libraries, public record offices or even local history groups across Lincolnshire.

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​The desktop review should be combined with a site walkover survey undertaken by an experienced geo-environmental engineer, to identify any significant site features, particularly those which may represent potential contamination sources, such as tanks (above and below ground), chemical storage areas, industrial process areas, evidence of waste disposal, areas of stressed vegetation, unusual landforms etc.  Furthermore, the opportunity to speak with site personnel or anyone else with knowledge of past and current site operations can be an invaluable source of anecdotal evidence for site activities that would not otherwise be recorded (such as undocumented waste disposal).  Together, the findings of the desktop review and the site walkover are used to establish the following:

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• Geology and Hydrogeology

• Hydrology / Flooding

• Environmental Sensitivity

• Historical Development

• Mining susceptibility

• Potential Contamination Sources

• Environmental Setting

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A qualitative assessment plays a crucial role in evaluating risks associated with potential harm or pollution on sites during preliminary assessments, and forms the basis of subsequent intrusive investigations and quantitative assessments.  Understanding likely ground conditions is essential in evaluating potential land contamination risks and the environmental status of a site.

Site Walkovers in Lincolnshire​

​​​A Site Walkover, also known as a site reconnaissance, is a visual inspection of the site to gather information about its condition and potential sources of contamination. Conducted by a geo-environmental consultant, the walkover involves observing the site’s features, such as its topography, geology, and vegetation. The consultant will also look for signs of potential contamination, such as fuel tanks, industrial activities, or other evidence of pollution. The information gathered during the site walkover is input into the Conceptual Site Model and used to identify areas that may require further investigation. The site walkover is a key component of a Preliminary Risk Assessment and is generally expected to be included as part of a Phase 1 study by regulators such as Local Authorities and the Environment Agency.

Conceptual Site Model​​​

Having established the above, a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) is developed, which is a visualisation or descriptive representation of the site setting that highlights the source-pathway-receptor pollutant linkages that may be present on a site in its current state, or that may be created based on future development proposals. The CSM is an essential component of the Preliminary Risk Assessment, the purpose of which is to determine the likelihood of any of the potential pollutant linkages being present and significant, and therefore whether any further works (a Phase II Site investigation) are required. If unacceptable risks are identified, further investigations may be necessary to ensure the site can be developed safely.  The Preliminary Risk Assessment is the primary output of the Phase I Desk Study report.

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The CSM is commonly a written or diagrammatic representation of the the potential sources of contamination, the likely exposure pathways and receptors, which together form potential pollutant linkages. Initially developed based on the information gathered during the desk study and site walkover, the CSM is refined and updated as more information becomes available through later stages of investigation. The model is an essential tool for communicating the site’s risks to stakeholders and for informing further investigation and remediation efforts.

Phase 1 Desk Study Benefits

​​​​​​​A Phase 1 Desk Study is a crucial step in the contaminated land assessment process. Identifying potential issues at an early stage is important as it allows for informed decision-making with respect to potential environmental hazards. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the potential risks associated with a site and helps to identify potential sources of contamination. The benefits of a desk study include reducing the risk of unforeseen costs and liabilities, identifying potential safety issues, and providing valuable information required to satisfy planning conditions.

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A desk study will inform the need for further investigation and assessment, ensuring the scope of such works are appropriate and proportionate. By conducting a desk study, developers and property owners can ensure that they are aware of any potential contamination issues and can take steps to mitigate them.

​Why is a Phase I Study Required?

​​​​A robust Phase I Desk Study is the minimum requirement of contaminated land planning conditions and planning approval, and an essential foundation for any subsequent stages of contaminated land investigation, the design of which will be informed by the CSM developed as part of the Phase I. An intrusive site investigation often follows the Phase I Desk Study to gather detailed, often complex information about contamination risks.

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In some cases, a thorough desk study may demonstrate that no potentially significant pollutant linkages are present and that no further investigation works are required. A high-quality desk study will ensure only the necessary ground investigation works are undertaken, and that any potential liabilities are identified, thus resulting in potentially substantial cost savings.​​​

Exploratory Investigation

​​​In some cases, it may be beneficial to undertake limited exploratory investigation works alongside the Phase I Desk Study to provide supplementary information regarding soil quality and enhance the contaminated land risk assessment.  This would most likely comprise some limited sampling of near surface soils, collected during the site walkover, and subsequent analysis at a chemical laboratory.  This may be carried out to provide some preliminary information on soil quality or to characterise suspicious materials (stained or odorous soils, potential asbestos containing materials) encountered during the inspection.  In some cases, a basic exploratory investigation may be a cost-effective way of satisfying planning conditions on sites that are low risk, but for which a Phase I Desk Study alone may not be sufficient.

Regulatory Framework

​​​The regulatory framework for dealing with contaminated land is primarily covered by Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which details the mechanisms and responsibilities for dealing with contaminated land that may present a risk to human health or the environment.  However, land contamination is predominantly dealt with through the planning regime, particularly the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).  The general aim is to ensure that land does not present a 'significant possibility of significant harm', as defined by Part IIA.  How to achieve this is detailed by a wealth of industry guidance, with key sources being the Part IIA Contaminated Land Statutory Guidance, and The Environment Agency's Land Contamination: Risk Management (LCRM) framework.

 

A Phase 1 Desk Study and Preliminary Risk Assessment is one element in the process required to assess the risks from land contamination and comply with relevant legislation. The regulatory framework is designed to ensure that contaminated land is managed in a way that protects human health and the environment, while also supporting sustainable development and regeneration. 

G&J Phase I Desk Study Costs in Lincolnshire

​​​​​G&J have many years of experience undertaking Phase I Desk Studies and Preliminary Risk Assessments for sites and development projects of all sizes, from individual plots to former industrial sites covering several hectares, in locations throughout Lincolnshire, the Midlands and across the UK. We can also combine the walkover survey with a basic exploratory site investigation (sampling and analysis of near-surface soils), which can be a cost-effective way of satisfying planning conditions on sites that are low risk, but for which a Phase I Desk Study alone may not be sufficient. 

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Costs:

The cost of most of our Phase I Desk Studies, including a walkover survey, is £895* plus VAT. On some very straightforward sites, we may be able to undertake a desk study without a walkover survey, for which the cost is £695 plus VAT.

​*Costs may be higher for larger, more complex sites.

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​​Ready to ensure your site is safe and compliant? Contact G&J Geo-Environmental today to schedule your Phase 1 Desk Study and Preliminary Risk Assessment. Our experienced team of geo-environmental consultants is here to guide you through the process, ensuring all potential risks are identified and managed effectively. Contact us now to learn more about how we can support your development project with comprehensive contaminated land assessments.