As part of a Phased Approach to the assessment of potentially contaminated land, an intrusive Phase 2 Ground Investigation may be required to clarify potential environmental uncertainty. There are a variety of techniques which may be employed dependent on the nature of the potential risk, the physical condition and attributes of the site, and importantly the defining aim of the project.
A Phase 2 Ground Investigation needs considered design and effective management.
BOLD Environmental offers extensive experience in the design and management of Phase 2 investigations conducted in line with the Environment Agency (EA) guidance: ‘Land Contamination Risk Management’ (LCRM) (2020, updated 2023). The guidance details the process by which land is assessed to manage the risk from land contamination. Our services incorporate:
- Investigation design and costing
- Procurement of specialist contractors (including geotechnical services)
- Development of sampling and monitoring programmes for soil, groundwater, and gas
- Completion of relevant chemical testing (using UKAS and MCERTS accredited laboratories)
- Preparation of factual and interpretative reporting including risks to controlled waters and human health
- Human Health Risk Appraisal in accordance with current screening criteria hierarchy
- Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and land Quality Management Ltd (LQM) Suitable for Use Levels (S4ULs).
- Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Category 4 Screening Levels (C4SLs).
- Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments (CL:AIRE) soil generic assessment criteria (GACs).
- Environment Agency: Soil Guideline Values (SGVs).
- Groundwater Risk Assessment
- Gas Risk Assessment (adopting CIRIA guidance and methodology)
- Recommendations for additional works or remediation
BOLD works within a network of associates to provide comprehensive Phase 2 Geoenvironmental Assessment. All Phase 2 projects are managed by Paul Godbold and MSc qualified Hydrogeologist with CSCS Manager accreditation.
With our Clients agreement, the approach at BOLD is to engage in early dialogue with the relevant regulatory authorities prior to commencement of site works. From our experience early consultation assists greatly when seeking to address and discharge planning conditions.