Frame the question
The investigation is designed to test a defined source, pathway or receptor question.
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Service 04
Soil, groundwater and soil gas
Targeted evidence where a desk review, site history or field observation identifies a material question about contamination, migration or exposure.
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When this service is useful
- Phase II follow-up after due diligence
- Redevelopment or change-of-use projects
- Known or suspected releases
- Tank sites, fill areas and neighbouring contamination sources
What we can examine
- The investigation question and preliminary conceptual site model
- Sampling locations, depths, media and laboratory parameters
- Soil, groundwater and soil-gas fieldwork with suitable contractors
- Analytical results, spatial patterns and plausible migration pathways
- Need for delineation, monitoring, risk assessment or remediation
How the assignment develops
Plan the evidence
Locations, media, methods and analyses are selected for that question.
Complete the fieldwork
Sampling and observations are documented with appropriate quality controls.
Update the model
Results are interpreted together and used to decide whether further work is justified.
Scope boundaries
Subsurface conditions vary between sampling points. A focused investigation reduces uncertainty for the agreed question but does not prove the absence of contamination across an entire property unless the scope and evidence support that conclusion.
Related insight
Section 8 permits on contaminated land: plan the environmental track before the design is fixed
A Section 8 process is easier to control when contamination, future use, earthworks and authority requirements are considered while the project can still adapt.
Read article
Not sure where to begin?
Send the address, planned use and decision date.
We can review the starting point and suggest a proportionate first step without turning a focused question into an unnecessarily large investigation.
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