Phase I: Desk Studies and Site Reconnaissance
The ownership, sale, purchase and development of potentially contaminated land is a risky business. Understanding whether land carries liabilities which you will be responsible for is the first step to managing potential risks.
A desk top study and site reconnaissance are the first phase in determining if a site presents unacceptable risk to people and the environment. Desk studies are seen by many as the key phase in the design of a satisfactory, yet economically viable, site investigation by early development of a conceptual model and site risk assessment which may then been refined by intrusive investigation, if necessary, at a later stage.
Desk studies are often requested by local authorities as conditions of planning. EMS has wide experience in working with local authorities to fulfil the requirements and provide the necessary information. Desk studies are also an integral part of many emergency spill response plans and geotechnical investigations.
Our competitively priced, full colour desk studies include:
- Site plans and local maps
- Site setting, including pollution incidents, waste information, sensitive sites, prosecutions and surrounding businesses
- Photographic records
- Historical information and ordinance survey maps dating back to 1888
- Geological, hydrogeological and hydrological detail such as aquifer location and classification, source protection zones, flooding and leaching potential
- Mine workings, ground instability and radon classification
- Full conceptual model development in both table and diagrammatical formats listing and risk assessing the potential pollutant linkages which may be present on the site
We also offer tailored services for clients, including risk assessment for utility companies.
