Contaminated Land Risk Assessment
ESP delivers contaminated land risk assessments that identify potential ground contamination issues and recommend effective mitigation strategies.
A contaminated land risk assessment examines the soil, ground, or surface water that has been polluted by hazardous substances or contaminants. Contaminated land is an area of soil, groundwater, or surface water that contaminants or hazardous substances have polluted.
The industrial heritage of the UK left a legacy of previously developed land across the country including brownfield sites, although greenfield areas can be contaminated too. Completing contaminated land risk assessments is often an important step to progress new developments on brownfield and greenfield sites.
For a contaminated land risk assessment to be successful, the impact of the contamination hazard has to be understood and mitigated, beginning with a contaminated land risk assessment, which is commonly undertaken in a phased approach to ensure thorough assessment and targeted investigation/remediation.
The phases of work are generally:
- Site Reconnaissance and Desk Study Assessment;
- Intrusive Investigation – targeting and geo-hazards identified in Stage 1 with suitable investigation methods;
- Remediation – to ensure the pollutant linkage to the development and/or site end user is broken e.g by methods such as removing or the in-situ treatment of contaminated soils;
- Validation – works are carried out to demonstrate that the hazards identified in stages 1 and 2 have been suitably remediated by the works undertaken in stage 3. Often 3rd Party or Regulator liaison/verification will be required at this stage.
Take a look at the video about our contaminated land risk assessment services here.
What Is a Contaminated Land Risk Assessment?
Recent Contaminated Land Risk Assessment Projects
Case Study 1: Former Landfill Site in South Wales
We delivered a comprehensive contaminated land risk assessment for a former landfill site in South Wales, supporting plans to transform the area into rewilded public parkland.
Works included historical data review, targeted ground investigation and detailed geoenvironmental risk assessment to evaluate contamination risks to future site users, vegetation and the adjacent tidal river ecosystem.
We identified elevated concentrations of metals and PAHs within historic landfill materials and subsequently developed a robust, costed remediation strategy designed to improve site safety, prevent future trespassing and enable the sustainable redevelopment of the land.
Case Study 2: Pembroke Dock
ESP have undertaken a site investigation and long term groundwater monitoring in order to assess the risk to controlled waters at Waterloo Industrial Estate, Pembroke Dock. The site, previously developed on a historic landfill, comprises a commercial/light industrial development and lies adjacent to the environmentally sensitive Milford Haven waterway.
ESP have previously carried out investigations at the site and with the most recent investigation primarily comprising the assessment of spatial distribution of groundwater contamination and an appraisal of the viability of natural attenuation as a potential remediation method for the site.
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Why Choose ESP For Your Contaminated Land Risk Assessment?
We are experienced in performing tiered risk assessments, using methodologies dictated within published guidance and quantitative risk assessment models to derive site-specific remedial targets for a range of receptors. These include health assessments from soil contamination, controlled water risk assessments, and ground gas assessments.
As a result of the survey, we will undertake/contribute to the design, implementation, and validation of any mitigation measures or remediation schemes.
Developing Conceptual Models is an essential part of any geo-assessment. It requires a detailed knowledge of the geology, hydrogeology, and the nature of the contaminants. We have the knowledge necessary to produce accurate, defensible Conceptual Models and have done so on a wide variety of sites. These have included mine workings, industrial facilities and at dock land where complicated groundwater regimes are common.
ESP has a proven track record on many different sites with a wide variety of contaminants, including:
- Hydrocarbons
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides
ESP have completed the assessment of landfill materials in an estuary environment, utilising investigation and testing methods to determine the ‘life stage’ of the landfill and the potential effects on the surrounding environment.
We use a range of accredited laboratories for sample analysis to ensure accurate and efficient turnaround, all of which is important in developing an accurate Conceptual Model.
Numerical modelling is a valuable tool for generating an accurate representation of the dispersion of contamination across a site. This requires a detailed understanding of the geology and groundwater regime and an in-depth knowledge of a number of different software programs. Deterministic and probabilistic methods are important in developing the understanding of contaminant behaviour and migration pathways in a tiered approach.
ESPs approach to a contaminated land risk assessment proves cost effective and reduces the remediation requirements to ensure stakeholder resources are only invested to address the critical hazards identified, maximising your investment. Cost benefit reviews conducted at each stage can often support this too. Our service is tailored to suit individual site needs and regulatory requirements and for examples of previous contaminated land risk assessments please see our case study below.
We operate within a framework of professional memberships and industry-recognised accreditations, including ISO9001 and ISO 14001, ensuring that our technical delivery is consistently aligned with the highest standards of quality and governance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Land Contaminated?
Land is classified as contaminated for several reasons including:
1. There is a source of contamination on site or nearby
If there is a contaminant on the land or nearby such as:
- Chemicals
- Asbestos
- Heavy metals
- Petroleum products
- Industrial waste
- Harmful substances like pesticides from agricultural activity
2. A link between contamination source and receptor
This is when a link can be found between the contamination source and the receptor for example a pollutant being inhaled by a person that causes harm to health.
When are Contaminated Land Risk Assessment Needed?
Under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities and the Environment Agency are responsible for enforcing and regulating land quality. While local planning authorities require contaminated land risk assessments as part of the planning approval process.
This ensures land contamination does not result in unacceptable risk to future developments.
Several circumstances require the completion of contaminated land surveys including:
- Land Purchase: To assess risks before purchasing land.
- Site Development: To assure safety before and during construction and usage.
- Regulatory Compliance: To conform to relevant environmental regulations.
- Fufilling Planning Conditions: To meet specific requirements for development approval.
If a proper risk assessment is not conducted promptly, it can result in legal issues, financial liabilities along with health risks for the community and stakeholders.
Developers and local authorities must prioritise contaminated land risk assessments to safeguard public health and the environment.
How Is a Contaminated Land Risk Assessment Completed?
At ESP we use a suite of software programs including Surfer, QGIS, CLEA, and several different Excel based programs including those developed by the Environment Agency and US Government. As each project and site has different requirements, our numerical modelling selections are tailored to suit individual needs and requirements.
A detailed understanding of the site conditions as well as current land and environmental legislation is vital to the carrying out of both qualitative and quantitative risk assessments. Earth Science Partnership provides the skills necessary to delineate sources, pathways and contamination receptors, using Environment Agency and other authoritative guidance.
Contaminated land risk assessments are often cost-effective as in many cases the delineation of contamination, along with understanding the geological conditions, can significantly reduce or eliminate remediation requirements.
What are the Risks of Contaminated Land?
Contaminated land poses a range of significant risks to humans, animals and the environment:
- Human Health Risks: Soil contaminants can cause various health complications including respiratory issues, skin disease and long term illnesses such as cancer. This risk is particularly acute for children due to their behaviour (for example playing, touching the ground)
- Groundwater Pollution: Contaminants and pollution can infiltrate groundwater, also impacting water sources for drinking. This type of pollution can have serious implications for public health, agriculture and ecosystems.
- Hazardous Ground Gases: Legacy landfills can produce hazardous ground gases like methane and carbon dioxide. These gases can accumulate in buildings, posing health risks and even creating potential explosive hazards.
- Infrastructure Damage: Contaminants can cause structural damage to buildings, leading to costly repairs. In some cases, certain contaminants may increase the risk of fire or explosions, especially in industrial areas.
What Is Included in a Risk Assessment?
1. For a Planning Application
If you are looking to fulfill the requirements of a planning application, the following information can be included as required or as applicable:
- Site inspection
- Designed to conform to the National Planning Policy Framework (‘NPPF’)
- Regulatory liaison
- Risk report
- Additional Reports (as required)
- Flood risk assessment
- Coal Mining Authority Report
2. Land Purchase or Sale
If you are looking to purchase or sell land, the following information can be included as required or as applicable:
- Current site activities with the potential for environmental harm
- Statutory liability under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Environmental permitting obligations and related constraints
- Recommendations for ongoing environmental compliance
- Improvement actions that may be required
- Flood risk assessment
Who Uses a Contaminated Land Assessment Report?
Contaminated Land Reports are valuable for:
- Property developers
- Self-builders and private landowners
- Property professionals, including architects, planning consultants, and land agents
- Legal professionals, such as lawyers and solicitors
- Financial institutions, including lenders, banks, and mortgage providers
- Businesses and commercial property owners
- Insurance companies
Can Contaminated Land Delay Development Timescales?
Yes, contaminated land can significantly impact the development process.
If the local planning authority identifies a site as contaminated, the Contaminated Land Officer may require a formal assessment as a planning condition.
Development cannot proceed until the officer completes and approves this assessment, ensuring the site meets safety and environmental standards.
Client Testimonials
Speak To Our Experts Today
Earth Science Partnership is a leading expert in coal mining risk assessments across Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland. We have decades of combined experience in our team of industry-recognised experts.
Our work, for homeowners, land owners, developers, and investors is completed in compliance with the latest, relevant industry best practices and guidance. We understand that every project is unique, so we deliver our services tailored to your needs.
If you’re looking to complete a coal mining risk assessment, the ESP team can support you with a straightforward, cost-effective solution for your planning permission application.
Author
I am a UK Registered Ground Engineering Specialist and Chartered Engineering & Environmental Geologist with significant experience in Site Hazard Assessment, Remediation, Design, and Implementation across the Geoenvironmental and Geotechnical sectors in the UK and abroad.
I often work in multi-disciplinary teams advising other engineering and design professionals on the implications of ground hazards.
My work involves undertaking design, planning, management, and reporting of ground investigations. For example investigations for new developments and many bespoke studies including:
- Assessment of hydrogeological settings, materials for earthworks.
- Impact of abandoned mine workings.
- Remediation and stability assessment of soil and rock slopes/landslides, most notably the Pantteg Landslide in the Swansea Valley for which I have guided and presented assessments to Local Authority officers and the general public.