Desk Study

The first stage of a ground investigation should always comprise a desk study incorporating a site walkover inspection, which ensures that all issues can be put into context.

All of our desk studies and site walkovers are carried out by experienced and qualified specialists to ensure the accurate and appropriate assessment of a site.

Once all of the relevant information has been collated, it is reviewed and formulated into a report that provides a concise review of the initial conceptual model of the site, explaining the interaction of the various contamination sources, pathways and receptors. Using this conceptual model, the implications of each of the issues can be assessed with regards to the proposed redevelopment or reuse.

Ground Investigation

Ground investigation by boreholes, trial pits, window samplers or geophysics confirms the geology and ground conditions, and allows the initial conceptual model of the site to be refined and updated.

As an independent consultancy practice we are able to call upon a wide range of plant and equipment to ensure that any ground investigation provides the best possible value for money. Our combined geotechnical and geo-environmental expertise also means that we are able to provide advice on the most effective solutions to any ground related issues of concern, including foundations, retaining walls, contaminated land and groundwater.

All of our work is carried out in compliance with the relevant regulations, guidelines and best practice. Our reports provide clear and concise assessments and conclusions and are suitable for submission to the Environment Agency, Local Authorities, funding organisations and insurance companies.

Pre-Purchase Site Assessments

We understand the commercial pressures associated with the purchase and sale of development land and as such we are able to condense the desk study and ground investigation phases and provide a clear and concise one or two page summary report that is suitable for use in land purchase negotiations. The findings of any pre-purchase work can subsequently be combined into a fully comprehensive report on the site as part of any eventual redevelopment / divestment.

We are also experienced in providing a full consultancy service including the review of vendors information packages, the preparation of briefing notes, attendance at purchase negotiation meetings and dealing with other land professionals in order to provide an effective and timely service at these pressured times in a project.

Consultancy Service

Our consultancy service is always available to assist with the review of existing ground related information and provide advice and recommendations on the scope of any further work that may be necessary to fully investigate any issues of concern and to comply with current regulations and best practice.

In addition to providing clear and concise advice and recommendations regarding geotechnical and contaminated land issues, we are also able to provide guidance on land drainage, sewerage treatment systems and riverbank protection.

Remediation

Once a requirement for remediation has been established, we are able to formulate pragmatic remediation strategies for even the most complex combinations of contamination, geotechnical issues and development proposals. These proposals are then discussed with the regulatory authorities prior to agreement and adoption of any remediation stratergy.

Once agreed, we are able to call upon a wide range of specialist contractors in order to obtain the most competitive costs for the proposed remedial work. Alternatively we can work with any client chosen contractors in a fully cooperative manner to ensure the smooth transition of knowledge and effective completion of the project.

Throughout the remediation we are able to provide an independent supervision of the work carried out, the records of which are then collated to provide the regulatory authorities with a remediation verification and completion report. This report is required in order to allow discharge of any contaminated land planning conditions and NHBC Land Quality conditions.

Geotechnics

The geotechnical issues that can be associated with the redevelopment or reuse of a site can vary significantly, from spread foundations design to the more complex issues associated with heavily loaded foundations, slope stability, groundwater and basement retaining walls. In addition some remediation activities can result in further geotechnical issues such as deep remediation excavations and the requirement for substantial earthworks to replace bio-remediated or treated soils.

As part of any ground investigation,the potential implications of any geotechnical issues of concern will be addressed as early as possible in the project, in order that they may be appropriately addressed. Furthermore, our multidisciplinary approach to contaminated land and geotechnics means that we are able to readily assess the interaction of the various issues of concern and avoid the creation of further ground related challenges through inappropriate remediation.

Waste Management

Our remediation strategies and remediation supervision work are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Codes of Practice for Site Waste Management and the Definition of Waste. As part of this work we are therefore able to assist with the identification, characterisation and classification of waste soil, together with formulating and auditing Material Management Plans and Materials Tracking Systems.

In the event that onsite or cluster based treatment and reuse of soils is not possible, such that off-site disposal to landfill is required, we are also able to assist with the classification of waste for disposal purposes. Through contacts with a wide range of specialist contractors, hauliers and waste brokers, we are also able to ensure that the often significant costs often associated with disposal to landfill can be mitigated as far as possible.

Pollution Incidents

Following the initial emergency response to an oil spill, the specialist oil spill remediation contractor will often call upon companies such as ourselves in order to further investigate the below ground extent of any soil and groundwater contamination.

Once the extent of the affected area has been determined, the supervised remediation work can be rapidly completed, validated and reported in order that the ongoing implications of the incident can be mitigated.