A Phase 2 Geo-Environmental Ground Investigation is often required by planning authorities. It provides the information needed to complete a qualitative risk assessment and to develop an appropriate remediation strategy, which is frequently a condition that must be satisfied before construction can begin.
The purpose of a Phase 2 investigation is to verify and refine the preliminary findings of the Phase 1 Desk Study. This is done by obtaining soil, groundwater or ground gas data to confirm the presence or absence of contamination.
This enables the conceptual site model to be updated and supports a more detailed risk assessment. The outcomes ensure that appropriate measures can be recommended to protect human health, controlled waters and any receptors potentially affected by ground gas.
The assessment compares laboratory results with established Generic Assessment Criteria. These represent concentrations of contaminants considered to pose a very low risk to people and the environment for specific end uses, for example residential properties with gardens.
The report identifies and characterises any credible source-pathway-receptor linkages and refines the initial conceptual model.
The findings will determine whether:
Where DQRA is required, it uses ground specific information to establish more accurate allowable contaminant concentrations than the generic criteria, providing a tailored, high confidence assessment.
A Phase 2 Environmental Ground Investigation focuses on contaminated land assessment for planning compliance. Whilst it does not necessarily include geotechnical data for foundation or ground floor slab design, it is often efficient to undertake geo environmental and geotechnical investigations together. This combined approach can reduce overall time and cost.
Yes. We provide detailed foundation design including bespoke foundation zoning plans and can integrate ground floor slab requirements and ground gas protection measures to deliver an optimised, cost effective solution.
