Contaminated Land

As part of real estate due diligence we are able to identify the potential for key environmental liabilities that may impair suitability for purchase or future value, by providing the following key services:

• Second Opinion or Third Party Review
• Contaminated Land Survey
• Phase I Environmental Audit
• Environmental Desk Study

In addition, we can establish whether any environmental hazards or threats may manifest themselves as actual liabilities, by designing and supervising:

• Contaminated Land Assessments
• Phase II Intrusive Ground Investigations
• Groundwater or Ground-Gas Monitoring
• Contaminated Land Remediation Advice

We are able to assess, validate and monitor environmental progress during developments. Services available include:

• Method Statement Remediation Validation
• On-going Groundwater or Ground-gas Monitoring
• Groundwork, Site Supervision and/or On-site Validation Testing

Can’t find what you are looking for? Click here for our Sustainability Services or Environmental Compliance or get in touch.

• What is Contaminated Land?

  Section 78A (2) of Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 defines “contaminated land” as: “any land which appears to the local authority in whose area the land is situated to be in such a condition, by reason of substances in, on or under the land, that (a) significant harm is being caused or there is a significant possibility of such harm being caused; or (b) pollution of controlled waters is being, or is likely to be, caused”. In England, Scotland and Wales local councils have inspection programmes to identify if there is contaminated land in their area and they can enforce necessary remediation work. For more information, contact DEFRA or: www.netregs.gov.uk

• Why should you consider an assessment?

  • To identify any significant environmental liabilities
  • For peace of mind when purchasing property
  • To assist with decision making process
  • To help obtain finance
  • As part of Transaction Due Diligence
  • When transferring properties/sites to a pension scheme

• What is a Phase I Environmental Audit / Survey?

  A Phase I (often referred to as Phase 1 / Environmental Audit or Environmental Survey) identifies any significant environmental liabilities that could impact upon the future value or saleability of the site/property. The audit follows the BS 10175 code of practice for the investigation of potentially contaminated sites. It includes:
  

  • A site inspection to identify any significant liabilities associated with the current use of the site.
  • A review of Ordnance Survey historical mapping and planning information to ascertain the historical land use.
  • A review of all relevant provided historical site information, reports, documents and records.
  • An outline of the environmental sensitivity of the location by reviewing the underlying geology, vulnerability of surface and groundwater resources and identification of receptors which could be at risk from exposure to contaminants
  • A review of environmental data from the Environment Agency, the Coal Authority, British Geological Survey, Natural Environment Research Council, English Nature, Radiation Protection Division of the Health Protection Agency and the relevant Local Authority.
  • Local authority consultation for planning, environmental health, contaminated land and building control.
  • An environmental risk assessment report or conceptual model with respect to site redevelopment or continuation of the existing use (as appropriate) with recommendations.

• What Is an Environmental Desk Study?

  The Environmental Desk Study incorporates all of the elements of the Phase I Audit, with the exception of the site inspection. As such a comprehensive assessment of the current site use is not included within a desk study. The Desk Study follows the BS 10175 code of practice for the investigation of potentially contaminated sites.
  
  If you are not sure if you need a full Phase I Environmental Audit or a Desk Study assessment, please get in touch, we would be happy to help.

• How quickly can Envigorate complete an Audit or Desk Study?

  We work within your timeframe, get in touch to discuss your specific requirements.
  
  We can provide initial verbal feedback immediately following our site inspection.
  A written initial summary of findings is issued within 48 hours of the site inspection.
  Full reports are provided within 5 working days following the site inspection, unless otherwise agreed.

• How much will an Audit cost?

  We like to make things simple for you and your budget, so a fixed fee will be arranged. This will include all our standard environmental data searches, all travels costs and disbursements. To quote, we will need a brief description of the property / site, your timescales, the address and a site boundary plan would be useful.
  
  You will find us extremely competitive and discounts are available for portfolios, please get in touch for a no-obligation quote.

Contact us

For a no obligation free quote get in touch to see how we can help smooth out your environmental hurdles.

Or call us on:

+44 (0) 1932 701 414
+44 (0) 7921 474 084