The requirement for any contamination survey to be carried out on a particular site brownfield or derelict site is generally identified during a Tier 1 investigation i.e. a desk study together with a site walkover audit (if appropriate).
The Tier 1 study should attempt to identify any potential sources of contamination resulting from the current and/or former land uses at the site. The report should identify any potentially sensitive receptors e.g. humans, surface watercourses, buildings or ecological receptors as well as collating information relating to the site’s environmental setting i.e. geology, hydrogeology, mining activity, local abstractors (licensed and unlicensed), location of controlled waters (springs, rivers, canals, estuaries, ponds), pollution incidents and proximity to open/closed landfill sites. The decision as to whether or not a subsequent Tier 2 contamination survey is required is made on the basis of the information gathered during the Tier 1 investigation. This information also allows Clancy Consulting to design the most cost effective and comprehensive contamination survey possible.
Clancy Consulting are able to design and carry out contamination surveys using a variety of methods, dependent on a number of factors including ground conditions e.g. anticipated geology, hydrogeology, the expected presence of old foundations or other obstructions which may have an impact on the investigation technique selected, size of site, type of contaminants potentially present and site access.
Some examples of the techniques frequently used by Clancy Consulting in carrying out contamination surveys include:
• Soil Gas Surveys• Trial Pitting• Cable Percussion Drilling• Rotary Drilling/Coring• Auger Drilling• Window Sampling• Soil Probing
All Clancy Consulting contamination surveys are undertaken in accordance with British Standard BS5930: 1999 Code of Practice for Site Investigations, British Standard BS10175: 2001 Code of Practice for the Investigation of Potentially Contaminated Sites and “Guidance for the Safe Drilling of Landfills and Contaminated Land” Site Investigation Steering Group (1993) Thomas Telford, London.
Clancy Consulting contamination surveys are designed to target suspected potential contaminant sources and to delineate any contaminant plumes if present. An important process is the identification of potential receptors and any viable pathways by which the receptors may be impacted. Clancy Consulting experienced field crews and comprehensive fieldwork and laboratory analysis allow fully validated and accountable risk assessments to be undertaken.