Desk Top Studies
Where planning permission applications are returned on the grounds of potential/ suspected contamination, a desk top study is the first step.
The desk study examines the past history of the site in conjunction with likely ground, groundwater and ecological conditions. This will highlight any sources of potential contamination, for example previous industrial land use either at or near the site, and assess whether this contamination is likey to pose a risk to future site users/ workers and owners.
If, according to the standard "source-pathway-receptor" model it can be shown that a risk to human health or controlled waters may exist at the site, a further stage of investigation involving the collection of soil samples for laboratory testing will be recommended.
The investigation of potentially contaminated sites is of limited use without a desk study, because without prior knowledge of the site's history and geology/ hydrogeology, samples may not be taken from the most appropriate areas and the contaminants analysed for may be completely inappropriate.
The desk study may also flag up any special considerations or potential geohazards, and so facilitates the planning of later stages of the construction works.
Desk studies can therefore save you both time and money.
Abricon has a proven track record of excellence in using desk studies to identify hazards as a first stage in the risk management process, and to identify whether further intrusive investigation will be required at a site.
Contact Abricon now for advice on your desk study requirements.
See the these pages for details on the full range of services we offer:
T: +44 (0)1275 391297
E: mail@abricon.com
|
