Site Investigation

Site investigation is an important tool in assessing both physical and chemical surface and sub-surface conditions on a proposed development site.  Various levels of investigation are carried out in aid of obtaining a successful planning approval and providing basis to construction design.  All Brownfield sites in the UK are required to submit a contaminated land risk assessment based on a site investigation at planning stage. This is necessary to prove that a particular site is suitable for the intended future use. Any remedial actions, if required, are based on the findings of site investigations.

Phase 1 Desk study
Desk study is usually undertaken during the planning stages of a development or regeneration project and involves a thorough investigation of site history including all known historic site uses. It includes looking through all available records obtained from a variety of sources with the aim to investigate any previous activities relating to a site which could influence the construction process or level of remediation required. Phase one investigation normally includes a site reconnaissance (walkover) survey.

Phase 2 - Intrusive Investigation
Scope of Phase II site investigation is largely dictated by the findings of a desk study. It involves taking and analysing samples collected from site. Samples are taken from trial pits, boreholes or surface scrapes depending on the level of investigation required. In many cases investigation of groundwater from shallow or deep aquifers may be necessary. Geotechnical site investigation is usually undertaken at the same time and involves geological logging of encountered strata, in situ testing and collection of samples for laboratory analysis.