Phase 1 Desk Study

Phase I GeoEnvironmental Desk study — With a site walkover survey — £800 +VAT

We offer a fixed price of £800 + VAT for a Comprehensive Phase I GeoEnvironmental Desk Study. This includes a site walkover survey of a site that is less than 5 hectares in size.

Phase I GeoEnvironmental Desk study — Without a site walkover survey  — £500 +VAT

A Basic Phase I GeoEnvironmental Desk Study report without a site walkover survey would be provided for a fixed price of £500 +VAT.

Earth Environmental & Geotechnical provide a wide range of Desk Study services, click here to contact us for further information.

How long does it take to complete a Phase 1 Desk Study?

We will provide a Comprehensive Phase I GeoEnvironmental Desk study, including a site walkover survey report within 6 working days of receipt of payment. However, the completion time is subject to gaining access to the site to conduct the walkover survey.

In most cases, we try to consult with the relevant local authority’s Contaminated Land or Environmental Unit.  However, sometimes a response cannot be obtained within a short timeframe. Therefore we may send the detail of this consultation separate from the report.

A Basic Report can usually be issued within 1 working day of receipt of payment.

What is Included in a Phase 1 Desk Study?

We provide an  INTERPRETATIVE report that looks at the specific objectives of the client’s proposal and combines that information with the specifics of the proposed development site.

Why is an INTERPRETIVE report important?

The Phase 1 Desk Study interpretive report is the vital link that goes beyond the basic facts and data. Earth Environmental interprets all the information and provides a concise clear report with additional detail to assist in the decision making process. We interpret all the information collected, so you understand what are the risks and hazards for your development on your proposed site. In addition, we also provide advice on remedial options.

For example, firstly we review the details of the development proposal. Secondly, we appraise the risk and hazards posed by environmental and geotechnical conditions of the proposed development site. Thirdly, and most importantly, we combine all the information to produce the interpretive report.

A site walkover survey will be conducted as part of each report. We consider this to be a fundamental part of the delivery of a successful project.  During the walkover survey, we will assess areas identified within the desk study as potential development issues, environmental and cost liabilities. We also highlight potential remedial options or management considerations.

Following the desk study and walkover survey, a Site Conceptual Site Model can be developed. This will allow for environmental and geotechnical hazards to be individually assessed.  Any potential pollutant linkages can then be prioritised for any future Phase II Site Investigation.

As part of each a comprehensive report we will provide the following datasets:

• Ordnance Survey, Town Plans, and Aerial Photographs to allow us to assess existing and former land uses
• Flood risk potential by reference to Environment Agency mapping and British Geological Survey records
• Solid and drift geology by reference to British Geological Survey mapping and borehole index
• Groundwater vulnerability from Environment Agency classification of aquifer status
• Earthquake records within 1km of the site by reference to British Geological Survey records
• Consultation with local authority Environmental Unit
• Assessment of potential subsidence issues from an examination of geological maps, boreholes index, and walkover survey
• Assessment of slope stability for relevant areas during the walkover survey
• Brine Subsidence search for sites within relevant areas
• Active and historical surface and underground workings based on published information and internal records
• Coal Authority Mining Report if the site is within the Mining District
• Active and closed landfill search within 500m of the site boundary based upon local authority and Environment Agency records
• Radon gas potential with reference to Heath Protection Agency records
• Preliminary Ecological Assessment based upon walkover survey and references to English Nature database
• Petroleum Licencing Officer record search for sites with evidence of petroleum storage
• Planning history of the site by examination of local authority portal
• Preliminary Invasive Plant survey based on walkover survey
• Preliminary Archaeological Assessment based on reference to National Monument Records

What do we not provide?

A service search will not be provided unless requested.

Our reports are provided by in PDF format via email.

Information and Actions Required from You

• A plan showing the site boundary or area of interest. Our website has a file uploading facility that could be used to facilitate the sending of a PDF file (must be less than 50mB).
• Tell us the reason for the survey, is it a pre-acquisition assessment etc.
• Do you own the site?
• Are there any underground or above ground fuel storage tanks?
• Are you planning to build on site, if so what? Can you send us a development layout plan?
• Who do we contact for access as part of walkover survey?
• Are there any obvious health and safety hazards on site.
• Can you tell us anything about the current site use and former land uses?
• Any former pollution incidents that we should be aware of?
• Is there a pre-existing site investigation study on the site?
• Are there any services. If so can you send us the detail? If disconnected are they terminated at site boundary?