Phase 1 Desk Study

A phase 1 desk study should always precede any ground investigation. Ideally it should also be accompanied by a walk over survey conducted by an experienced practitioner. By compiling available information in relation to a site’s environmental, geological, hydrogeological, hydrological and mining setting a cost effective and focussed site investigation will be developed

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Phase 1 Desk Study Geotechnical Report

Phase 1 Desk Study with a FIXED PRICE

Phase 1 GeoEnvironmental Desk study — With a site walkover survey — £800 +VAT

We offer a fixed price of £800 + VAT for a Comprehensive Phase 1 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  — £550 +VAT

A Basic Phase 1 GeoEnvironmental Desk Study report without a site walkover survey would be provided for a fixed price of £550 +VAT

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

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

We will provide a Comprehensive Phase 1 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?
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phase 1 desk study
Geology plan for desk based study

Typical information gathered as part of the development of a desk based study includes (It should be noted that not all sources of information will be used within every desk study, e.g. coal mining search  not required in non-mining district):

  • Historical Maps
  • Service Search
  • Unexploded Bombs (UXO)
  • Local Authority Search
  • Petroleum Licencing record of fuel tanks/spills
  • Geological Maps, Memoirs and Specialist Reports
  • Previous Site Investigation Information including reports and boreholes
  • River/Sea/Groundwater Flood Maps
  • Radon Potential
  • Soil Quality Mapping
  • BGS Geochemistry Data
  • HSE records of abandoned metalliferous mines
  • MAFF records for burial pits
  • Brine Subsidence
  • Aerial Photographs
  • Active/Closed Landfill Sites
  • Mining Report including Shafts/Adits and Mineworkings
  • Ecological Geographical Based Systems
  • Local Library Archive Records
  • National Monument Records
  • Water Discharge Consents
  • Pollution Incidents
  • Previous Planning Applications
  • Contamination Land Regulations Status
  • Hydrogeological maps and aquifer status
  • Surface and groundwater abstractions

FAQ

A Phase 1 Desk Study is an interpretive report that details the likely presence of any contamination within the subsurface, and the potential risks that this may present to future site users, developments and the immediate environment.
The Phase 1 Desk Study collates information from a wide range of sources relating to the site setting and its previous historical uses. A Phase 1 Desk Study Report should always precede any ground investigation. Ideally it should also be accompanied by a walk over survey conducted by an experienced practitioner. to provide greater certainty in the report findings.

If you are planning on developing a site you will generally need a Phase 1 Desk Study Report as part of your Planning application set out by the Local Authority Planning Department.

Or you may be planning on purchasing a property or site for development, as part of the Property Transactions (Due Diligence) it is prudent to complete a Phase 1 Desk Study Report.

Click Here for more Information on Phase 1 Desk Study Report

A Phase 1 Desk Study Report collates information from a variety of sources.

At Earth Environmental & Geotechnical this may include.

  • 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

Click Here for more information

The attached PDF shows an example of a Phase 1 Desk Study Report.

For further information on Phase 1 Desk Study Reports please click here.

A Phase 2 assessment consists of an Intrusive Site investigation with quantitative risk assessment. Depending on what is highlighted in this assessment, a subsequent remediation strategy and verification report may then be required.
A Phase 2 assessment is only needed if it is identified in the initial Land Contamination Assessment or if it is part of the conditions the Local Planning Authority have attached to the planning approval.

For more information on Phase 1 Desk Study reports please click here

The site walk overs form an integral part of our Phase 1 Desk Study reports.  The purpose of the survey is to basically see a site in the flesh, to identify potential sources of contamination.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 2 Site Investigation.

For more information click here

As part of the Phase 1 Desk Study Earth Environmental will assess your site location and establish as part of the Coal Authority Mining Report if your site is in an area of risk.

If the Coal Authority Mining Report indicates that there is a possible risk to ground instability and subsidence, or if we believe there is a potential for unrecorded mines beneath the site or mine entries, a Coal Mining Risk Assessment will be required.

You can check if your site is in a Coal Mining Risk Zone Click Here http://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/coalauthority/home.html

Or to discuss your development sites please call Tel: 0161 975 6088 or contact us

Conducting Ground Investigation / Site Investigations

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What Could Delay Your Development Construction? More than 50% of construction projects are delayed by adverse site conditions or unexpected ground conditions. Conducting detailed Site Investigation / Ground Investigations can save you time and money. There are many reason’s a development can be delayed, but one of the key factors that will affect a development is knowing what you are building on.

Geotechnical Appraisal : Cliff Collapse Newquay, Cornwall

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Earth Environmental & Geotechnical (Southern) Ltd were commissioned to undertake a Geotechnical Appraisal for cliff stability of a site near Watergate Bay in Newquay, Cornwall. HM Coastguard had reported a section of the cliff had collapsed in early 2020. As part of the study, a Phase I Desk Study was carried out, including obtaining a site-specific geological and ground stability report.
Phase 1- Desk Study

What Is A Phase 1 Desk Study?

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A Phase 1 Desk Study is a risk assessment report for a development site. For planning applications to be approved, your council needs to know that your development carries no risk to human health or the wider environment. As part of the Phase 1 Desk Study information about the site is collected from a wide range of available documents
Phase-1-Desk-Study talk

Today I am here to talk about the Phase 1 desk study

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Hello, my name is Shauna from Earth Environmental and Geotechnical. Today I am here to talk about the Phase 1 desk study. Your council may have asked for one as part of your planning application.
Cinderford case study site investigation

Geo-Environmental Investigation Cinderford

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A Developer requested a combined Phase I and Phase II Investigation for a proposed residential development on a existing river bank in Cinderford, Gloucestershire.

    Agree to the storage & handling of data by Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd*