A contaminated land environmental Phase 1 Desktop Study forms part of a contaminated land risk assessment. The desktop study is designed to provide a qualitative assessment overview of the risks to current and future occupants and the wider environment from any contamination which might be present on or in close proximity to the study site.

The desktop study is the initial assessment that is required under current guidance from the Environment Agency issued in October 2020 (LCRM).

The Phase 1 Desktop report uses various sources of information including historical Ordnance Survey maps, geological records, groundwater vulnerability maps, flood maps, radon atlases, pollution incident records and regulatory records.

There are many reasons why you may need to undertake a Phase 1 desktop study including:

Due diligence – prior to purchasing a site,  it is prudent to identify and evaluate any potential risks associated with the site and the potential obligations that the buyer will be required to undertake as this could affect the value of the site or impact upon lending against the site.

Planning conditions – the desktop study is often required to accompany a planning application or to discharge a planning condition.

We offer a bespoke tailored service to suit our client’s needs. Each desktop study will be prepared. If the desktop study is required for planning purposes, we ensure our report is produced with the specific requirements of each individual council (i.e. local contaminated land developer guidance notes and/ or conditional/ informative precise wording requirements).

Contaminated Land Phase 1 Desktop Assessments are carried out in accordance with current best practice and key guidance documents such as British Standard BS10175:2001 + A2 2017, NPPF and the Environment Agencies LCRM.

A number of agencies and professionals are contacted in relation to a Contaminated Land Phase 1 Desktop Assessment including:

Environment Agency for details of any licensed landfill sites in the vicinity, recorded significant pollution incidents, groundwater/surface water quality in the area and points of water abstraction.

Natural England for details of any sensitive ecosystems/protected areas.

Contaminated Land Officer concerning any record of pre-licensed landfilling, pollution incidents or location of contaminated land relevant to the site.

Local Planning Department for a summary of planning records for the site – if applicable.

Petroleum Officer for records of any flammable storage (past or present) and recorded underground tanks at the site.

British Geological Survey for any borehole logs recorded on the site or adjacent area.