Guide to a Site Investigation
When purchasing a commercial site, a site investigation is often necessary to establish the site’s unique properties and the type of contamination it has experienced. This type of study is performed to identify whether a groundwater and soil investigation will be necessary and whether further remediation will be required to rectify the problem.
Three stages of site investigation may be undertaken to ensure the land is safe, sanitary, and compliant with environmental requirements. Depending on the extent of contamination uncovered during the investigation, not every site will need all three phases.
What is Phase I?
The first step in any site investigation is to produce a conceptual model of the site and surrounding area. This model will identify all potential contamination sources, such as oil tanks under the ground, as well as any potential receptors that could be affected by the contamination, such as the environment itself or any people who would be using the site, as well as any pathways which link the receptors (for example, the drinking water). This conceptual model will comprise descriptions, diagrams, and pictures.
Once the conceptual model has been created, a desk study will be produced to identify if the site in question has previously been used for manufacturing or industry, which could have contaminated it, and to identify the pathways and receptors. The comprehensive investigation will include the current and previous uses of the site as well as its hydrogeology, hydrology, and geology, using site investigation methods, including obtaining records from regulatory bodies and the site’s owner and performing a walkover of the site itself.
What Is Phase II?
The Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is one of the more intrusive types of these investigations and may involve two elements: the main and an exploratory investigation. The exploratory investigation will be conducted first to determine whether or not the conceptual model of the site is correct. This study may involve taking samples of the surface water, groundwater, soil, and soil gas from the site and analyzing the samples to determine the risks to humans and the environment.
What Is Phase III?
The third phase involves remediation to restore the site to the required environmental standards. This phase consists of developing a strategy to remove all polluted soil, treat contaminated water and soil through biological, chemical and physical processes, and control contamination. A report for the remediation process outlining the objective, procedures, and methodology of any proposed works will be prepared and then submitted to regulatory bodies before any work can begin.
Once the remediation work has been completed, a validation report will be drawn up, demonstrating the actions taken and whether or not the target was achieved.
Are You In Need Of Site Investigation Services?
All American Environmental’s skilled and experienced team is highly qualified to carry out all three phases of these site investigations according to the required investigation assessment regulations standard. This will ensure that your site is free of all pollutants and contamination and compliant with environmental obligations.
