Soil Remediation After a Site Investigation
Work proceeds following a Site Investigation, to address the findings of the investigation.
Reading the Risk Assessment
The site investigation report includes a contamination risk assessment which outlines the contaminants identified on site, their concentrations and pathways to receptors such as people and groundwater. The contaminated land risk assessment guidance for environmental professionals, published by the Environment Agency, outlines the tiers of assessment most environmental specialists follow in order to assess whether or not site treatment is required.
Setting Remediation Objectives
Your specialist will translate the risk assessment into remediation objectives, which describe the desired target concentration or condition of the soil to be achieved before development can proceed. These objectives will relate to the proposed use of the land and so a residential development would require more stringent objectives than a car park.
You can find out more about Soil Remediation here.
Preparing a Remediation Strategy
The Remediation Strategy Document needs to be written and agreed with the local authority before work commences on site. This document details the proposed remediation method(s), the proposed work program and how unexpected contamination will be managed on site.
Validating the Work
After the remediation work has completed the site needs to be ‘validated’ to confirm that the objectives have been achieved. The validation report typically includes details of the sampling carried out, lab results and a description of any material removed/treated on site.
Getting Local Authority Sign-Off
The local authority reviews the validation report. If satisfied they issue a completion letter. The completion letter is important to retain as the completion letter forms evidence of discharge of planning conditions and is frequently required by solicitors in relation to future sales or development of a site.
A completion letter from the local authority confirms that you have discharged your obligations under the relevant planning condition.
