Environmental Ground Investigations and Site Remediation

Environmental Ground Investigations and Site Remediation

Contaminated land in the UK has a specific definition given under Part IIa of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 based on significant harm to human health and significant pollution of the water environment. The basis for assessment is 'suitable for use' approach and risk assessment, and is regulated by the Local Authorities. Contaminated land is also an issue relevant to the planning process and redevelopment of brownfield land and in the permitting and regulation of certain industrial processes, and waste management.

A2 Environmental provides a comprehensive ground investigation service through our senior, highly qualified and experienced technical team with many years of commissions involving geotechnical and environmental investigations for small scale residential through to large commercial, mixed use development and infrastructure projects.  We have the resources to meet the most challenging scientific and technical needs balancing practicality, quality, regulatory requirements and value.

Our approach focuses on:

  • Good design and cost effective investigations,
  • Expertise to support all phases of remediation from conceptual design through to remedial implementation and validation,
  • Expertise in integrated geotechnical, contaminated land mineral  and hydrological investigation,
  • Focused public communication and effective regulatory liaison.


The typical approach we adopt can be summarised as follows;

Desk Study (Phase 1)
It is important at the outset to establish the basic site detail to include historical land-use assessments and review of coal authority and geological information. Also known as a Phase 1 assessment, this stage will include a site visit and walkover assessments, regulatory consultations, and review of any existing site investigation data. This service can be tailored to those clients looking to purchase, sell, or develop a site or portfolio, and will give a quick identification of key risks and liabilities to inform the decision making process at an early stage.

Site Investigations (Phase 2)
Based on the results of the Phase 1, geotechnical and environmental intrusive investigations are undertaken using a variety of techniques including trial pits, continuous percussion boreholes, shell and auger boreholes, sonic drilling, rotary drilling and CPT rigs. Fieldworks may include site supervision, soil sampling, soakaway testing, groundwater sampling and soil gas and groundwater monitoring. Geo-environmental reporting in accordance with current Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment (CLEA) guidance, Euro code 7 and Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Standards.

Specialist Geotechnical Assessments may include compliance testing; design and validation of earthworks; geotechnical slope assessments (rock and soil); foundation design including settlement calculations, soft ground solutions, formation checks, and pile test data; mineral stability assessments and preparing grouting specifications. It may also be appropriate to provide recommendations for re-use or  waste spoil disposal, preparation of landfill closure plans, design of landfill, leachate collection and capping.

Risk Assessment
Qualitative and quantitative risk assessments will then be undertaken comprising preparation of Conceptual Site Models; site investigation design; risk assessment; remedial design and validation testing and reporting.  Risk assessments are undertaken utilising a variety of modelling software including CLEA software, R&D20 Methodology, Consim and RBCA where applicable.

Remediation Design
This approach will develop the most cost effective model to address the mitigation measures required to render the site “suitable for use”

Soil and Groundwater remediation
The technique used will be developed from a review of the most suitable technologies available and appropriate.  Our holistic approach would focus on the best integrated solution considered appropriate to best address both the geotechnical and environmental constraints.

Post Remediation Monitoring
There may be a requirement for post remediation monitoring. When remediation or installation of foundations is complete post remediation monitoring may be required to assess the long term impact of the work. Post site development monitoring is also important where natural attenuation has been identified and approved as a suitable remedial technique.

A2 consultants have a wealth of experience in carrying out the above assessments for various clients including;

  • Hammerson,
  • Lend Lease,
  • AWG,
  • MacTaggart & Mickel,
  • Miller Homes,
  • Robertson Group,
  • Property Investors,
  • Aberdeen Asset Managers,
  • Hamilton Portfolio;
  • Scottish Power,
  • RES,
  • Scottish Water

A2 Environmental Consultants Ltd | Registered in Scotland - 374917

53 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 6TS | TEL: 0141 226 6945