Stage 1 LCRM – Preliminary Risk Assessment

This preliminary risk assessment should be carried out by a suitably qualified and competent person and here at Kiwa our staff are trained in providing this service. The conceptual model provided from this study informs what further stages of investigation are necessary in order for the site to be developed for a suitable and safe end use. This is of particular importance with the drive toward re-use of Brownfield Land.

What is the process?

The Land Contamination Risk Management (EA, 2020) guidance Stage 1 process requires a preliminary information gathering and risk assessment process for the Source – Pathway – Receptor contamination linkage at a site.

Where access and conditions allow, we will aim to provide a comprehensive Phase 1 Geo-Environmental desk study including a site walkover survey report within 12-15 working days.

We will endeavour to liaise with the relevant local authority Environmental Health Officer regarding the site.

What is contained within a Phase 1 Desk Study?

In line with guidance including the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management Strategy, baseline GIS data and Historical Mapping and an assessment of these to provide an overall Conceptual Model of the Site in order to gain an insight into what further steps are necessary to investigate the site. The baseline information includes, but is not limited to, Geology, Preliminary Coal Mining and Brine information, Environmental Permitting, Water Bodies, Aquifers, Flood Risk, Radon and Contaminative Land Use data. Additional searches can include more site-specific Coal Mining Information and a Petroleum Officer (Trading Standards) records search.

All of this data will assist in the decision-making process. We interpret all the information collected, so you understand what the risks and hazards for your development on your proposed site are.

A site walkover survey will (and must) be conducted as part of each report and this is required to ground-truth some of the data obtained, understand likely logistics on site for any further investigation and assist with the programming of any further works.

What is the output?

The Site Conceptual Site Model can be developed once the data has been suitably scrutinised. This will allow for environmental and geotechnical hazards to be assessed and preliminarily categorised.  Any potential pollutant linkages can then be understood for a Phase II Site Investigation, if that is required.

What is not included?

Services and Utilities Searches are a separate operation service to this.

How are the reports presented?

Our reports are provided in PDF format via email.

What we require from our clients to process the site.

  • We require a clear plan highlighting the site boundary/area of interest.
  • Current site use and a proposed development plan.
  • Any planning application information. Any previous communications relating to this.
  • Any preliminary information assists our process: e.g. are you the landowner, is there known information: fuel tanks, materials storage, historic use information, existing service and utility information, previous site investigation information, etc.
  • Are there any obvious health and safety hazards present on site that we need to consider?