Phase 1 Desk Study
The Principal aims of an appropriate Phase 1 Desk Study is to assess the likelihood of the presence of contamination, its nature and extent across the study area/s. Additional focus is made to evaluate the site environmental setting and to identify possible environmental and human receptors and ultimately to identify Plausible Pollutant Linkages (PPL’s).
A desk study is principally focussed at data collection to enable consideration in relation to the site setting. Important information includes:
- Site location
- Topography
- Surroundings
- Current site usage
- Surrounding site usage
- Geology
- Hydrogeology
- Hydrology
- Ecology
- Archaeology
- Site walkover
Information on Potential Contaminants or items for consideration is often obtained from a range of sources that include:Industry Profiles
- Environment Agency and DEFRA guidance
- Registered processes
- Trading standards
- Pollution Incidents
- Local knowledge
A good desk study is the foundation of a robust geoenvironmental assessment and can be executed within very short timescales. ESP recommends utilising a Desk Study as part of most assessments as the potential savings (through focused/targeted follow-up work) can be significant. For more information, please contact us.