
What is a Phase 2 Site Investigation?
A Phase 2 Site Investigation is an in-depth survey designed to assess the risks posed by contaminants on your land and identify the steps that might be necessary to tackle them.
At SEP Technical, we deliver effective and fully compliant Phase 2 Site Investigations through an intrusive on-site investigation, using targeted sample collection and laboratory testing to provide precise and verifiable data.
A Phase 2 Site Investigation is usually the next step following a Phase 1 Desk Survey, which uses existing data to identify any contamination risks from historical land use. If the desk survey indicates these risks are present, a Phase 2 Site Investigation is necessary to verify them and to assess their extent and severity.

Do I need a Phase 2 Site Investigation?
There are several reasons why you might need a Phase 2 Site
Investigation, including:
- A Phase 1 Desk Study of your site identified the possibility for contaminated materials to be present, and these will need to be investigated to quantify the risk to humans, buildings, and the environment.
- You have applied for planning permission to redevelop the site and the Coal Authority has identified a risk of shallow mining, which requires an intrusive investigation to be carried out before further development can commence.
- Your design team requires geotechnical information to assist with the foundation design and concrete mix specification.
If you think you may need a Phase 2 Site Investigation, please contact us and one of our experienced technicians will be able to advise you on the requirements for your particular project.
What is involved in a Phase 2 Site Investigation?
A Phase 2 Site Investigation will usually involve the following steps:
- Intrusive investigation works to collect samples of the ground for detailed logging and subsequent laboratory analysis. The intrusive works will normally be a mix of digging trial pits and drilling boreholes.
- Laboratory testing of the samples collected to provide quantitative data on the levels of contaminants present beneath the site.
- Laboratory testing to provide data on the geotechnical properties of the strata beneath the site.
- Assessment of both the site and laboratory data to refine the preliminary conceptual site model and clarify the risk for each receptor from the contamination sources identified.
- Provision of a factual report detailing the findings of the investigation, and recommendations for further work where required.


What to expect from a Phase 2 Site Investigation report
- Introduction. A clear summary of the project, why it was commissioned and the key findings.
- Scope of work. An overview of the site conditions, any contamination risks that were identified in the Phase 1 Desk Survey, and the objectives of the study.
- Methodology. A summary of the specific locations examined, the methods used to collect soil and groundwater samples, and the tests used to identify contaminants.
- Analysis and appraisal. An analysis of the test results and their implications, including contaminants identified, their severity, and the risks they pose to human health.
- Conclusion and recommendations. A summary of the findings and recommendations for next steps, including whether remediation strategies will be necessary.
FAQs
- Do I need a Phase 1 Desk Study before a Phase 2 Site Investigation?
Yes, we would recommend that a Phase 1 Desk Study is completed as the initial stage of any contaminated land assessment. This study can help establish the likelihood of any contaminants being present and inform the scope and extent of the Phase 2 Site Investigation. In some cases, it may indicate that a Phase 2 Site Investigation is not necessary.
- How much does a Phase 2 Site Investigation cost?
The cost of a Phase 2 Site Investigation will depend on a range of factors, including the size of your site, its history, and any risks identified by a Phase 1 Desk Survey. For an accurate quote, get in touch with our expert team today to discuss your needs.


