What is a Phase 1 Desk study?
The goal of this Desk Study is to establish an initial risk rating and outline the next steps for site investigation. This process identifies potential ground-related hazards and possible contamination sources, pathways, and receptors that could pose risks to human health, vegetation, controlled waters, structures, and services.
A Phase 1 Desk Study involves gathering and analysing published data about a site’s history, geology, and environmental conditions to conduct a preliminary risk assessment.
Do I Need a Phase 1 Desk Study?
When is a Phase 1 Desk Study required?
- Site Development: Required by Local Authority Planning Departments to meet regulatory conditions and comply with various agencies and council regulations.
- Property Transactions: Recommended before buying a site or property to identify potential hazards and liabilities.
- A Phase 1 Desk Study is typically the first step in site investigation, providing initial site characterisation and guiding further investigation stages if necessary.
What's included in a Phase 1 Desk Study?
- You can typically expect the following processes throughout the study.
- Gathering site information from sources like Envirocheck, The Coal Authority, British Geological Survey, and Environment Agency.
- Reviewing historical OS maps to check previous land uses, such as old landfills, factories, or industrial sites.
- Checking if the site is at risk from Radon or unexploded ordnance (UXO).
- Creating a preliminary conceptual site model to assess risks to various receptors from identified contamination sources.
- Conducting initial assessments of contamination and geotechnical risks.
- Providing recommendations for any necessary intrusive investigations.
What can I expect in a Phase 1 Desk Study report?
- Executive summary: A one-page overview of the report and its key findings.
- Site details: Information on site location, boundaries, current and proposed land use, and details from the walkover survey.
- Historical appraisal: Analysis of historical Ordnance Survey maps to review past land uses and structures on the site and surrounding area.
- Geological appraisal: Examination of artificial ground, superficial strata, bedrock, mining activities, geomorphology, natural ground subsidence, and radon gas risks.
- Environmental appraisal: Assessment of potential contamination sources, pollution history, nearby landfill sites, hydrogeology and hydrology, and flooding risks.
- Conceptual ground model: Preliminary risk assessment identifies potential hazards, contamination sources, pathways, and receptors, evaluating risks to human health, vegetation, controlled waters, structures, and services.
- Site investigation recommendations: Suggestions for further investigations, such as contamination analysis and ground gas monitoring.
FAQs
- What is the difference between a phase 1 desk study and a phase 2 assessment?
A Phase 2 assessment involves an Intrusive Site Investigation with a detailed risk assessment. If necessary, it may lead to a remediation strategy and a verification report.
A Phase 2 assessment is only required if the initial Land Contamination Assessment indicates it or if it is a condition of planning approval set by the Local Planning Authority.
- Can a phase 1 desk study and site investigations be completed at the same time?
For some clients, time is crucial. Having all the information on potential risks and necessary mitigation steps is essential for a successful development.
We can complete these assessments simultaneously if you need both a Phase 1 Desk Study and further Site Investigation. This is advisable if you have a tight deadline for a planning application. Unsure where to start? Give our team a call to discuss your site’s best plan of action.
- How much is a phase 1 desk study?
To get a quote for a Phase 1 Desk Study, please complete the contact form below. We’ll need the following information if you have it to hand:
- Site location plan with the redline planning application boundary
- Existing site plan
- Proposed development plan
- Planning conditions
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