Desk Study
Phase I of a Geo-Environmental Assessment
EPS will undertake a Desk Study as the first phase of any geo-environmental assessment.
With the introduction of the Standard Planning Application Form (1APP) a desk study is required alongside a planning application for any site which has had a previous commercial use or intended for a sensitive end use, such as residential housing. It is also a requirement of NHBC Standards.
The aim of the desk study is to identify the basic environmental and geotechnical factors which must be considered during a site redevelopment programme in order to safeguard the health of site workers, future site users and the surrounding environment and is essential for any planning approval as well as and to identify potential in-ground risks.
The desk study must identify all potential sources of contamination associated with a site’s historical and current use, identify human and environmental features which could be affected (‘receptors’) and consider the various pathways through which interaction between the sources and receptors might result in an unacceptable risk of harm. A situation where an identified receptor could plausibly be harmed by contamination is called a Pollutant Linkage.
If it can be demonstrated that no such pollutant linkages could plausibly exist, associated planning requirements are likely to be satisfied at this stage.
Contact us for more detailed information on the desk study process and how it would relate to your particular site or proposed development.
