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Yes. A Phase 1 is widely used by investors, banks, and solicitors during land and property transactions. It provides confidence that contamination risks have been identified early, reducing liabilities and preventing costly surprises. Many lenders will not proceed without one.

If contamination risks are identified, a Phase 2 intrusive investigation will be recommended. This involves drilling or trial pitting, sampling soil and groundwater, and laboratory testing. The results confirm whether contamination is present and guide remediation strategies to make the land suitable for use.

Yes, sometimes. While greenfield sites are generally lower risk, councils may still request a Phase 1 to demonstrate the absence of contamination and validate planning applications. A Phase 1 can also provide reassurance to lenders and investors when purchasing undeveloped land.

Most Phase 1 reports are delivered within 5-10 working days. Timelines depend on site size, data availability, and planning deadlines. For urgent projects, expedited delivery may be possible, although this often comes at additional cost.

In the UK, a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment typically costs £950 - £2,500. The exact cost depends on factors such as site size, historical complexity, location, and whether additional reviews (e.g. multiple previous reports) are required. Investing in a Phase 1 early can prevent much higher costs from remediation later.

The key difference is that a Phase 1 is a non-intrusive desk study and site walkover to identify potential contamination risks.-A Phase 2 Site Investigation is an intrusive investigation with soil and groundwater sampling, laboratory testing, and risk quantification.

A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment (also known as a Desk Study or Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA)) is the first step in assessing land for potential contamination. It involves reviewing historic land use, environmental records, and carrying out a site walkover to identify potential contamination sources, migration pathways, and receptors. The outcome is a risk-based conclusion that either no further action is needed or that intrusive investigation (Phase 2) is required.

Yes, local planning authorities frequently require a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment, especially for brownfield sites. It demonstrates that contamination risks have been properly considered in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Environment Agency's Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) guidance.

A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment is essential to identify potential land contamination before purchase or development. Councils often require it for planning permission, lenders need it to release funds, and investors use it to protect against hidden liabilities. Without a Phase 1, you risk unexpected remediation costs, delays, and even refusal of planning applications.

A Phase 1 Environmental Assessment includes:- Review of historical maps and aerial imagery- Analysis of environmental datasets (e.g. landfills, pollution incidents, water abstractions)- A site walkover by an experienced consultant- Development of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) showing potential pollutant linkages- A clear conclusion on whether further investigation is required

Phase 2 Site Investigations should be undertaken by experienced geo-environmental consultants with expertise in contaminated land and compliance with UK guidance (BS 10175 and LCRM). Using qualified consultants ensures your report is accepted by planning authorities, regulators, and lenders.

Yes. Many developers combine Phase 2 environmental investigations with geotechnical site investigations. This approach saves time and cost by assessing both contamination and engineering properties (such as soil strength and foundation suitability) in a single mobilisation.

If contamination is confirmed, the results are compared with UK regulatory standards. Where unacceptable risks are identified, a remediation strategy will be required. This may involve removing contaminated soils, treating groundwater, installing gas protection measures, or managing contamination in place.

A Phase 1 is a non-intrusive desk study and site walkover to identify potential risks. A Phase 2 is an intrusive investigation involving soil and groundwater sampling and lab testing to confirm risks.Phase 1 asks 'what could be there?', while Phase 2 confirms 'what is there, and how much?'.

Costs for a Phase 2 investigation vary significantly depending on the size of the site, specific geology, development proposals, complexity of both environmental and geotechnical considerations. The cost can range from £3,000 to tens of thousands. Smaller sites with straightforward risks will likely be at the lower end, while larger or industrial sites requiring extensive monitoring or specialist testing will require more detailed and specialist testing, resulting in higher costs.

Most Phase 2 investigations take 4–6 weeks, depending on the scope of works, site access, and laboratory turnaround times. If ground gas monitoring is required, additional visits over several months may be needed to capture seasonal variations.

A Phase 2 Site Investigation is an intrusive investigation carried out when a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment identifies potential risks of contamination. It involves drilling boreholes, trial pits, collecting soil and groundwater samples, and testing them in a laboratory. Councils, lenders, and investors require a Phase 2 to confirm whether contamination is present and to ensure land is safe and suitable for its intended use.

A Phase 2 investigation can identify a wide range of contaminants, including:

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• Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, chromium)
• Hydrocarbons (petroleum hydrocarbons, PAHs)
• Solvents and VOCs
• Asbestos in soils-
• Ground gases (methane, carbon dioxide, VOC vapours)

A Phase 2 is required when a Phase 1 report identifies possible contamination risks. Local planning authorities make it a condition of approval to demonstrate compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) guidance. Without a Phase 2, councils cannot confirm that the land is suitable for redevelopment.

A Phase 2 Site Investigation typically includes:

• Drilling boreholes or excavating trial pits
• Collecting soil and groundwater sampling for laboratory analysis
• Ground gas and vapour monitoring
• Geotechnical testing (if required for foundations)
• A detailed risk assessment and recommendations