Ground investigation

A desk study is one of the key sources of information to help inform decisions on whether a ground investigation is needed to assess risk and, if so, what scope of works is appropriate. The ground investigation and assessment of the findings are critical to the effective risk management of contaminated land. Their findings provide the basis for decisions on the need for, and type of, remediation. Ultimately, they are critical for the design and implementation of the necessary remediation works. Deficiencies in ground investigation and assessment lead inevitably to errors of judgement. These may affect the technical sufficiency, cost and duration of remediation for contaminated land projects, as with all investigations for construction schemes. Poorly informed and executed ground investigation works may also expose investigation personnel and the general public to unacceptable health risks, and could lead to more extensive or intractable contamination problems than those which previously existed on the site.