Chapter 48: Geo-environmental testing

Under current UK legislation and planning regulations the assessment of a site has to address potential contamination and associated environmental risks and waste management issues. Typically this will involve a qualitative and/or quantitative risk assessment which requires collection and interpretation of appropriate geo-environmental data and relevant environmental surveys. Data are required relating to contamination sources, including the chemical composition of soils, groundwater and soil gas, in addition to potential receptors which may be impacted. The quality of this data depends on the use of good practice in the selection, collection, handling, storage and analysis of samples. The value of the risk assessment further depends on the processing and interpretation of the data. In the context of a ground investigation, there are significant benefits to combining the collection of geo-environmental data and geotechnical requirements, provided it is done in an appropriate and targeted manner.