Contaminated Land Surveys
Apple Environmental recognises the need for a simple way forward in determining the contaminative status of land by offering expert contaminated land surveys.
Land contamination has become an important environmental issue since 1995 with the development of the contaminated land regime (set out in 1990 part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act). It was introduced in England on 1st April 2000 and on 1st July 2001 in Wales, hence the need for in-depth contaminated land surveys by qualified consultants.
Apple Environmental can assist in undertaking soil contamination and land contamination assessments. An investigation may start or end with a phase 1 desk study, or continue on into a complete contaminated land survey with soil sampling investigation. For planning purposes, an environmental desk study is carried out in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework 2012 (Revised Dec 2025) and BS10175:2026
When may you be asked to undertake a contaminated land survey?
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Local authorities can place conditions on planning permission requiring that developers investigate land contamination and, where it is found, clean it up to a standard where it is considered that there is no risk to future users of the site, controlled waters or environmentally sensitive habitats.
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Under the contaminated land regime investigation may also be enforced by the local authority or Environment Agency even if a site is not being redeveloped, but is causing, or has the potential to cause, significant harm.
- Desk studies may also form part of a due diligence report.
Contact Apple Environmental today on 01420 563377 or simply email us here to arrange a FREE contaminated land survey quote or advice from one of our expert consultants, we are always available to help you.
What is contaminated land?
Soil which may present a risk to anybody that may come into contact with it, or chemicals within the soil which may impact, groundwater, the natural environment and buildings.
Why are contaminated land surveys required?
Land contamination surveys are needed to determine whether the land is suitable for its proposed use, or whether it is impacting other receptors.
Who is liable for contaminated land?
Liability for contaminated land usually falls on the landowner and/or the person that caused or knowingly permitted the land to become contaminated, also known as a Class A person.
How is contaminated land identified and assessed?
Contaminated land surveys or soil contamination investigations are undertaken in three steps :
Step 1 – Desk Study
The principal aim of a Phase I environmental report is to gather the information needed to form a conceptual model in order to be in a position to assess the presence and/or significance of any land contamination on site. The resultant information then enables a preliminary risk assessment to be carried out. Part of the assessment involves a site walkover in which the land area is visually surveyed in order to highlight any possible contamination hot spots. The survey forms an important part of the site conceptual model, determining the need for further investigation.
Step 2 – Intrusive Site Investigation
This is an intrusive site investigation enabling the soil profile to be logged after which samples of soil and groundwater may be collected for chemical analysis. Risk is then assessed in order to determine the potential for harm to receptors both on and off-site from known contaminants.
Apple Environmental will develop a land contamination strategy that is best suited for your needs. Through conversing with the regulators we ensure that the investigation is undertaken to the standard required whilst considering cost-effectiveness at all stages.
Step 3 – Verification Report
If the intrusive study has resulted in a need to ‘clean up’ a site then verification report may be requested by the planning authority. This is a document that provides evidence showing the land is now suitable for us.
