PFAS Risk Assessments

Could Your Development Site Have PFAS contaminants?

At Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd, we take a comprehensive approach to PFAS Risk Assessments, ensuring that all aspects of the potential contamination are evaluated.

PFAS Risk Assessments

Comprehensive PFAS Risk Assessments to Safeguard Your Site

At Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd, we provide PFAS Risk Assessments to help you understand, manage, and mitigate the risks associated with Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination on your site. With growing concerns around PFAS compounds due to their persistence in the environment, it’s critical to evaluate potential impacts to groundwater, soil, and human health.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds found in a wide range of industrial and consumer products. These substances are resistant to degradation, which means they can persist in the environment for decades, potentially contaminating water sources, ecosystems, and food chains. A detailed PFAS Risk Assessment is essential to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with evolving regulatory standards.

What is PFAS Contamination?

PFAS are a group of over 4,000 man-made chemicals used in products such as firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, textiles, and industrial applications. Due to their wide usage and persistence, they have been found in soil, surface water, and groundwater, creating long-term environmental challenges.

Industries and landowners may unknowingly harbor PFAS contaminants on their site, leading to potential risks for the environment, public health, and regulatory non-compliance. A PFAS Risk Assessment is a crucial step in identifying contamination levels and formulating a remediation strategy.

Our PFAS Risk Assessment Services

At Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd, we take a comprehensive approach to PFAS Risk Assessments, ensuring that all aspects of the potential contamination are evaluated. Our team of expert geotechnical and environmental consultants are experienced in providing tailored risk assessments that suit the specific needs of your project, site, and regulatory requirements.

Our PFAS Risk Assessment services include:

  • Site Investigation: Thorough sampling of soil, groundwater, and surface water to identify the presence and extent of PFAS contamination.
  • Environmental Risk Evaluation: Analysis of how PFAS contamination may affect human health, groundwater, ecosystems, and compliance with environmental standards.
  • Regulatory Guidance: Assistance in navigating complex regulations related to PFAS contamination, ensuring your site adheres to all UK environmental guidelines.
  • Remediation Recommendations: Based on the findings, we provide strategies for reducing, managing, or removing PFAS contamination to safeguard your site and surrounding environment.

Why Choose Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd for PFAS Risk Assessments?

We understand the complexities surrounding PFAS contamination and offer bespoke solutions that meet both the technical and regulatory needs of our clients. When you choose Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd, you benefit from:

  • Expertise in PFAS Assessment and Management: Our consultants are well-versed in the latest PFAS regulations and remediation technologies, ensuring that your site is fully compliant with UK standards.
  • Accurate, Reliable Testing Methods: We use advanced testing and monitoring techniques to detect and quantify PFAS levels in both soil and groundwater, providing you with actionable insights.
  • Tailored Environmental Solutions: Every site is unique, which is why we provide custom risk assessment and remediation strategies based on the specific conditions of your site.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: We provide clear, detailed reports outlining the risks, findings, and recommended next steps to ensure you have all the information needed for effective decision-making.

Do You Need a PFAS Risk Assessment?

If your site has a history of industrial or manufacturing activities, or if it is located near a known PFAS contamination source, it is essential to carry out a PFAS Risk Assessment. Additionally, properties near airports, military bases, or firefighting training facilities may be at a higher risk of PFAS contamination due to the historical use of firefighting foams containing these chemicals.

Our expert team can help you determine the next steps for your site by carrying out an initial PFAS screening and in-depth site investigation. Early identification and action are key to mitigating risks and protecting your site’s future.

Contact Us Today

If you suspect PFAS contamination on your site, or you require a PFAS Risk Assessment, don’t hesitate to reach out to Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd. Our team is ready to assist you with reliable site investigations, risk evaluations, and remediation planning to ensure your site is safe and compliant with the latest regulations.

Contact us today to discuss your project or request a consultation.


By addressing PFAS contamination proactively, you can protect your site, the environment, and public health. Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd will provide the expertise and support you need.

Do I Need a PFAS Risk Assessment for My Development Site?

With PFAS contamination now impacting and causing delays for brownfield regeneration projects in the UK it is beneficial to consider PFAS early in the development of a site. Our PFAS Risk Assessments take a phased approach starting with understanding your risks.

What are the stages of a PFAS Risk Assessment?

PFAS Risk Assessment – The First Step

The initial step in a PFAS Risk Assessment involves a comprehensive desk study to evaluate potential risks. This process typically includes:

  • Identifying potential historical uses of PFAS in the area
  • Reviewing the site’s operational history
  • Assessing the regional geological and hydrological conditions
  • Analysing potential PFAS pathways on the site

If this initial review indicates a PFAS risk, targeted soil testing should be incorporated into the site investigation. Sampling efforts can be focused based on the site’s historical use or any potential contaminants identified during the study.

PFAS Site Assessment – The Second Step

If the desk study identifies the potential for PFAS contamination, a detailed Site Investigation should follow. Many development projects have faced delays due to insufficient PFAS assessments, and as regulatory standards evolve, developers, insurers, and investors are increasingly concerned. Incorporating PFAS into a thorough risk assessment from the start is a prudent step.

PFAS contamination can be managed effectively by following existing UK frameworks for contaminated land management, such as the 2023 Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) guidance and industry codes of practice for material reuse during redevelopment. These approaches offer risk-based, sustainable management strategies, tailored to the land’s intended use and specific site risks.

Site-specific factors, including possible upgradient contamination sources, must be carefully evaluated. PFAS can travel significant distances, especially through airborne migration from industrial or commercial sources, impacting both soil and groundwater far from the original contamination source. Therefore, it’s important to consider both the site and its surrounding area.

Conceptual Site Models (CSM)

A detailed, site-specific Conceptual Site Model (CSM) is crucial for assessing potential PFAS risks. This involves a thorough understanding of the site’s topography, geology, hydrology, and hydrogeology, along with the surrounding area that may influence the site’s conditions. Additionally, it’s essential to consider the behavior of PFAS, including their movement through the environment and any potential transformation of PFAS precursors. These factors play a critical role in identifying PFAS sources, pathways, and receptors.

PFAS Mitigation & Remediation – The Third Step

If the Site Investigation reveals PFAS contamination, the next step is to follow Stage 2 of the LCRM, which focuses on remediation. At this point, a decision is made to mitigate or remediate the contamination to reduce or eliminate unacceptable risks.

The risk assessment will now identify “relevant contaminant linkages,” representing the primary risks to identified receptors. The remediation process involves three key steps:

  1. Identify Feasible Remediation Options
    Begin by compiling a shortlist of viable remediation strategies, ensuring that your site information is up to date. Establish clear objectives and plan for any regulatory approvals that may be required.
  2. Evaluate the Options
    Perform a detailed evaluation of the shortlisted options to determine the most appropriate solutions for each identified contaminant linkage. The evaluation should consider practicalities, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
  3. Select the Final Remediation Option
    Depending on the complexity of the site, more than one remediation option may be necessary. Some contaminant linkages may require a combination of approaches to address all potential risks. Once the final remediation strategy is selected, it is then implemented in Stage 3 of the LCRM, where a full remediation plan is developed.

At Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd, we have extensive experience designing and implementing cost-effective remediation strategies for contaminated sites. Our team will work closely with you to develop practical, sustainable solutions tailored to your site’s needs.

Contact Us Today

If you’re concerned about PFAS contamination on your development site or need guidance on PFAS Risk Assessments, contact Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd today. Our experienced consultants are ready to help you navigate the complexities of site investigations, risk assessments, and remediation strategies to ensure your project stays on track.

Developing land linked to PFAS?
PFAS Risk Assessments
PFAS and Site Investigations
PFAS Risk Assessments

A PFAS Risk Assessment is prudent if your development site is, or was historically linked to PFAS also known as “Forever Chemicals”

  • These locations include:
    • Landfill Sites
    • Fire Stations
    • Water Treatment Facilities
    • Aviation and aerospace (military and civil airfields)
    • Paper and Cardboard Manufacturing
    • Textile Manufacturers including Carpet Manufacturing
    • Mineral & Cement Industry
    • Food and Drink Manufacturers
    • Sewage exposed land
    • Chemical works (cosmetic/personal care products)
    • Chrome Plating sites
    • Electronics manufacturing
    • Firefighting – class B firefighting foams (fire training area/fire stations)
    • Military bases
    • Petrochemical industry
    • PFAS production
    • Photolithography and semiconductor lithography
    • Leather Manufacturing
Former Petrol stations in green belt could be grey belt development
Contaminated Land Investigations
Developing land linked to PFAS?