Comprehensive Contaminated Land & Site Investigations
Environmental Remediation
Expert Site Investigations for Contaminated Land
Why Site Investigations Are Essential for Contaminated Land
Contaminated Land & Site Investigations. Site investigations are a critical first step when developing land that may be contaminated. The process involves a detailed assessment of the soil and groundwater conditions to identify the presence of harmful substances such as heavy metals, chemicals, or industrial by-products. Contaminated land can pose significant risks to public health, the environment, and the structural integrity of any development built on the site.
Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd. (EEG) specialises in conducting thorough contaminated land assessments to ensure that sites are safe for future use. Our team of experienced geotechnical engineers offers a comprehensive range of site investigation services, tailored to meet regulatory standards and client-specific needs.
Our Contaminated Land Investigation Services
At Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd., we provide a wide variety of site investigation services to help identify and manage contamination issues, ensuring full compliance with environmental and safety standards. Our services include:
- Phase 1 Desk Study – A preliminary risk assessment to gather historical and environmental information about the site.
- Phase 2 Intrusive Site Investigations – On-site soil and groundwater testing using various sampling methods such as trial pits, boreholes, and window sampling.
- Phase 3 Remediation Design & Implementation – Tailored remediation plans to clean up contaminated sites effectively.
- Environmental Monitoring – Ongoing monitoring of soil, water, and air quality to ensure remediation success.
Each stage of the process is designed to provide clients with a clear understanding of any potential contamination risks and the steps necessary to mitigate these risks.
Common Contaminants Found in Site Investigations
Heavy Metals and Industrial By-products
Contaminated land often contains hazardous materials such as heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury), hydrocarbons, and asbestos from former industrial activities.
Case Study: Site Investigation of Contaminated Land in St. Helens, North West England
Interesting Find in a Window Sampling Borehole
Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd. conducted a site investigation in St. Helens, North West England, as part of a land development project. The investigation uncovered galligu, a hazardous by-product of the soap manufacturing LeBlanc process, used in the 19th century to produce soda ash from sodium carbonate.
What Is Galligu?
Galligu is primarily composed of calcium sulphate (anhydrite), and it often contains elevated levels of arsenic and other heavy metals. While dry, galligu has a silty sand-like texture, but when exposed to water, it softens, becoming thixotropic, resembling toothpaste in consistency. When hydrated under anaerobic conditions, such as exposure to rainwater, galligu produces hydrogen sulphide, which emits a strong “rotten egg” odor.
Galligu is not only hazardous due to its chemical properties but also because of its highly alkaline pH, which can damage construction materials and affect the stability of any structure built on contaminated land. The discovery of galligu necessitated a specialized remediation plan to safely manage and mitigate its impact on the site’s future use.
How Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd. Can Help with Contaminated Land
With years of expertise in contaminated land investigations, Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd. ensures that all site assessments are handled with precision and professionalism. We collaborate closely with regulatory bodies, local authorities, and clients to ensure safe and effective solutions for even the most challenging contaminated sites.
Our team has experience working on various sites across the UK, including industrial, residential, and commercial developments. By conducting thorough investigations, we can help developers make informed decisions, safeguard public health, and ensure compliance with all environmental regulations.
Contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your contaminated land and site investigation needs.
At Earth Environmental & Geotechnical Ltd. we work with our clients to ensure there is a detailed understanding and risk assessment of all development sites. Consideration of Contaminants should be included at the earliest point of site investigation and included in the Phase 1 Desk Study
