Phase 1 Desk Study

What is a phase 1 desk study report?

A Phase 1 Desk Study is a preliminary risk assessment of a development site often, required for planning permission. The Phase 1 Desk Study collates background information about site-specific historical, geological and environmental characteristics that will need to be considered during planning, design and construction of a development.

Why do I need a Phase 1 Desk study Report?

If you are planning on developing a site you will generally need a Phase 1 Desk Study Report as part of your Planning application set out by the Local Authority Planning Department.

Or you may be planning on purchasing a property or site for development, as part of the Property Transactions (Due Diligence) it is prudent to complete a Phase 1 Desk Study Report.

What is included in a Phase 1 Desk Study Report?

A Phase 1 Desk Study Report collates information from a variety of sources.

At Earth Environmental & Geotechnical this may include.

• Ordnance Survey, Town Plans, and Aerial Photographs to allow us to assess existing and former land uses
• Flood risk potential by reference to Environment Agency mapping and British Geological Survey records
• Solid and drift geology by reference to British Geological Survey mapping and borehole index
• Groundwater vulnerability from Environment Agency classification of aquifer status
• Earthquake records within 1km of the site by reference to British Geological Survey records
• Consultation with local authority Environmental Unit
• Assessment of potential subsidence issues from an examination of geological maps, boreholes index, and walkover survey
• Assessment of slope stability for relevant areas during the walkover survey
• Brine Subsidence search for sites within relevant areas
• Active and historical surface and underground workings based on published information and internal records
• Coal Authority Mining Report if the site is within the Mining District
• Active and closed landfill search within 500m of the site boundary based upon local authority and Environment Agency records
• Radon gas potential with reference to Heath Protection Agency records
• Preliminary Ecological Assessment based upon walkover survey and references to English Nature database
• Petroleum Licencing Officer record search for sites with evidence of petroleum storage
• Planning history of the site by examination of local authority portal
• Preliminary Invasive Plant survey based on walkover survey
• Preliminary Archaeological Assessment based on reference to National Monument Records

Example of a Phase 1 Desk Study

What’s the difference between Phase 1 Desk Study Report and a Phase 2?

A Phase 2 assessment consists of an Intrusive Site investigation with quantitative risk assessment. Depending on what is highlighted in this assessment, a subsequent remediation strategy and verification report may then be required.
A Phase 2 assessment is only needed if it is identified in the initial Land Contamination Assessment or if it is part of the conditions the Local Planning Authority have attached to the planning approval.

For more information on Ground Investigations please click here

What is a Site walkover?

The site walk overs form an integral part of our Phase 1 Desk Study reports.  The purpose of the survey is to basically see a site in the flesh, to identify potential sources of contamination.During the walkover survey, we will assess areas identified within the desk study as potential development issues, environmental and cost liabilities. We also highlight potential remedial options or management considerations.
Following the desk study and walkover survey, a Site Conceptual Site Model can be developed. This will allow for environmental and geotechnical hazards to be individually assessed.  Any potential pollutant linkages can then be prioritised for any future Phase 2 Site Investigation.

More information on site investigations

What happens if the site is within a Coal Mining Area?

As part of the Phase 1 Desk Study Earth Environmental will assess your site location and establish as part of the Coal Authority Mining Report if your site is in an area of risk.

If the Coal Authority Mining Report indicates that there is a possible risk to ground instability and subsidence, or if we believe there is a potential for unrecorded mines beneath the site or mine entries, a Coal Mining Risk Assessment will be required.

You can check if your site is in a Coal Mining Risk Zone Click Here http://mapapps2.bgs.ac.uk/coalauthority/home.html

Or to discuss your development sites please call Tel: 0161 975 6088 or contact us

What happens when a Phase 1 Desk Study is complete?

Once the Phase 1 Desk Study is complete Earth Environmental will provide you with the risk assessment report via email as a PDF. This can then be submitted to support your planning application, or as part of the Property Transactions (Due Diligence)

If risks have been highlighted in the report further investigations may be required. At Earth Environmental we have a multidisciplined team of qualified engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, drillers and technicians who are experienced in all aspects of ground investigation and remediation works. So if subsequent site investigations, ground investigations and remediation strategy are required we can support all stages of the investigations and provide the solutions to mitigate the risks.

Our staff have extensive experience in the design of geotechnical, mining and environmental site investigations in accordance with current best technical practices and planning guidance. The team are able to manage geotechnical and geo-environmental investigations for the most demanding of sites.

Can a Phase 1 Desk Study and Site Investigations be Completed at the Same Time?

For some clients time constraints are very important. Ensuring all the information on the potential risks of a development site, and what steps need to be taken to mitigate the risks can be essential to support a successful development. If you have established that your development site may need a Phase 1 Desk study and further Site investigation Earth Environmental can complete these assessments at the same time.
This is prudent if you have a tight deadline for a planning application. Call now to discuss with one of our team the best plan of action for your site.