This page is not intended to be a substitute for professional geotechnical advice and should not be relied on as geotechnical advice by individuals or other professionals to make site-specific decisions. Always seek advice from professional geotechnical engineers.
Preliminary Site Contamination Investigations (PSI) are critical in identifying the presence and extent of contamination at a given site. These investigations are typically carried out in response to concerns over the potential contamination of soil, groundwater, or surface water.
The primary objective of a preliminary site contamination investigation is to evaluate the potential sources, nature, and extent of contaminants that may be present at the site. This may involve a range of techniques, including a review of historical land use practices, examination of aerial photographs, and onsite sampling of soil, groundwater, and surface water.
Once the investigation is complete, the results are analysed to determine if further site investigations and remediation measures are necessary. If further action is required, a Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) may be undertaken, which involves more extensive sampling and laboratory testing of soil and water samples to better understand the nature and extent of the contamination.
Preliminary site contamination investigations are essential for ensuring that sites are properly managed and remediated, if necessary, to protect human health and the environment. It is recommended that these investigations are conducted by qualified environmental professionals who have expertise in soil and water sampling, analytical chemistry, and site characterisation techniques.
BHM’s environmental engineer team possesses the expertise and resources to conduct comprehensive preliminary site investigations, including the preparation of Phase 1 reports. These reports provide valuable information regarding potential contamination at the site, which can be used to determine if further action is required.
