Land Quality Assessment

PBA have undertaken a wide range of environmental surveys of proposed development sites which address all aspects of the physical environment and their inter-relationship. This provides an environmental overview which can lead to cost effective design solutions on land of marginal suitability.

A proposed scheme of works is usually initiated by a desk study complimented by a field based study of varying intensity. These works can then direct landscape, architectural, planning and engineering design proposals by providing a more informed view of the physical environment.

Standard working practice complies to all British Standard, other UK and EC legislation, and all field trials are surveyed to Ordnance Datum.

PBA have also undertaken a number of contaminated land and other studies in Europe. These have included studies of industrial and domestic landfill sites, mines and environmental studies of the aquatic environment.

A Land Quality Assessment is completed via the application of the following services:

Ground Investigation
The ground investigation works include; a site survey, intrusive investigation with exploratory holes logged to BS 5930 and samples taken for geotechnical and chemical analysis. The samples may include soils, surface water, groundwater and groundgas.

Assessment of Findings / Risk Assessment
A qualitative or quantitative risk assessment is undertaken to assess whether the hazards identified in the ground investigation represent a significant risk to human health and controlled waters. If the risk is deemed significant, remedial measures may be required and / or changes to the proposed development.

Remedial / Mitigatory Design Solutions
The most cost-effective remedial methods are determined for the site, from the wide range of technologies currently available, for approval by the Regulatory Authorities. A method statement is then produced for use by any demolition and or earthworks contractor. Landfill tax exemption and / or exemption from waste regulations are obtained, where appropriate.

Supervision
Remedial works are supervised on a full or part-time basis to ensure all works comply with the method statement. Validation sampling is undertaken as part of the supervisory works and a final land quality statement prepared.