LAND & PROPERTY Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessment Office Building, UK
Project Summary
Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessment Office Building, UK
Key Project Elements Site inspection Historical map review
Interview site owner Review of historical reports Evaluation of environmental database searches
Report production Local Authority records review Phase II ESA of historical storage tank contamination
Estimation of cost implications of encountered contamination assessment and remediation
CRA was commissioned to undertake a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) for a prospective acquisition of an office block property measuring 26,500 square feet. The purpose of the Phase I ESA was to identify significant actual or potential environmental liabilities associated with the property. On identification of a potential contamination source, CRA conducted a Phase II ESA to further inform the decision to purchase the site. The Phase I ESA included: a review of historical information to determine the past uses of the site; a site inspection with interviews with individuals familiar with operations at the site; a review of available on site records regarding site facilities, permits, consents and operations; and contact with regulatory agencies. Although current use of the site comprised offices and car parking, CRA identified that historically the site was a depot with storage tanks located at the boundary. A Local Authority search confirmed the historical presence of the tanks and identified that the site was located on an area of land highlighted for further investigation under the Council’s prioritisation strategy, in line with Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. No records were found pertaining to the contents of the tanks or environmental investigations / remediation at the site. Due to the potential liability associated with purchasing the site with possible contamination in the soils, CRA recommended that an intrusive investigation be undertaken in the area of the historical tanks. A grid of shallow boreholes was drilled to enable observations of contamination and confirmatory sampling of soils. The investigation identified the presence of hydrocarbons and volatile contaminants in the subsurface, with a risk posed to controlled waters receptors. Therefore, CRA generated estimated cost implications for further delineation investigation, risk assessment and remediation.
Ref: PS0094