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Whether you are undertaking an environmental audit on land, are involved within area regeneration, brownfield development and are considering the sale or purchase of land it is vital that you take all necessary steps to understand the condition of the land in question and take all necessary steps to eliminate any further environmental impact on the site.

Contaminated land can have a significant environmental impact whether as a result of industrial activity over a number of years, a single incident or from a series of undetected incidents. Residual contamination can present risks to both environmental and human receptors.

Our bioremediation service 

The Darcy Spillcare Manufacture team of geo-environmental specialists and chemists are ideally placed to provide an assessment of the broader environmental impacts of the contamination and if necessary recommend, design and implement a remediation strategy.

To assess and evaluate the environmental impact of residual contamination a staged study is required, including:

Stage 1

• Phase 1.1 - Site Inspection and Preliminary Risk Assessment
• Phase 1.2 – Report and Conceptual Model

Stage 2

• Phase 2.1 – Intrusive Investigation, Sampling and Analysis
• Phase 2.2 – Risk Assessment

Stage 3

• Phase 3.1 – Remediation Strategy Design and Implementation
• Phase 3.2 – Validation and Monitoring

  STAGE 1

• Phase 1.1 - Site Inspection and Preliminary Risk Assessment

This will involve the collection of all available information on the contaminant and site status. This will include information on the contaminant levels and properties and timescale. Information on the site geology and hydrogeology will be collated from British Geological Survey solid and drift maps, British Geological Survey borehole records, any previous site specific investigations, and hydro geological and groundwater vulnerability maps.

A detailed inspection will be undertaken of the site and its surroundings and particular note made of drainage and other features which could provide migration pathways. The location of sensitive environmental receptors such as watercourses will be noted and any other aspects which could impact on the scope and location of future investigations.

• Phase 1.2 – Report and Conceptual Model

The collated information will be reviewed and the findings used in the development of a ‘Conceptual Model’ for the site and the initial risk assessment. The information and Conceptual Model will be used to identify the pathways by which residual contamination could impact on a receptor and will also be taken into account when designing any requirements for intrusive investigations.

STAGE 2

• Phase 2.1 - Intrusive Investigation, Sampling and Analysis

The precise scope of work for the intrusive investigation will depend upon the findings and conclusions of the Stage 1 study. However if required the intrusive investigation could involve the construction of boreholes for sampling and monitoring, excavation of trial holes, geological assessment, collection of ground samples, groundwater and liquids. Groundwater and vapours will be monitored if considered necessary. Laboratory analysis of samples will be undertaken at our accredited laboratory for chemical parameters related to the contaminant material type.

• Phase 2.2 – Risk Assessment

All findings of the intrusive investigation will be reported and evaluated to determine the degree and extent of contamination and the likelihood and severity of residual risks to the environmental receptors identified in the Conceptual Model. The results will be used to refine the Conceptual Model and will include a site specific risk assessment based on the source – pathway – receptor model for the spillage site. If unacceptable risks are identified outline recommendations for a course of action or remediation will be provided.

STAGE 3

• Phase 3.1 – Remediation Strategy Design and Implementation

Once the degree and type of contamination and associated environmental risks have been identified, a proposal will be formulated to offer the most appropriate method of dealing with the residual contamination and obtain necessary consent prior to clean up operations. A description of the works with specifications and drawings indicating how the work should be undertaken will be prepared.

Darcy Spillcare Manufacture has the capability to provide remediation solutions which may include:

• Bunding and capping, if contamination is to be contained
• Soil washing in-situ or ex-situ by passing a flow of water and other media through it until contamination is removed, upon which the soil can be returned or disposed of to land fill.
• Air sparging - injection of air below the water table to bring contaminant to the surface for treatment
• Pumping and treatment of contaminated water gathered from boreholes or trenches.
• Vacuum extraction
• Bio-remediation - using non pathogenic cultures of naturally occurring bacteria combined with nutrient to eliminate pollution on site
• Light surface pollution can be treated simply by application to the ground surface as long as it is broken allowing air and water to activate the bacteria.
  Heavier pollution will require injection of bacteria along with water and/or air

Phase 3.2 – Validation and Monitoring

Any remediation works will have to be continuously monitored and checked to ensure they are completed in accordance with the approved strategy. Darcy's team of geo-environmental specialists and chemists can provide a report on site remediation works including all records, drawings, plans and confirmatory analysis.

Further information

For further information on our Contaminated Land Remediation and to arrange a visit from one of our geo-environmental specialists to discuss your individual requirements please contact us

Please note this service is currently available throughout the UK only.