How Much Does A Contaminated Land Investigation Cost?
Contaminated land investigations vary in cost depending on a number of factors, primarily the scope of investigations. Our contamination surveys can incorporate all aspects of the consultancy process, including desk study, site investigations, remediation strategies and verification reports, however, it may be the case that a desk study is all that's required for your project, resulting in a relatively low cost contaminated land investigation.
Where further investigation is required to quantify the contaminated land risk, an intrusive site investigation will be carried out, including sampling and UKAS & MCERTS accredited laboratory testing, to ensure reports are accurate and costs are kept to a minimum by avoiding unnecessary surveys and reports.
Contaminated Land Desk Study & Intrusive Site Investigation Report Cost Breakdown
Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment (Desk Study) - Contaminated land investigation desk studies aim to develop a detailed assessment of the site history, ground conditions and environmental setting, through analysis of information obtained from sources including the British Geological Survey, Environment Agency and Ordnance Survey. This information is then used to produce a Conceptual Site Model, evaluate the potential contamination risk and determine the requirement or scope of further investigations. In many cases, a low cost desk study will be all that is required, saving you money by potentially avoiding the need to carry out more detailed further investigations.
Phase 2 Intrusive Site Investigations - While desk studies can identify potential land contamination, an intrusive investigation of ground conditions is often required to determine whether land is contaminated. As a result, our contaminated land reports can also involve in-depth surveys of potential risks through intrusive contaminated land site investigations, such as soil sampling and UKAS & MCERTS accredited laboratory analysis. The scope of laboratory testing has a major impact on the cost of a contaminated land investigation and can vary greatly, however, testing commonly includes inorganic heavy metal contaminants (e.g. lead, cadmium, mercury etc.) and organic chemicals such as TPHs, found in crude oil, and PAHs, released from burning fossil fuels.
Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal - If in the unfortunate situation that land contamination has been identified and quantified, a Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal is conducted to provide you with suitable remediation options. When carrying out this phase we assess remediation options based on both their ability to mitigate contamination risk and the cost of implementation.
Phase 4 Verification Report - Following the implementation of remediation measures at a site, a Phase 4 Verification Report is conducted to confirm that remediation work has successfully mitigated the land contamination risk and it is now safe for its intended used. The cost of verification is based on the type of remediation carried out at a site and can include soil sampling and testing, document reviews, site visits and associated reporting.
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Meet Our Land Contamination Consultants
Louis Turner, Technical Director - Having graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Environmental Science, Louis is recognised for his technical leadership and precision in environmental consultancy. Louis provides strategic oversight across all service areas, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of compliance, accuracy, and environmental responsibility. Louis directs contaminated land investigations, from desk-based risk assessments to intrusive site surveys. He ensures soil and ground gas analysis is conducted to UKAS-accredited standards, producing clear, evidence-based reports that support planning applications, regulatory approvals, and safe development decisions.
Joe Turner, Operations Director - Providing practical expertise and a client-focused approach, Joe ensures that every project is delivered quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary hassle. He has successfully managed a wide variety of project types across the consultancy, bringing a wealth of operational knowledge and a reputation for keeping projects on track. Joe's leadership guarantees a smooth process for clients, from initial enquiry through to final reporting. Joe oversees contaminated land investigations, coordinating desk studies, site surveys, and remediation works. His operational management ensures that soil sampling, ground gas monitoring, and reporting are completed seamlessly, giving clients confidence in compliance and project delivery.
Richard Turner, Director - With over 30 years of experience in site development, he provides invaluable insight into pragmatic solutions that balance costs, practicalities, and client objectives. Richard has a detailed understanding of building regulations and a clear sense of what is and isn't possible on site, making him a trusted advisor for developments of all sizes. Richard applies his site development expertise to contaminated land investigations, ensuring that remediation strategies are practical, cost effective, and achievable on site. His focus on feasibility helps clients move forward with confidence.
Request A Contaminated Land Investigation
Contact us for an informal discussion about your requirements or, if your requirements are more complex, a more formal consultation may be necessary. Following initial consultation we can provide an outline proposal detailing how we can help and the costs involved. If you're looking for more information about our services or our company then complete the below contact form and we will endeavour to respond to your enquiry in a timely manner, alternatively, give us a call on 0800 433 2906 and our experienced consultants can provide actionable advice and guidance.
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References
British Geological Society. BGS GeoIndex
BSI Group. Code of practice for the design of protective measures for methane and carbon dioxide ground gases for new buildings
CL:AIRE. Category 4 Screening Levels (C4SLs)
Environment Agency. Land contamination risk management (LCRM)
Land Quality Management. The LQM/CIEH S4ULs for Human Health Risk Assessment
US EPA. Regional Screening Levels (RSLs)