What is a Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal

Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisals, referred to in the Environment Agency LCRM guidance as a Stage 2 Options Appraisal, are conducted following the identification of contamination at a site that requires remediation in order to make the site safe for its proposed use. A Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal will include a detailed assessment of the feasible remediation options for a contaminated site, these will then be narrowed down to a final selection of the most appropriate and cost-effective options, for which a Remediation Strategy will be produced.

The Basics - After first carrying out a Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment (Desk Study) and Phase 2 Intrusive Site Investigation, the next stage in the assessment and mitigation of contaminated land is a Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal. If previous investigations have identified that a site is contaminated, a Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal will be required in order to identify suitable remediation options and outline an appropriate remediation strategy.

Where the risk assessment identifies any unacceptable risk or risks, an appraisal of remedial options and proposal of the preferred option to deal with land contamination and/or pollution of controlled waters affecting the site shall be submitted to and approved by the LPA. No works, other than investigative works, shall be carried out on the site prior to receipt and written approval of the preferred remedial option by the LPA. – Example planning condition from East Northamptonshire Council

The Phased Approach to Assessing & Mitigating Contamination - Our Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisals will use the findings from previous investigations to determine the remediation criteria and remediation objectives. It is important to adopt a phased approach in these kinds of assessments as it allows us to focus attention on particular areas and types of contamination and save time and money through a more efficient remediation strategy. Some remediation options are also only appropriate for certain contaminants so the phased approach also allows us to ensure that the appropriate options are considered and eliminate inappropriate remedial options. Throughout the Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal a 'Conceptual Site Model' (CSM), used to assess contamination risk, will be consulted to determine whether remediation criteria has been met.

What Does a Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal Include?

Before any remediation options are assessed, the remediation objectives and criteria are decided. Remediation objectives relate to the reduction, control or removal of the risks associated with one or more of the contaminants identified in the Phase 2 Intrusive Site Investigation. Remediation criteria are site-specific measures against which we will assess compliance with the remediation objectives. They are usually quantitative and may be used for regulatory decisions.

Identification of Feasible Remediation Options - A Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal will involve the identification of a shortlist of options to be evaluated in detail. These options should aim to meet the predetermined objectives and must be able to be assessed against the remediation criteria.

Detailed Evaluation of Options - The next step is to conduct a detailed evaluation of the shortlisted options, to determine which options are the most suitable for dealing with each identified contaminant. This stage will consider each option, or combination of options, in a more practical way to narrow them down to one final option, or combination of options.

Selection of Final Remediation Option(s) & Remediation Strategy - The final remediation option, or options, will need to meet the options appraisal management and technical objectives and be assessed against the remediation criteria. There will often be a choice between a well-established strategy with a proven track record and a cheaper, less established strategy that may require post remediation monitoring for further verification. A cost-benefit analysis will need to be conducted, considering all stakeholders involved, in order to determine the best remediation option.

Why Do I Need a Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal?

Where an intrusive site investigation has identified contamination above acceptable levels, remediation must be carried out in order for the site to be made safe for its proposed use e.g. residential, commercial. UK legislation dictates that the land contamination risk assessment process is an integral part of any development project and if a Phase 2 Intrusive Site Investigation for a development identifies contamination, no development will be allowed until a Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal and Remediation Strategy is carried out and suitable remediation implemented. Carrying out an options appraisal may also allow you to avoid unnecessary and costly remediation work by identifying the most suitable and cost-effective remediation option(s) for your site.

How we can help - We regularly carry out Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisals, including Remediation Strategy for a range of projects on greenfield and brownfield land, so if you need a remediation options appraisal and strategy, we can help.

Meet Our Remediation Consultants

Consultants - Supervised by our Chief Technical Officer, Louis Turner, our fully comprehensive Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisals and Remediation Strategies, are carried out by highly qualified consultants, combining over 30 years experience with recognised in-depth technical qualifications in identification of contamination and environmental issues, as well as the implementation of remediation work.

Management - Our wealth of experience in project management, logistics and environmental consulting allows us to provide an efficient, friendly and high quality Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal service for our clients. As a company, we believe that helping clients achieve their goals while simultaneously protecting the environment is a true "win-win" situation.

Partners - Our experienced, professional and qualified construction and consulting partners further extend the range of environmental and land contamination services we are able to provide. Our partners provide our clients with services such as waste management, remediation implementation and construction services.

Contact Us - Contact us and let us know your requirements. Following initial consultation we can provide an outline proposal detailing how we can help and the costs involved. Our environmental consultants will then carry out a Phase 3 Remediation Options Appraisal, including Remediation Strategy, allowing you to stick to schedules and minimise any disruption to your project.

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