Phase 2 Investigation

If your Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment (desk study) identifies potential contamination, a Phase 2 Site Investigation is required. This intrusive investigation confirms the presence, type, and extent of contamination, and assesses risks to human health and the environment.

We recommend preparing a detailed Scope of Works outlining the investigation approach, contaminants of concern, and sampling methods. For planning condition discharge, it's advisable to obtain approval for both the Phase 1 Environmental Report and the Scope of Works from the local authority before starting the Phase 2 investigation to avoid any subsequent delays or additional costs.

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Phase 1

A Phase 2 Environmental Investigation is required when:

  • A Phase 1 Environmental Report identifies contamination risks
  • You’re discharging a planning condition
  • Supporting evidence for an environmental permit
  • To address site safety concerns under CDM regulations
  • Following an environmental incidents (e.g. oil spill) to assess contamination levels

Typical Phase 2 Investigation components can include:

Before beginning, we help you prepare a Scope of Works for approval - aligning with planning and regulatory expectations from the start.

These methods allow us to assess the type, extent, and location of any contamination, ensuring your development can proceed safely.

  • Ground Gas Monitoring or Vapour Monitoring

    For methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulphide and volatiles

  • Soil & groundwater sampling

    Trial pits and boreholes using hand augers, excavators and rigs

  • Laboratory Analysis

    Including soil, water, gas and vapour by accredited labs

  • Reporting

    Refining the conceptual model and risk assessment and recommendations for remediation or further action

Get started by requesting a FREE Phase 2 investigation quote

How much investigation is needed?

The scope of your Phase 2 contaminated land investigation depends on; site size; suspected contaminants; proposed land use; Phase 1 findings.

We use the Phase 1 report to target areas of concern, reducing unnecessary testing and delays.

Some investigations may take just a day, while others (e.g., ground gas monitoring) may require multiple site visits over several weeks.

We always balance regulatory compliance with cost-effectiveness.

What if contamination is found?

Working with you we will prepare a cost-effective remediation strategy after considering:

  • Proposed end use, residential, commercial, allotments.
  • Can the contamination be left in place and encapsulated?
  • Can site levels or layout be changed to minimize costs?
  • Can further testing minimise the area requiring remediation?
  • The optimal remedial solution for the contaminants on your site.

This will be followed by a Phase 4 verification report after the site has been remediated.

Get a no obligation Phase 2 quote

Why Choose Go Contaminated Land Solutions?

  • 20+ Years in Property

    Expertise you can trust. Our managing director has decades of experience in contaminated land issues.

  • Targeted, efficient investigations

    Site specific and cost effective so we don’t waste time or money on what you don’t need.

  • Regulatory Compliance

    Our reports are in full compliance with UK planning and environmental regulations

  • Top resources

    We use MCERTS-accredited labs and high-spec equipment (e.g., GFM436 gas analyser, RAE PID)

Get a free quote for your Phase 2 Site Investigation

We customize each investigation to suit your site conditions and risk profile, combining regulatory compliance with cost-effective delivery.

Whether you're developing brownfield land, submitting a planning application, or addressing planning conditions, we’ll deliver the right Phase 2 Environmental Site Investigation for your site.

Get a free quote without any obligation now

Frequently asked questions

Should SME Builders be Added to the Endangered Red List

Should SME Builders be Added to the Endangered Red List

Pocket Living, a housing developer, is driving a campaign to increase the contribution of SME housebuilders to new housing.

The proportion of housing supplied by SMEs has dropped significantly over the last few decades. 

An infill housing development on the site of former lock-up garages in southeast London illustrates what can be done

Brown, Grey, Green Field Land Development

Brown, Grey, Green Field Land Development

Advantages and Disadvantages, with Comparison to Greenfield and Greyfield Development.

Brownfield land development has emerged as a pivotal aspect of sustainable urban planning, addressing the challenges of urban sprawl and environmental degradation. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of brownfield development, delving into its advantages and disadvantages, while drawing comparisons to the more conventional approach of greenfield and the recently coined greyfield development.

Understanding Brownfield Land

New Permitted Development Rights for Farm Buildings come into Force this Week

New Permitted Development Rights for Farm Buildings come into Force this Week

On 21 May 2024 the government announced:

"Planning rules coming into force today make it easier to convert unused farm buildings into new homes, farm shops and gyms.

Farmers will be able to convert their unused buildings into new homes and shops thanks to new planning laws coming into effect today.

Unused brownfield sites with room for 1.2m homes in England, report says

Unused brownfield sites with room for 1.2m homes in England, report says

The Guardian reports on a CPRE analysis which found a record number of brownfield sites in England that have been identified for redevelopment and could provide 1.2m homes are lying dormant, according to an analysis. Read the article for more information.

Former MoD Site in Surrey

Former MoD Site in Surrey

Exciting to see the first phase of this residential development approach completion. We have been on site regularly from early on and have just completed verification for the first phase.

£1.8bn to Deliver Homes on Derelict Land

£1.8bn to Deliver Homes on Derelict Land

Hundreds of thousands of new homes will be built on derelict and unused land through a £1.8 billion package of investment to regenerate land and level up across the country, announced by the Chancellor in his Budget and Spending Review.

£300 million of locally-led grant funding will be awarded to Mayoral Combined Authorities and Local Authorities to unlock smaller brownfield sites for housing, promoting inner city regeneration and protecting the countryside.