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.

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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

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.

Water Shortages & SuDS in a Soggy Summer

Water Shortages & SuDS in a Soggy Summer

It may seem odd to be talking water shortage in a very soggy summer but the fact of the matter is that water shortages are an issue in some areas and will only increase with time.

As an illustration MP for South Cambridgeshire, Anthony Browne appears to be unimpressed with the government’s development plans for the area: “unless the Government can say where the water will come from, it’s plans are dead on arrival”.

CHAS Advanced Accreditation

CHAS Advanced Accreditation

GO Contaminated Land Solutions is pleased to announce that we have obtained CHAS Advanced Accreditation.  CHAS is the Contractors Health and Safety Scheme.  It is trusted as the leading provider of compliance and risk management solutions in the UK, setting benchmarks across a number of industries.  These include construction, housing and development.

Just Build Homes launches new portal

Just Build Homes launches new portal

Just Build Homes say:

"Just Build Homes is a platform that connects supporters of housebuilding with the planning process to get more homes of all types built.

Over 5,000 people across the UK are now part of the Just Build Homes community. We have launched a new portal that enables anyone - a local resident, applicant or their agents - to add a scheme to build support. And what's more, it's free."

Can the Nutrient Mitigation Scheme unlock developments

Can the Nutrient Mitigation Scheme unlock developments

New housing developments, hotels and student accommodation, in the vicinity of vulnerable watercourses must demonstrate that they do not increase phosphate and nitrate levels beyond pre-consent levels.

The new ‘Nutrient Mitigation Scheme’ has been set up to enable developers to purchase government-backed credits, with the revenues raised invested in new and expanded wetlands and woodlands.

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.