Southwest Environmental have conducted a desktop study to appraise land contamination at a site in Ealing London, on behalf of a development company.

The site was empty, and currently unused. Histroic searches showed that the site used to be occupied by a cinema.

Although it was thought that there was low risk from contaminated from this use, there were concerns raised over the possible presence of asbestos, and the also the integrity of control measures applied to a sub station in one corner of the site. 

A site investigation was therefore recommended, soil sampling in the area adjcent to the electricy sub staion to test for PCBs and soil sampling else where to test for the presence of asbestos.

Desktop Study London

Desktop Study – Exmouth

Acting on instruction received from an architect in Devon, a phase 1 contamination survey was conducted at a property situated in close proximity to historic mine workings. The dwelling which is established on site is in fact an old engine shed / pump house left over from historic mining in the area.

The geology in the area was very complex, with numerous faults and metamorphosed mud stones and shale, it is likely that the mineral working were advanced in search of hydro thermal deposits.

It became apprent through the review of histroic maps that mining had been carried out on site since before 1889.

In this instance further work was unavoidable, as so a site investigation and quantitative risk assessment were recommended.

Desktop Study Exeter

It was unclear of the past use of the building and so a desktop study was recommended to try and pin down some of the past uses. The building had been labelled as “works” on historic maps and, there were various agency listings for trades at the premises.

It was recommended that caution should be exercised in purchasing the property as without a site investigation it was unclear as to whether the ground was contaminated.