What is a Site Investigation Report?

What is a Site Investigation Report?

A site investigation report is a document that summarises the findings of a site investigation, which is the process of collecting information about the ground conditions of a particular location.

During a site investigation, soils samples are taken at various depths using different types of equipment, ranging from hand tools to heavy machinery.

The information collected can then be used to characterise contaminants and identify pathways and receptors for risk assessments.

They will also highlight the sites geological and geotechnical condition.

Why Do We Need Site Investigation Reports?

Cost Saving

Site investigation reports play a crucial role in saving money by providing essential information about soil conditions. By assessing whether soil treatment is necessary, unnecessary expenses can be avoided. Moreover, if soil treatment is required, the report enables the identification of treatment methods that allow the reused soil to be utilized on-site.

Accurate classification of materials further aid in locating suitable waste disposal sites and planning cost-effective transportation routes, resulting in overall cost reduction.

Enhanced Safety

Having detailed information about the characteristics of the site soils is vital for ensuring safety. A site investigation report helps identify any unsafe ground conditions that may be unable to support structures properly. It also enables the identification of specific soil types that pose risks to nearby buildings and on-site workers. Without this report, workers may be unaware of potential hazards, exposing them to unnecessary risks and compromising safety on the construction site.

Optimal Construction Material Selection

A site investigation report provides valuable insights that aid in selecting the most appropriate construction materials. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the site soils, informed decisions can be made regarding the materials best suited for the project. This ensures that the chosen materials align with the specific soil conditions, resulting in improved construction quality and long-term stability.

The Different Phases of a Site Investigation?

Phase 1: Preliminary Risk Assessment

The preliminary risk assessment, also known as a desk study, is the first stage of a site investigation. It involves reviewing published information and records, such as old maps and historical photos of the site. A geotechnical engineer may also conduct a walk-over survey. The primary objective of this phase is to gather data and information to create a comprehensive understanding of the site’s environmental setting, including geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, site history, mining and quarrying activities, landfill and waste presence, and any regulatory concerns. This assessment allows consultants to identify significant features and potential sources of contamination. In fact, many local authorities now require a desk study as part of a planning submission.

Phase 2: Site Investigation

The second phase of a site investigation builds upon the findings of Phase 1 and involves a more intrusive approach. Techniques used in this phase include borehole drilling, trial pitting, and sampling and testing to determine the presence and severity of contamination. The aim is to physically inspect potential contamination sources and gather more detailed information about the site’s conditions.

Phase 3: Remediation

Phase 3 is undertaken after sufficient information about the site has been gathered. It involves four stages: developing a remediation strategy, implementing the remediation measures, producing a verification report, and conducting long-term monitoring and maintenance if necessary. The goal of this phase is to develop a land remediation strategy that aims to remove all identified pollutants. The strategy should provide site remediation criteria for the relevant contaminants, which are achievable and aim to eliminate unacceptable risks. The four stages ensure that the remediation efforts are planned, executed, and verified effectively.

Phase 4: Validation

Phase 4, also known as the validation phase or verification report, is essential for ensuring that planning conditions are satisfied and allowing proposed developments to proceed. The main objective of this phase is to confirm that the measures implemented as part of the remediation strategy have successfully mitigated the identified risks to satisfactory levels. The validation report provides detailed information about the work undertaken during the remediation process and serves as evidence of compliance with regulatory requirements and environmental standards.