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LQM can help you procure, implement or review contaminated land services and develop bespoke solutions to your problems.
Current UK good practice guidance recommends a phased approach to the assessment and management of land contamination based around the development and updating of a conceptual site model (CSM). This process normally involves a desk study, walkover survey and preliminary risk assessment (Phase 1), followed by appropriate site investigation and quantitative risk assessment (Phase 2) to identify any unacceptable risks and, where necessary, risk management or remediation (Phase 3) to mitigate any such risks. We also offer peer review, expert witness and sustainability appraisal services.
The first step in any contaminated land assessment is the development of the initial conceptual site model (CSM), which identifies all potential pollutant linkages. The CSM is based on a comprehensive desk-top review of available documents (possibly including maps, aerial photographs, and archive documents) and a site walkover to identify the current status of the site, any hindrance to further investigation and any evidence not present in the documentary record.
LQM use state of the art KeyCSM software to develop the CSM and provide it in an understandable and updateable format. Potential pollutant linkages and uncertainties are clearly identified paving the way for a cost effective and well designed site investigation.
LQM provide clear comprehensive Phase 1 reports, which include descriptions of the desk study and walkover, a preliminary risk assessment and, if necessary, recommendations for further work to address the assumptions and uncertainties identified.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements in more detail.
Where the initial CSM has identified assumptions and uncertainties that require further assessment, an intrusive site investigation is likely to be required The nature and extent of such investigations will be site-specific and clearly based on the findings of the Phase 1 assessment.
LQM have considerable experience in producing and implementing appropriate site investigation designs (sampling and analytical strategies), which are cost-effective while generating sufficient quality and quantity of data to adequately characterise the site and allow any potential risks relating to contamination to be robustly assessed.
LQM recognise the importance of high quality site work and have procedures in place to ensure samples are collected in line with good practice. We have frequently carried out site investigations on difficult sites, with limited space and are well versed in ensuring good relations with site occupiers.
The SI process usually generates large amounts of data in terms of soil and groundwater laboratory data, trialpit/borehole logs, gas monitoring results and groundwater depth monitoring. Understanding and interpreting this data is a key element of the SI process that is essential in order to release the maximum benefit from the data.
LQM have a team of research trained scientists who can synthesise both qualitative and quantitative info to meet client needs within budget and time constraints. Tools and techniques used include:
Use of these diverse techniques allows us to maximise the information extracted from your expensive data.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements in more detail.
The potential risks identified in the initial CSM will require further quantitative assessment, using the data from the SI, to determine if they represent unacceptable risks and warrant further assessent or remedial intervention.
Quantitative assessment uses mathmatical algorithms to estimate the levels of contamination to which a receptor may be exposed, based on soil or groundwater concentrations, contaminant properties, site conditions etc. This assessment is then used to evaluate the signifciance of the level of contamination present. The nature of the algorithms vary depending on the types of receptor present at each site. LQM have capbilities in undertaking quantitative assessments with respect to:
The Phase 2 process should be fully reported in a detailed report, including a factual description of the SI works, an assessment of the data and the conclusions of the quantitative risk assessment. It should also include an updated CSM and conclusions about the need for further investigation/assessment or remediation.
We developed and license to others the LQM/CIEH Dose Response Roadmaps to allow a simpler assessment of the risks to human health under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (the "contaminated land" regime).
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Where the CSM indicates that unacceptable risk exist, risk management action is warranted. Although LQM is not a remediation contractor, we do have extensive experience in the selection of appropriate remedial solutions (known as options appraisal) at difficult and complex sites and the development of appropriate remedial strategies. We also have extensive experience in the review of verification or remedial completion reports.
LQM are able to derive appropriate remedial strategies for sites where suitabley robust Phase 2 risk assessments and up-to-date CSM are available.
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LQM staff can provide advanced peer review or expert witness services for areas compatible with our expertise.
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LQM are able to provide rapid and transparent sustainability appraisals of proposed remediation schemes or to advise on ways of remediating soil or groundwater in less environmentally intrusive ways.
Pease contact us to discuss your requirements in more detail.
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