The investigation, assessment and clean-up (remediation) of contaminated land can be split into a series of four phases:

Phase 1 - Preliminary risk assessment

A Phase 1 assessment is required to obtain a good understanding of a site's history, its setting and its potential to be affected by contamination. A Phase 1 comprises a desktop study, a site walkover survey and a conceptual site model.

Phase 2 - Site investigation and risk assessment

If Phase 1 indicates that there is a potential for contamination, a Phase 2 will be required. Phase 2 comprises site investigation and risk assessment, to determine whether there are any unacceptable risks to people, property or the environment.

Phase 3 - Remediation

If Phase 2 identifies any unacceptable risks, then Phase 3 (known as remediation) will be required. Remediation involves the clean-up of a site to ensure that it is safe and suitable for use. Remediation can take many forms e.g. excavating contamination or installing a cover system.

Phase 4 - Verification

Phase 4 works, known as verification or validation, are undertaken following remediation. The purpose is to identify the success of the remediation works. If a cover system has been used, please refer to the verification requirements for cover systems guidance - available to download from this page.