AES-Marconi provides specialist pre-acquisition and Desktop / Walkover audits. The Preliminary Investigation consists of a Desktop Study which may be sufficient itself to determine whether or not a site is contaminated.  During these preliminary / desktop surveys AES-Marconi assess the potential contaminated land liabilities resulting from the existing and historical land use, the site setting and targets potentially susceptible to contamination.

During the preliminary survey we examine the history of a site, using records such as maps, plans, photographs, geological and hydrological data to gain information about; past owners/occupiers, industrial or commercial uses, raw materials, disposal of waste arisings, site layout (above and below ground, including the provision of services) and any mining history.

Desktop studies and initial site assessment include:

•    Visual Inspection of site
•    Collation and review of service locations
•    Geological, hydrogeological and hydrological setting reviews
•    Collation and review of historical information and mapping
•    Initial consultation and collation of information from statutory bodies
      such as local authorities, and Environmental Protection Agency
      in ROI  and the Environment Agency in Northern Ireland, as well as 
      nature and heritage organisations
•    Collation and review of previous assessments
•    Waste and Compliance audits
•    Initial assessment of potential risk and liabilities based upon
      identified potential sources, pathways and local sensitive receptors.

Upon completion a report is submitted which identifies any potentially sensitive receptors, e.g. humans, surface watercourses, aquifers, buildings or ecological receptors and collates the information relating to the site’s environmental setting i.e. geology, hydrogeology, industrial activity, location of controlled waters (canals, estuaries, lakes, ponds, rivers, springs, aquifers), pollution incidents and proximity to open/closed landfill sites.

This information is then used to perform a qualitative risk assessment for the site which via a conceptual model identifies any pollutant linkages present.

If Significant Pollutant Linkages are present then a Phase 2 site investigation may be required to quantify the risk and also to assess the potential for environmental liability associated with the site.