Brownfield Site Development and Contaminated Land
Brownfield sites are usually well located and are well serviced by necessary infrastructure and transportation modes. This makes redevelopment of brownfield sites a far more sustainable use of resources rather than exhausting valuable green space. However problems with residual soil and groundwater contamination may be encountered on brownfield sites due to historical industrial activities. For these, Arup can provide a full range of environmental and geotechnical services for contaminated land investigation and risk assessment and remediation options.
Arup carry out one and phase two environmental site investigations, which comprise detailed desk studies followed by intrusive site investigation. Following site investigation and chemical analysis of soil and groundwater samples retrieved during the site investigation, Arup can complete a risk assessment using the source – pathway – target model in order to determine if any contamination is present and recommend the most appropriate form of remediation to facilitate the proposed development.
For some sites, a “dig and dump” option is adopted as the most appropriate form of site remediation. In these cases, once operations have commenced on site, Arup can prepare a method statement to ensure the safe and appropriate excavation, removal and suitable disposal of in situ contaminated material. Arup can also liaise with the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure compliance with waste management legislation and regulations.
An alternative option is to obtain a waste licence for the on-site remediation of contaminated material using a suitable active remediation technique. For such situations, Arup can assist in obtaining the waste licence. Arup can also complete a quantitative risk assessment taking into consideration the site characteristics and the potential for hazardous materials to migrate.
