Environmental Services
Environmental site assessment, soil and groundwater investigation, and contamination risk evaluation
Environmental Services by Global Surveys help clients identify potential land contamination, document site conditions and plan proportionate action before property transactions, development, operational changes or site closure.
Global Surveys is a TIC Council member and maintains ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation for defined inspection activities. Accreditation applies to the activities and locations listed in the relevant accreditation schedule; coverage is confirmed for each assignment.
- Contamination RisksIdentify potential sources associated with historical and current site activities.
- Targeted InvestigationPlan soil and groundwater sampling around site conditions and assessment objectives.
- Baseline RecordsDocument the investigated environmental condition at a defined point in time.
- Clear ReportsBring together observations, analytical findings, limitations and recommendations.
Environmental Services for Site Assessment
Global Surveys supports industrial operators, property owners, developers, investors and project teams in assessing potential contamination before acquisition, redevelopment, operational changes or site closure.
Historical review, site inspection and targeted investigation help identify concerns that could affect project planning, environmental compliance reviews and intended land use. Work is tailored to the site history and assessment objectives.
Preliminary Environmental Site Assessment
Review historical land use, available records, neighbouring activities and current site conditions to identify potential contamination sources. A site walkover and relevant interviews establish areas of concern and information gaps. This preliminary, normally non-intrusive assessment informs whether a targeted investigation is needed.
- Historical and current land use
- Site walkover and relevant interviews
- Relevant neighbouring activities
- Areas of concern and information gaps
Soil Sampling and Contamination Investigation
Investigate suspected soil contamination through a targeted sampling plan. Locations, depths and analytical parameters reflect the site history, potential sources and assessment objectives. Documented collection and sample handling provide traceability for laboratory analysis and help determine whether additional investigation or risk management is warranted.
- Targeted sampling locations and depths
- Sample identification and preservation
- Chain of custody and field quality controls
- Laboratory results review
Groundwater Sampling and Assessment
Assess potential groundwater impacts using suitable wells or monitoring points. The investigation considers the site geology, groundwater conditions and potential contaminant migration. Field measurements, sample handling and analytical results support evaluation of relevant water-related risks and the need for further assessment.
- Available geological and groundwater information
- Suitable access and sampling points
- Field measurements and traceable records
- Groundwater quality evaluation
Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Other Contaminants
Choose analytical testing to reflect the substances used, stored or released at the site. The suite can address petroleum-related compounds, relevant metals and metalloids, solvents and other justified contaminants. Laboratory methods and reporting limits are matched to the investigation objectives and assessment criteria.
- Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)
- Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX)
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
- Relevant metals, including lead, cadmium and arsenic, and other justified contaminants
Industrial and Former Operational Sites
Investigate industrial premises, fuel storage areas, former factories, workshops and redevelopment land. The assessment focuses on activities and site features most likely to explain suspected contamination, including historical storage, production, maintenance and waste handling. Findings guide the location and scope of further investigation.
- Fuel storage tanks and transfer areas
- Former process and manufacturing zones
- Waste handling and maintenance locations
- Potential migration from neighbouring sites
Environmental Risk Assessment
Evaluate how identified or suspected contaminants could reach people, groundwater or other relevant receptors. A conceptual site model connects sources, migration or exposure pathways and the receptors that may be affected. The assessment considers current or proposed land use, relevant criteria and remaining uncertainties.
- Contaminant sources, pathways and receptors
- Justified assessment criteria
- Significant findings and information gaps
- Prioritised risk management recommendations
What You Receive
The report brings together the agreed assessment work, documented findings and priorities for action.
Assessment Report
Site background, assessment objectives, methods, observations and clearly stated limitations.
Sampling and Laboratory Records
Where included: sampling-location plans, sample references, relevant field and chain-of-custody records, and laboratory results.
Contamination and Risk Summary
Areas of concern, interpretation against relevant criteria, the site model and remaining information gaps.
Prioritised Next Steps
Recommendations for further investigation, monitoring, site management or remediation planning, with the basis for each recommendation.
Review Global Surveys’ inspection accreditations and their defined scopes.
Environmental Assessment Before Acquisition, Development and Site Closure
Property Acquisition and Environmental Due Diligence
Before purchase, lease or investment, an environmental site assessment helps identify contamination concerns that may affect the intended use of a property. Findings inform due diligence and help clients plan further investigation before making a commitment.
Development and Rehabilitation Planning
For redevelopment and rehabilitation projects, contamination assessment helps project teams understand ground conditions before excavation or changes in land use. Early investigation can inform site planning, soil management and the need for specialist advice or remediation.
Operational Changes and Site Closure
Changes in production, storage arrangements or occupancy can create a need to review site condition. Assessment at closure or handover can document the investigated condition, identify unresolved concerns and establish priorities for follow-up.
Environmental Baseline and Remediation Recommendations
Soil and Groundwater Baseline Assessment
Document the investigated soil and groundwater condition at a defined reference date. The report states the assessed areas, depths, parameters and limitations, including any existing contamination. This record can support project planning, handover and comparisons with later assessments.
Further Investigation and Remediation Planning
Where findings warrant further action, recommend additional sampling, investigation of contamination extent, monitoring or appraisal of remediation options. Recommendations reflect the evidence, relevant risks and project objectives.
Scope and methods. Assessment methods, analytical requirements and evaluation criteria are agreed before work starts. Where accreditation is required, laboratory coverage is checked for the relevant tests and sample types. Remediation design, physical clean-up and verification require separate agreement.
Relevant technical references may include ASTM environmental site assessment standards, ISO guidance for potentially contaminated sites and ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory competence requirements, alongside applicable local requirements.
How Global Surveys Performs Environmental Assessments
Define the Assessment Scope
Confirm the purpose, location, current and proposed land use, timescale and required deliverables.
Review Available Information
Review historical records, site plans, previous investigations and relevant operational information.
Inspect the Site and Plan Investigation
Inspect accessible areas and develop a targeted investigation plan where warranted.
Collect and Analyse Samples Where Required
Collect, identify, preserve and transfer samples under agreed quality controls. Coordinate suitable laboratory testing.
Evaluate Findings and Prepare the Report
Interpret observations and analytical results against justified criteria, explaining findings and uncertainties.
Support Follow-Up Decisions
Provide prioritised next steps for further investigation, monitoring, site management or remediation planning.
Environmental Services Coverage
The final scope depends on site history, location, access, assessment objectives and available evidence.
| Service Area | Typical Support |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Site Assessment | Historical land-use review, site walkover, interviews and identification of potential contamination concerns. |
| Soil Investigation | Targeted sampling, laboratory coordination and evaluation of soil contamination findings. |
| Groundwater Assessment | Sampling from suitable access points, analytical review and recommendations for further assessment. |
| Industrial Site Assessment | Investigation of potentially affected factories, fuel storage areas, workshops and redevelopment sites. |
| Environmental Baseline | Documentation of investigated soil and groundwater conditions at a defined reference date. |
| Risk Assessment and Recommendations | Evaluation of relevant risks, uncertainties and priorities for further investigation or remediation planning. |
Environmental Services FAQs
What is an environmental site assessment?
An environmental site assessment reviews site history and conditions to identify potential contamination concerns. It can include records review, site inspection, targeted sampling, laboratory analysis and risk evaluation, depending on the objectives.
What is the difference between Phase I and Phase II assessment?
Phase I normally involves historical records, interviews and a site walkover. Phase II involves targeted investigation, often including soil or groundwater sampling, to examine specific concerns. The agreed scope determines the methods and deliverables.
Which contaminants can be assessed?
The analytical scope can include petroleum hydrocarbons, relevant metals and metalloids, solvents and other substances associated with site activities. The testing suite reflects the site history, investigation objectives and applicable requirements.
Does a baseline assessment confirm that a site is uncontaminated?
A baseline records the investigated condition at a particular time and may identify existing contamination. Its conclusions apply to the assessed areas, parameters and conditions, with limitations stated in the report.
Is environmental site assessment the same as environmental impact assessment?
This service focuses on land contamination and soil and groundwater conditions. Environmental impact assessment considers the broader effects of a proposed project and requires a separate scope.
Can Global Surveys recommend remediation?
Reports can recommend further investigation, monitoring and consideration of remediation options. Remediation design, clean-up execution and verification require separately agreed technical and delivery arrangements.
Are all environmental activities covered by the same accreditation?
Accreditation applies only to the activities and locations listed in the relevant schedule. Inspection and laboratory accreditation coverage is confirmed for the requested work.
How can clients request an environmental assessment?
Use the quotation form, select Testing, Inspection and Verification, and identify the request as Environmental Services. Include the site location, land-use history, assessment purpose and required timing in Service Details.
Request an Environmental Assessment
Tell us about your site and the decision you need to support. We will review the objectives, location and available information to confirm the assessment scope and delivery arrangements.
- Site Location
- Country, city and site address.
- Current and Previous Use
- Operations, storage activities and known site history.
- Assessment Purpose
- Acquisition, redevelopment, baseline, operational review or closure.
- Available Information
- Previous studies, site plans and known contamination concerns.
- Timing
- Intended assessment date and reporting deadline.
- Site Access
- Access constraints and the appropriate site contact.
On the RFQ form, select Testing, Inspection and Verification and begin Service Details with Environmental Services. List any existing reports or plans so the team can confirm how to share them.