Expert contaminated land assessment & remediation services across the UK
At H Fraser Consulting, our dedicated contaminated land team works with clients across the UK to identify and manage environmental risks early, before they become costly problems. With deep expertise and a proactive approach, we help you make informed decisions about land use, reduce business risk, meet legal obligations, and plan smart, sustainable remediation strategies.
Our contaminated land survey experience
Our team brings together specialists in land quality assessment, with decades of experience. We maintain excellent relationships with clients and regulators alike. We ensure a seamless approach to land contamination assessment, mitigation, and redevelopment, and can support clients with:
- Due diligence for land and property acquisitions
- Support with the discharge of planning conditions
- Guidance for brownfield redevelopment
- Environmental permit and regulatory compliance
- Pollution incident management
- Liability risk assessments for commercial and industrial land
- Tailored assessments for cemeteries and treated sewage effluent
- We’re also leading conversations around soil health as a valuable resource. Our team can carry out soil resource surveys to support sustainable development and long-term land value.
Contaminated land risk assessment & remediation solutions:
- Site walkovers
- Preliminary Risk Assessment (Phase 1 desk study reports)
- Generic Quantitative Risk Assessments (Phase 2 contaminated land site investigations)
- Human health screening and risk assessment
- Controlled waters screening and risk assessment
- Ground gas risk assessment
- Assessment of groundwater contamination
- Groundwater investigation, sampling and monitoring
- Detailed quantitative risk assessment (DQRA)
- Contaminant fate and transport modelling (RAM)
- Contaminated land and water remediation
- Remediation options appraisal
- Remediation strategy
- Validation testing and reporting
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Ground Condition chapters;
- Waste soils and contamination advice
- Extractive Waste Management Plans (WMP) & risk assessment for quarries
- Environmental monitoring design and implementation
- Cemetery Risk Assessment
- Treated sewage effluent risk assessment
- Expert witness for land contamination dispute resolution
- Compliance with environmental permits
- Landfill risk assessment
FAQs: How do you assess contamination risk?
Phase 1 desk study report – this is the first step in identifying potential land or groundwater contamination risks. It involves a detailed desktop study and, if necessary, a site walkover to assess historical and current site conditions. This qualitative preliminary risk assessment helps developers, planners, and investors make informed decisions about land use and regulatory compliance and makes recommendations for further investigative intrusive works if required.
Phase 2 site investigation & Generic Quantitative Risk Assessment (GQRA) – if potential contamination risks are identified, a Phase 2 Site Investigation may be required. This involves intrusive ground investigations such as borehole drilling, trial pitting, and soil, groundwater, and gas sampling. Our experts assess contamination levels, determine remediation needs, and support planning applications and due diligence assessments. Our team of consultants are experienced in delivering best value Phase 2 site investigations, in a wide range of settings across the UK.
It might be prudent to consider Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) when undertaking Phase II site investigation works to avoid duplicating efforts and lessen the overall cost of intrusive works. In particular, obtaining winter groundwater levels is an important part of assessing SuDS options. We work sensibly to consider what is the most cost-effective way forward for the client to obtain maximum results.
Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment (DQRA) – advanced environmental risk assessment is used to evaluate the potential impact of land contamination on human health, controlled waters (such as groundwater and rivers), and ecological receptors. We build upon initial assessments, by using site-specific data and complex modelling to provide a more precise evaluation of contamination risks.
Ground gas risk assessment – we provide ground gas risk assessments at all stages of development, from Phase 1 desk studies to Phase 2 site investigations and Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessments (DQRA) if required. Our experts identify risks, conduct gas monitoring, and develop mitigation strategies to ensure regulatory compliance and site safety.
Contaminant fate and transport modelling – contaminant transport modelling predicts how pollutants move through soil, water, and air, helping assess environmental risks. It is essential for understanding potential contamination spread over time, especially if the land is being considered for redevelopment or land use change. Principal Consultant, Kim Gray, is an expert in risk assessment analysis and has been instrumental in developing RAM (Risk Assessment Model) software which is used to aid industry professionals in contamination modelling.
Risk Assessment Model (RAM) – RAM3 is a customisable, quantitative decision tool for risk-based groundwater assessment and decision-making in brownfield redevelopment and environmental protection. Kim is one of the few experts in the country who can offer support on RAM3 software, so please reach out if you require assistance.
Remediation & Land Restoration – remediation services restore contaminated land value and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. We offer remediation strategy development & implementation, regulatory negotiation & contractor management, and site supervision & validation reporting.
Pollution Incident Management – rapid response to pollution incidents minimises environmental and financial risks. We offer spill response management, regulatory liaison, and development of remediation solutions.
Cemetery Risk Assessment – cemetery risk assessments are essential to understand the extent of contamination and assess its potential impact on human health, local ecosystems, and nearby water supplies. We provide site investigations, groundwater assessments, and contaminant modelling to identify risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) – we specialise in preparing and reviewing Environmental Statements (ES) and key chapters of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), ensuring technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and a smooth planning process. Our expertise covers Ground Conditions, Hydrology, Flood Risk, Drainage, Groundwater and Water Quality, helping developers, planners, and environmental consultants deliver robust assessments that support sustainable development.
Expert witness services for land contamination disputes – we provide expert witness services for land contamination disputes, offering independent, professional analysis and testimony to support legal cases, planning appeals, and regulatory challenges. Our experienced environmental directors deliver clear, evidence-based assessments on contamination risks, remediation requirements, and regulatory compliance. Whether representing developers, landowners, legal teams, or local authorities, we provide authoritative written reports and robust oral evidence to help resolve disputes effectively.
Contact us today to see how we can help.
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