FORAGEO provides end-to-end environmental site assessment services to help clients understand and manage land contamination risks for development, transactions, and regulatory compliance.

Our team of environmental scientists and engineers applies internationally recognized frameworks to deliver proportionate, defensible assessments across industrial, commercial, brownfield, and infrastructure sites. We work closely with regulators and planning authorities to ensure that all investigations and reports meet relevant legislative and planning requirements.

Our Phased Environmental Assessment Services

• Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Desk Study)

We undertake detailed desk-based studies, including review of historical mapping, regulatory records, geological and hydrogeological information, and environmental sensitivity. Site walkover surveys are used to verify current conditions and refine the preliminary conceptual site model, identifying potential contamination sources, pathways, and receptors and determining whether intrusive investigation is required.

• Phase II Intrusive Investigation

Where Phase I identifies potential risks, we design and implement targeted intrusive investigations. This includes soil, groundwater, and soil gas sampling from strategically selected locations to test the conceptual site model, confirm or dismiss potential pollutant linkages, and quantify contaminant concentrations against relevant screening criteria.

• Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment (DQRA)

For sites where generic screening indicates potential risks, we undertake site-specific DQRA using validated exposure models and industry-standard software. This allows us to evaluate risks to human health, controlled waters, and ecological receptors under current and proposed land-use scenarios, supporting proportionate and defensible risk management decisions.

• Remediation Options Appraisal

When contamination requires management, we assess feasible remediation technologies and strategies, including excavation and disposal, in-situ treatment, containment, and monitored natural attenuation. Our focus is on cost-effective, practical solutions that align with project objectives, regulatory expectations, and programme constraints.

• Validation & Verification Reporting

Following remediation, we carry out verification sampling and prepare clear, auditable validation reports. These demonstrate that remediation objectives have been met and confirm that the site is suitable for its intended use, supporting planning condition discharge and regulatory sign-off.

Investigation Methodology & Analytical Capability

Our investigations follow a structured, phased approach consistent with established contaminated land frameworks. Phase I studies combine historical data review, regulatory database searches, and on-site reconnaissance to develop a robust conceptual site model.

Phase II investigations are designed to be targeted and proportionate, using appropriate drilling and sampling techniques, strict chain-of-custody procedures, and quality-assured field methods. Samples are analysed by UKAS-accredited laboratories using validated methods for a wide range of contaminants, including:

• Heavy metals and metalloids
• Petroleum hydrocarbons
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Asbestos in soils
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Risk assessment is undertaken using a tiered approach, starting with comparison to generic assessment criteria and progressing to detailed quantitative modelling where necessary. This ensures that outcomes are technically robust, transparent, and aligned with regulatory guidance.

Applications Across Sectors

Our environmental site assessments support:

• Property Transactions – Pre-acquisition due diligence to identify contamination liabilities, inform negotiations, and satisfy lender requirements for commercial and industrial assets.
• Planning & Development – Assessments to support planning applications, discharge conditions, and demonstrate suitability of sites for residential, commercial, or mixed-use development.
• Regulatory Compliance – Investigations to address environmental permits, Part 2A determinations, and Environmental Damage Regulations obligations.
• Industrial Operations – Baseline and ongoing monitoring for operational facilities, as well as decommissioning assessments at closure.
• Infrastructure Projects – Corridor-wide assessments for roads, rail, pipelines, and other linear infrastructure to manage contamination risks during construction and long-term operation.

Why Work with FORAGEO

FORAGEO combines technical expertise with a practical, commercially aware approach to contaminated land management. We focus on proportionate investigation and risk assessment, ensuring that scope and cost are aligned with the level of risk and project needs.

Our established relationships with regulators and planning authorities help streamline approvals, reduce uncertainty, and minimise delays. We provide clear, well-structured reporting with transparent risk communication and actionable recommendations, enabling confident decision-making for land acquisition, development, and ongoing environmental management.