Site Investigation &
Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment
Service: Phase 1 & 2 Environmental Site Assessment (Due Diligence Assessment & Site Investigation)
Location: Cikampek, West Java, INDONESIA
Client: Global Car Components Manufacturer
Project Value: Confidential
SLP Environmental was commissioned to undertake a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (Phase 1 ESA) and limited Phase 2 Geoenvironmental Site Investigation for a light industrial unit as part of the business transaction due diligence process. The assessment was undertaken as the client was considering acquiring the study site to construct a new foam plant. As part of the transaction due diligence process they required the environmental baseline conditions to be established and an assessment undertaken as to whether any potential environmental liabilities are associated with the study site. The assessment was undertaken and reported in accordance with guidance presented in ASTM E1527 - 05; Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process” insofar as is practicable in the Republic of Indonesia.
The primary objective of the Phase 1 ESA was to assess whether recognized environmental conditions (REC) were present at the study site. The assessment comprised the production of a pre-audit questionnaire for completion by the facilities management, a detailed inspection of the site and its environs, interviews with key staff and a review of the records and data compiled by local management at our request. Desk study research was also undertaken with respect to the environmental sensitivity of the study site area and this included information on historic landuses, local geology and hydrogeology, hydrology and local ecosystems.
The Phase 2 ESA site investigation locations were targeted to focus on areas of potential environmental concern that were identified during the preceding Phase 1 ESA. The scope of works comprised the rotary boring of several probe holes across the study site to a depth of approximately 5m below ground level (bgl) and the recovery of soil samples for laboratory analysis at 1m intervals and wherever a change in strata or the presence of potential contamination was noted.
Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in several of the soil bores and these were developed and purged in accordance with industry best practice prior to the groundwater samples being recovered. The recovered soil and groundwater samples were scheduled for environmental testing for a bespoke range of organic and inorganic chemical analyses at a laboratory accredited to the appropriate international quality standards. A coordinates and elevation survey relative to mean sea level was undertaken at each probehole location and this data was utilised to determine the hydraulic gradient and determine shallow groundwater flow direction.
The soil and groundwater test results were compared with Dutch Quality Standards (Tier 1 Screening) for an industrial site use to assess if past and current activities on the site had resulted in soil contamination at levels that may represent an unacceptable risk to human and/or environmental receptors and/or have a material effect on the transaction.
Service: Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (Site Investigation)
Location: Chemical Production Facility, Shah Alam, MALAYSIAClient: Global Industrial Chemicals Manufacturer
Project Value: Confidential
SLP Environmental Consultants (Malaysia) was appointed to undertake a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (Phase 2 ESA) at a chemical production and hazardous substances storage and distribution facility in Peninsula Malaysia to assess whether past and/or current activities on the site had resulted in soil and groundwater contamination. The Phase 2 ESA was instructed by the vendor as part of the divestment due diligence process and the site investigation report was uploaded into the transaction data room.
The Phase 2 ESA site investigation locations were targeted to focus on areas of potential environmental concern that were identified during the preceding Phase 1 ESA. The scope of works comprised the rotary boring of several probe holes across the study site to a depth of approximately 10m below ground level (bgl) and the recovery of soil samples for laboratory analysis at 1m intervals and wherever a change in strata or the presence of potential contamination was noted.
Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in several of the soil bores and these were developed and purged in accordance with industry best practice prior to the groundwater samples being recovered. The recovered soil and groundwater samples were scheduled for environmental testing for a bespoke range of organic and inorganic chemical analyses at a laboratory accredited to the appropriate international quality standards. A coordinates and elevation survey relative to mean sea level was undertaken at each probehole location and this data was utilised to determine the hydraulic gradient and determine shallow groundwater flow direction.
The soil test results were compared with US EPA Soil Quality Standards (Tier 1 Screening) for an industrial site use to assess if past and current activities on the site had resulted in soil contamination at levels that may represent an unacceptable risk to human and/or environmental receptors. The groundwater underlying the study site is not used for potable supply but does provide baseflow to local rivers so the test results were screened against Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) protective of aquatic life.
The reporting included a qualitative risk assessment for each identified potentially vulnerable human and environmental receptor and an overall risk rating for the study site along with environmental managment recommendations.
Service: Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (Site Investigation)
Location: Chemical Production Facility, THAILAND
Client: Global Industrial Chemicals Manufacturer
Project Value: Confidential
SLP Environmental Consultants was appointed to undertake a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (Phase 2 ESA) at a chemical production, storage and distribution facility in Central Thailand to assess whether past and/or current activities on the site had resulted in soil and groundwater contamination. The Phase 2 ESA was instructed by a potential purchaser of the facility as part of the pre-acquisition environmental due diligence process.
The Phase 2 ESA site investigation locations were targeted to focus on areas of potential environmental concern that were identified during the preceding Phase 1 ESA. The scope of works comprised the rotary boring of several probe holes across the study site to a depth of approximately 5m below ground level (bgl) and the recovery of soil samples for laboratory analysis at 1m intervals and wherever a change in strata or the presence of potential contamination was noted.
Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in several of the soil bores and these were developed and purged in accordance with industry best practice prior to the groundwater samples being recovered. The recovered soil and groundwater samples were scheduled for environmental testing for a bespoke range of organic and inorganic chemical analyses at a laboratory accredited to the appropriate international quality standards. A coordinates and elevation survey relative to mean sea level was undertaken at each probehole location and this data was utilised to determine the hydraulic gradient and determine shallow groundwater flow direction.
The soil test results were compared with generic Thai Guideline Values for an industrial site use to assess if past and current activities on the site had resulted in soil contamination at levels that may represent an unacceptable risk to human and/or environmental receptors. The groundwater results were screened against Thai Groundwater Quality Standards to assess whether the shallow groundwater body had been impacted as a result of operations on the study site.
The interpretative reporting included a qualitative risk assessment for each identified potentially vulnerable human and environmental receptor along with an overall environmental risk rating for the study site. The report also included recommendations for further assessment and environmental management measures in order to better quantify and control the potential environmental risks.
Service: Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment
Location: Steel Foundry, Eastern THAILAND
Client: Global Heavy Lifting Gear Manufacturer
Project Value: Confidential
SLP Environmental Consultants was appointed to undertake a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (intrusive site investigation) at a steel foundry facility located on the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand to assess whether past and/or current activities on the study site had resulted in soil and groundwater contamination. The Phase 2 ESA was instructed by a potential purchaser of the facility as part of the pre-acquisition environmental due diligence process.
The Phase 2 ESA site investigation locations were targeted to focus on areas of potential environmental concern that were identified during the preceding Phase 1 ESA and the scope of works comprised the rotary boring of several probe holes across the study site to a depth of approximately 5m below ground level (bgl) and the recovery of soil samples for laboratory analysis.
Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in several of the soil bores and these were developed and purged in accordance with industry best practice in order to obtain a representative sample from the shallow groundwater body. Field monitoring for parameters such as pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen was then undertaken prior to groundwater samples being recovered for laboratory analysis. The recovered soil and groundwater samples were scheduled for environmental testing for a bespoke range of organic and inorganic chemical analyses including heavy metals and volatile and semi-volatile compounds at a laboratory accredited to the appropriate international quality standards. A coordinates and elevation survey relative to mean sea level was undertaken at each borehole location and this data was utilised to determine the hydraulic gradient and shallow groundwater flow direction.
The soil and groundwater test results were compared with Thai Guideline Values published by the Pollution Control Department to assess if past and current activities on the site had resulted in soil or groundwater contamination. The interpretative reporting included a qualitative risk assessment for each identified potentially vulnerable human and environmental receptor along with an overall environmental risk rating for the study site. The report also included recommendations for further assessment and environmental management measures in order to better quantify and control the identified potential environmental risks.
Service: Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment
Location: Aircraft Engine Components Manufacturing
Facility, Eastern Seaboard, THAILAND
Client: Global Aircraft Engine Manufacturer
Project Value: Confidential
SLP Environmental Consultants was appointed to undertake a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (intrusive geoenvironmental site investigation) at a former aero-engine precision components manufacturing facility located on the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand. The primary objective of the study was to assess whether past activities on the study site had resulted in unacceptable soil and groundwater contamination. The Phase 2 ESA was instructed by a potential purchaser of the facility as part of the pre-acquisition environmental due diligence process.
The Phase 2 ESA site investigation locations were targeted to focus on areas of potential environmental concern that were identified during the preceding Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment and the scope of works comprised the rotary boring of several exploratory holes across the study site to depths ranging from 6-8m below ground level (bgl) and the recovery of soil samples for laboratory analysis.
Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in several of the soil bores and these were developed and purged in accordance with industry best practice in order to obtain a representative sample from the shallow groundwater body. Field monitoring for parameters such as pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen was then undertaken prior to groundwater samples being recovered for laboratory analysis. The recovered soil and groundwater samples were scheduled for environmental testing for a comprehensive range of parameters including heavy metals and volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) at a laboratory accredited to the appropriate international quality standards. A coordinates and elevation survey was also undertaken at each borehole location in order to determine the hydraulic gradient in the shallow aquifer.
The soil and groundwater test results were compared with Thai Quality Standards as published by the Pollution Control Department and the interpretative reporting included a qualitative risk assessment for each identified potentially vulnerable human and environmental receptor along with an overall environmental risk rating for the study site.
Service: Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment
Location: Personal Care Products Manufacturing Facility,
Samut Prakarn, THAILAND
Client: Global Cosmetics Manufacturer
Project Value: Confidential
SLP Environmental Consultants was appointed to undertake a focused Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (intrusive site investigation) at a personal care products manufacturing facility located in SE Bangkok. The Phase 2 ESA was instructed by a potential purchaser of the facility as part of the pre-acquisition environmental due diligence process and SLP were originally retained to undertake a gap analysis of the vendors’ consultants Phase 2 ESA which identified significant omissions in their scope of works. SLP were consequently commissioned to undertake a targeted Phase 2 ESA at the study site.
The Phase 2 ESA site investigation locations were targeted to focus on areas of potential environmental concern that were identified during the peer review of the vendors consultants report and the scope of works comprised the boring of probe holes in targeted areas to 5m below ground level (bgl) and the recovery of soil samples for laboratory analysis.
Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in the soil bores and these were developed and purged in accordance with industry best practice in order to obtain a representative sample from the shallow groundwater body. The recovered soil and groundwater samples were scheduled for environmental testing for a targeted suite of determinands which included ammoniacal nitrogen, faecal coliform and E-Coli bacteria and asbestos containing materials (ACMs).
The soil & groundwater test results were compared with Thai & International Quality Standards and the reporting included a qualitative risk assessment for each identified potentially vulnerable human and environmental receptor and an overall environmental risk rating for the study site.
Service: Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment
Location: Former Military Barracks, Central Bangkok, THAILAND
Client: International Government
Project Value: Confidential
SLP Environmental was appointed by the Australian Government to undertake a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment (intrusive geoenvironmental site investigation) on a large plot of prime land located in downtown Bangkok. SLP were originally commissioned during the pre-acquisition environmental due diligence process to undertake a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment of the study site and this study confirmed that the target land had been host to several former potentially contaminative landuses over the last 60-70 years. The primary objective of the Phase 2 ESA was to determine whether ground conditions at the study site represented an unacceptable risk to the human health of future site users and/or vulnerable environmental receptors.
The site investigation locations were targeted to focus on areas of potential environmental concern that were identified during the preceding Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment and the scope of works comprised the rotary boring of several exploratory holes across the study site to a depth of 5m below ground level (bgl) and the recovery of soil samples for laboratory analysis.
Groundwater monitoring wells were installed in several of the soil bores and these were developed and purged in accordance with industry best practice in order to obtain a representative sample from the shallow groundwater body. Field monitoring for parameters such as pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen was then undertaken prior to groundwater samples being recovered for laboratory analysis. The recovered soil and groundwater samples were scheduled for environmental testing for a comprehensive range of parameters including heavy metals and volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) at a laboratory accredited to the appropriate international quality standards. A coordinates and elevation survey was also undertaken at each borehole location in order to determine the hydraulic gradient in the shallow aquifer.
The soil and groundwater test results were compared with relevant Thai and Australian Guideline Values to assess if past and current activities on the site had resulted in soil or groundwater contamination. The interpretative reporting included a qualitative risk assessment for each identified potentially vulnerable human and environmental receptor along with an overall environmental risk rating for the study site. The report also included recommendations for further assessment and environmental management measures in order to better quantify and control the identified potential environmental risks.
Service: Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Assessments
Location: Former BP Oil Refinery, UK
Client: National Grid
Project Value: c.$4million
SLP Personnel were responsible for the Project and Technical Direction of a large team undertaking one of the largest land contamination site assessments ever undertaken in Europe. The client required a pre- divestment assessment of the potential contamination, and any consequential financial liabilities, associated with a 5 sq. km land holding. Historical activities on the site included oil refining and storage, uncontrolled land filling and various Ministry of Defence land uses comprising aviation and munitions storage.
A detailed Phase 1 Desk Study assessment was undertaken to inform the design of a robust and statistically defensible Phase 2 intrusive site investigation. The results of the Phase 1 assessment were utilised to zone the site area based on assigned risk designations (high/medium/low) thus ensuring that the sampling densities were appropriate to the degree of risk in each discrete land package. Detailed statistical analyses were undertaken to the resulting chemical datasets in order to derive representative contaminant concentrations that delivered the required degree of confidence. These values were subject to comparative assessment with the pertinent soil or water standards. Importantly statistical outliers were removed from the sample population and designated for further assessment, thereby reducing the potential for a biased dataset to result in an over-specified remedial design.
The intrusive site investigation comprised 1,400 trial pits, 200 boreholes and 100 soil vapour probe holes. 3,000 soil, 200 groundwater, 30 surface water and 60 vapour samples were submitted for laboratory analysis for bespoke chemical testing suites that reflected historic activities on each land parcel under assessment. The soil results were subject to comparison with generic Tier 1 guideline values protective of human health in a commercial/industrial enduse context and the water results with the appropriate environmental quality standards. The investigation identified several outlier or "hotspot" cluster areas where recorded soil concentrations exceeded generic human health protective guidelines. Constituents of concern included asbestos, BTEX compounds and volatile and semi-volatile TPH fractions. Where the potential risk in a particular cluster area was driven by vapour pathways specialist soil vapour probe holes were installed and in-situ empirical measurements undertaken to check the findings of the risk model.
Exceedences of generic water quality standards were also recorded and consequently this aspect of the assessment proceeded to the site-specific detailed quantitative risk assessment modelling stage to determine whether the recorded soil and groundwater concentrations represented a significant risk to sensitive local controlled waters receptors. This aspect of the project is discussed further in the QRA Project Experience page. Following completion of the controlled waters modelling a remediation options appraisal was undertaken as part of the formulation of a remediation strategy for the site, and outline remediation cost estimates were generated to inform divestment negotiations with potential purchasers. This workstage is discussed further in the Remedial Design Project Experience page. Click here to view our Remediation Project Experience page.
Service: Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Assessments
Location: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility, UK
Client: GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Project Value: c.$500,000
SLP personnel were responsible for the Project and Technical Direction of a pre-divestment Phase 1 and 2 Land Contamination Assessments for a large pharmaceutical manufacturing site located in South East England. The history of the facility dated back to 1889 and it was actually the first plant in the UK to start bulk- manufacturing insulin in 1923. The site was located in a particularly environmentally sensitive location; adjacent to protected wetlands and overlying a Major Aquifer abstracted for public water supply.
Historic activities may have resulted in localised soil, surface water and groundwater contamination and consequently GSK commissioned a phased land quality assessment exercise as they rolled back their operations across the whole site. The sampling densities and chemical testing suites were customised to reflect the broad range of activities that had been undertaken on the site during its long operational life and detailed statistical analyses were performed on the resultant chemical datasets. The Phase 1 and 2 assessments highlighted the presence of a deep historic unlined waste disposal feature approximately 10,000 sq. m in area. Further detailed characterization investigations revealed that it had been infilled with various organic and inorganic wastes and process by-products/residues, and that its deepest point was co-incident with the average groundwater table level at c.25mbgl.
Comparison of the soil, water and gas results against generic Tier 1 Screening Values indicated that a proportion of the infill material had the potential to represent risks to local controlled waters features via solute transport pathways and human receptors via vapour migration pathways. Consequently GSK commissioned further specialist soil gas and vapour-monitoring works to assess the vapour inhalation pathways and detailed site-specific quantitative risk assessment modelling to assess the solute transport pathways. These detailed assessments indicated that risk management measures were required and a Remediation Options Appraisal and Strategy Statement document was produced and forwarded to the pertinent environmental regulators and other stakeholders for discussion and agreement. This workstage is discussed further in the Remedial Project Experience page. Click here to view our Remediation Project Experience Page.
Service: Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments
Location: 17 Bulk Fuel Storage Facilities, UK
Client: Shell
Project Value: c.$500,000
SLP personnel were responsible for the Technical Direction of a portfolio of pre-divestment Phase 2 Land Contamination Assessments at 17 bulk fuel storage and distribution facilities located around the UK. The ultimate objective of the land quality assessment exercise was to rank the sites in terms of High-Medium-Low risk potential and to generate costed remedial strategies for those sites designated medium and above (Medium +). The scope of works required to deliver the objective included:
- A review of the available land quality data.
- Design of the supplementary investigations.
- Management of the supplementary investigations.
- Tier 1 generic risk assessments.
- Tier 2+ detailed site-specific quantitative environmental risk assessment modelling.
- Production of Remediation Options Appraisal for sites designated Medium +.
- Formulation of Remediation Strategies for sites designated Medium +.
- Generation of Outline Cost Estimates for sites designated Medium +.
The project presented a number of particular challenges, not least of which were the Health, Safety and Environment considerations associated with trying to comprehensively characterize ground conditions on operational fuel storage and distribution facilities within a small programme window. Risk assessment modelling and remedial optioneering also had to be undertaken without the benefit of regulator input as the exercise was part of a confidential sales negotiation process.
However, as a result of the expertise and experience deployed on the project the objective was delivered on budget and programme, with the end result being a significant reduction in the clients financial provision set aside to address environmental concerns.