ECUS can provide a full geo-environmental ground investigation service with Phase 1 and 2 investigations designed, managed and reported to assist clients in understanding liabilities, achieve regulatory approval, securing funding or quantifying risks.

Phase 1 Ground Investigation or preliminary risk assessment generally comprises:

ECUS can also deliver preliminary geotechnical assessments and desk-top coal mining assessments.

Phase 1 Site Investigations are normally completed within two weeks of receiving a commission and depending on the site size and location cost between £900.00 and £1,350.00 excluding vat.

 

Phase 2 Intrusive Site Investigations

ECUS work with a wide range of associates and subcontractors to provide clients with a cost effective, hassle free investigation service. Designed by ECUS within a risk based framework, investigations are undertaken by experienced field crews. Sufficient site works and laboratory analysis documented thoroughly using auditable methods provide data for site specific risk assessments. Investigation capabilities include the following:

• Intrusive works using a wide range of techniques including trial pitting, window sampling, cable percussive and rotary drilling
• On-site geotechnical testing including permeability testing

To save your organisation time and money, geotechnical and geo-environmental investigations can be undertaken simultaneously.

Our extensive capabilities in risk assessment and geotechnical interpretation assist our clients in understanding and applying the results of our investigations to achieve pragmatic solutions.

ECUS specialises in the management of contaminated land risks and has expertise in all aspects of risk assessment, including human health, controlled water receptors, ecological receptors and property.

ECUS always aims to understand risks associated with contamination by producing a Conceptual Site Model (CSM). The CSM identifies potential pollutant linkages and provides a framework for directing and completing complex risk assessment where required.

Risk assessments carried out by ECUS always focus on establishing site specific contaminant levels that are protective of human health and the environment, whilst facilitating cost effective risk management solutions.  We are able to carry out assessments at all tiers and levels of complexity. Commonly used tools include the Environment Agency P20 Methodology for controlled waters risk assessment and the CLR7 – CLR10 framework for assessing chronic risks to human health. Other tools are available and used where site specific circumstances dictate.

We are able to provide cost-effective combined site investigations that assess the geotechnical as well as the environmental status of sites. We will specify, supervise, schedule and interpret on-site and laboratory testing such as SPT’s, CBR’s, soakaway testing etc. and provide advice on foundation, piling and footpath design. 

In addition we have the in-house expertise to advise on sustainable drainage design combining the expertise of the engineer with that of the ecologist and landscape architect.

Our in-house skills in groundwater risk assessment combine with the expertise within the Groundwater Protection and Restoration Group (GPRG – probably the UK’s foremost hydrogeological research team led by Professor David Lerner) to provide a detailed service in this important area. 

Along with risks to human health, groundwater protection is the major focus of most site investigations and certainly a significant concern of the statutory authorities demanding its own risk assessment methodologies.  The skills of our team ensure that this vital area is covered adequately.

Building on our site investigations or those completed by others, ECUS are able to design, specify and supervise remedial schemes to facilitate redevelopment or manage potential liabilities.  Following site investigation, ECUS will undertake the following steps to ensure a successful clean up is achieved:

Remediation is always carried out under the supervision of suitably experienced field staff and designed to make a given site suitable for its current or intended use. Validation reports provided by ECUS allow regulators, clients, owners etc. to have confidence in the works completed.

ECUS Geoscience has assisted many clients in assessing and managing risks associated with both the acquisition and divestment of businesses and property.  The short and long-term implications of contamination and legal non-compliance can be profound and our clients benefit from our experience in dealing with the statutory agencies on such matters.   Risks and liabilities can be managed through financial contingencies, practical remediation or indeed insurance.

The disposal of waste to land has and continues to present environmental problems. The generation of ground gases (methane, carbon dioxide, volatile hydrocarbons etc) and contaminated leachates is a problem on many sites, not just landfills and we have many years experience in the assessment, analysis and management of such problems.  Other areas where we can help those involved in the waste management industry include:

The ECUS  team has dealt with problems associated with potable, process and waste waters as well as sludges and sediments. Our experience is diverse including technical input to the Camelford potable water supply pollution incident, the assessment and mitigation of fishkills, groundwater impacts of major fires, environmental impacts of road run-off, and landfill leachate management. Additional scope of services includes:

Provided as part of your IPPC Permit Application, ECUS offer a competitive one-stop-shop service for the production of your Application Site Report. Fully in compliance with the latest Environment Agency Guidance, the report is designed to identify all your current and future land pollution potential and confirm ongoing requirements to ensure Permit conditions are complied with.

The Application Site Report package includes:

The Application Site Report will normally be provided within two weeks of receiving a commission and depending on the site size and location will cost between £800.00 and £1,200.00 excluding vat.