Site Feasibility and Planning Constraints
The preliminary screening of a site is often a key influence in the decision making process. CGL is extremely experienced in this field, producing clear client guidance for proposed developments based on environmental and geological constraints, local policy and planning guidance or the cost implications of remediation, as well as providing advice on the feasibility of the project programme and budgets based on those findings.
Typically the process commences with a detailed Desk Study which is tailored to meet the requirements of each client either as individual reports submitted as part of the planning process, or as part of the intrusive investigation documentation.
Desk studies form an essential part of the investigation process for all sites whether brownfield or greenfield, and whether geoenvironmentally or geotechnically biased. CGL has long championed the cost effectiveness of holistic site investigations that encompass both the substructure design and contamination mitigation. All desk studies will require Conceptual Site Models (CSM) for contamination risk and need to consider past land use, geology (both published and unpublished), and environmental incidents in context and with a view to eventual construction. We also consider other factors such as existing structures and nearby buried assets/infrastructure, historical land-working (including mining) and outside influences such as Unexploded Ordnance (UXO).
CGL does not simply provide a web-based generic collection of data without project context, but incorporate the requirements of industry based standards from the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists (AGS) as well as BS 5930 and BS 10175.
Typically, desk studies can be assembled in a short timeframe by our experienced geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineers and are quality audited by highly experienced staff. Such investigation has the potential not only to save clients considerable amounts of money and time in both the planning and construction process, but also work to refine and target future intrusive investigations.
Alongside desk-based works, CGL can undertake and commission preliminary non-intrusive works such as geophysics-based surveys, and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) on existing foundations and similar structures to further direct the scope of future works.
