Unlock your site. Deal with the ground safely.
Independent contaminated land and remediation consultancy for developers, landowners and contractors — from the first desk study through to remediation, verification and discharge of planning conditions.
What's in the ground can make or break a project.
Many sites — especially brownfield land — carry a legacy of past uses: industry, fuel storage, landfill or made ground. Contamination in soil, groundwater or ground gas can put future occupants, construction workers and the wider environment at risk, and it's one of the most common reasons for planning conditions and project delays.
Meridian Environmental helps you understand the risks early, plan a proportionate response and deliver remediation that satisfies the local authority and regulators. We manage the process from start to finish, working with accredited laboratories and specialist contractors, so you get clear answers and a site that's suitable for use.
Source. Pathway. Receptor.
Contamination is only a risk when all three are linked. Our job is to find out whether that link exists on your site — and if it does, to break it in the most practical, cost-effective way.
What's in the ground
Contaminants such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, asbestos or ground gas.
How it could travel
Direct contact, dust, vapours, groundwater flow or gas migrating into buildings.
Who or what it could harm
Future residents and users, site workers, groundwater, rivers, buildings and services.
No link, no risk. Remediation works by removing the source, breaking the pathway or protecting the receptor.
Contaminated land support from desk study to sign-off.
Use us for the full process or for the specific stage you need.
Phase 1 Desk Study
A preliminary risk assessment using historical maps, records and a site walkover to identify potential contamination and build an initial conceptual site model.
Phase 2 Site Investigation
Designing and managing intrusive investigations — trial pits, boreholes, sampling and laboratory testing — to confirm what's actually in the ground.
Ground Gas Assessment
Ground gas and vapour monitoring and risk assessment, with recommendations for gas protection measures where they're needed.
Quantitative Risk Assessment
Generic and detailed quantitative risk assessments to human health and controlled waters, so remediation is targeted only where it's genuinely required.
Remediation Strategy
Options appraisal and a clear remediation strategy that balances cost, programme, sustainability and regulatory acceptance.
Remediation Project Management
Specifying and tendering remediation works, appointing specialist contractors and overseeing the works on site through to completion.
Verification & Validation
On-site verification, sampling and a verification report that demonstrates remediation has been completed in line with the agreed strategy.
Planning Condition Discharge
Preparing the reports needed to discharge land contamination planning conditions and liaising with the local authority on your behalf.
Soil & Waste Management
Waste classification, materials management plans and soil reuse strategies to reduce disposal costs and keep material on site where possible.
A clear, proportionate route to a suitable site.
We follow the Environment Agency's Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) framework, only moving to the next stage when the evidence says it's needed.
Phase 1 — Desk Study
We research the site's history and setting and carry out a walkover to identify potential sources, pathways and receptors.
Phase 2 — Site Investigation
Where the desk study identifies potential risks, we design and manage a targeted intrusive investigation to gather the evidence.
Risk Assessment & Options
We assess the results against the proposed use of the site and, where action is needed, appraise the remediation options.
Remediation
We tender and appoint the right specialist contractor and oversee the remediation works on site against the agreed strategy.
Verification & Sign-Off
We verify the works, compile the evidence into a verification report and support you through discharging planning conditions.
Remediation solutions we design and manage
The legislation and guidance we work to.
Land contamination is regulated through both the planning system and environmental law. We make sure your site meets the key requirements, including:
Environmental Protection Act 1990 — Part 2A
The statutory regime for identifying and dealing with land that poses an unacceptable risk, enforced by local authorities and the Environment Agency.
National Planning Policy Framework
Requires sites to be suitable for their proposed use, taking account of ground conditions and land contamination.
Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM)
The Environment Agency's guidance on assessing and managing land contamination through risk assessment, options appraisal and remediation.
BS 10175
The British Standard code of practice for the investigation of potentially contaminated sites.
BS 8485
The British Standard code of practice for designing protective measures against methane and carbon dioxide ground gases in new buildings.
CL:AIRE Definition of Waste Code of Practice
A framework for reusing excavated soils on development sites without them being classed as waste, supported by a materials management plan.
This is a summary for general information only. Requirements depend on your site, its history and its proposed use — we'll confirm exactly what applies to yours.
Common contaminated land questions
Why has the council asked for a contamination report?
Local planning authorities must make sure land is suitable for its proposed use. Where a site's history or setting suggests contamination could be present, they'll often attach planning conditions requiring a desk study, investigation, remediation strategy and verification report. We prepare these reports and liaise with the council to get the conditions discharged.
What is a Phase 1 desk study?
A Phase 1 desk study (or preliminary risk assessment) reviews a site's history, geology, hydrogeology and surroundings, alongside a site walkover, to identify potential contamination and how it could cause harm. It's usually the first step — and on lower-risk sites it may be all that's needed.
Will I need a Phase 2 site investigation?
Only if the desk study identifies potential risks that need to be confirmed. A Phase 2 investigation involves trial pits or boreholes, sampling and laboratory testing to establish what's actually in the ground. We design investigations to answer the specific questions raised — no more, no less.
Can excavated soil be reused on site?
Often, yes. Under the CL:AIRE Definition of Waste Code of Practice, suitable excavated materials can be reused on development sites without being classed as waste, provided they're fit for purpose and supported by a materials management plan. Reusing soil can significantly cut disposal costs and lorry movements.
What is ground gas and does it affect my development?
Ground gases such as methane and carbon dioxide can come from landfill, made ground, peat or mine workings and can build up inside buildings. Where a risk is identified, monitoring is carried out and gas protection measures — such as membranes and ventilated floors — may be designed into the new building.
Who is responsible for contaminated land?
Under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, responsibility generally follows the "polluter pays" principle — the person who caused or knowingly permitted the contamination. If they can't be found, liability can pass to the current owner or occupier. When land is redeveloped, the developer is usually responsible for making it suitable for the new use through the planning process.
Got a site with a past? Let's talk.
Get clear, independent advice on contamination risk and the route to sign-off.