Desk-Top Studies
A comprehensive desktop study should be prepared describing
the condition and uses of the site - past and present - and its
immediate environment. A clearly established and
understood brief is essential. The general aim
is to establish whether there have been any activities likely to
contaminate the site or nearby land, and whether they could have
adverse impacts on or off the site.
All documentary evidence should be referenced and summarised
where appropriate.
A conceptual model should be developed to clearly interpret
the characteristics and sensitivities of the site and locality,
evaluating each threat of harm or pollution due to
contamination. The desktop study when completed
with appropriate informed judgement should enable suitable site
investigations to be designed.
CONCEPTUAL MODELS - this is an example
involving potential oil spillage from a former scrap yard:
1) Oil - Flowing to groundwater - Polluting
Groundwater
2) Oil - In soil of house
garden - Risk of ingesting
contaminants
3) Oil vapour - Migrating through
ground to surface - Risk to residents
health
and safety
4) Oil - Flowing underground to domestic
well - Residents drinking
contaminated
water.