DESK STUDIES

Due to the geology and former use of some sites there may be hazards present, which if not disclosed early enough could cause harm to developers (particularly groundworkers in many cases) as well as the end user of a site. Such problems may not be evident without a risk assessment being carried out, based on the accumulation of geological and historical information regarding the site.

It is therefore imperative that as much information as possible is sought before a site investigation is carried out, to enable such an investigation to be properly and adequately designed.

This stage of the investigation is generally referred to as a Desk Study, although this is increasingly being referred to as part of a Preliminary Investigation. This stage of the investigation will usually comprise the compilation of historical information from old Ordnance Survey and geological maps, reference to information recorded by Local Authorities, the Environment Agency, the Coal Authority and various other statutory bodies and libraries.

In addition a Walkover Survey is often undertaken to identify local features which may not typically be recorded on maps, such as slope stability, storage of contaminative substances and the location and nature of surface and subsurface structures, retaining walls and other site features.