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For many years advocated by Applied Geology as an essential element of the investigation process, desk studies are now routinely required by regulatory bodies as part of the Planning process. It is now commonly accepted that a thorough desk study, with associated walk-over, is essential in the preparation of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM), the design of an appropriate ground investigation and subsequent assessment.
Applied Geology offers a comprehensive Phase I Desk Study service, to include geotechnical, geoenvironmental and mining aspects as required. These can be undertaken as a separate phase of work, often as part of pre-purchase due diligence assessments and presented in a stand alone report, or can be integrated into a comprehensive combined geotechnical and geoenvironmental investigation report. The scope of each desk study is tailored to the needs of each specific client and project, the aims and objectives, programme and budget.
Using a combination of extensive in-house databases, specialist researchers and web-databases, Applied Geology is able to offer a fast turnaround option on desk studies as and when required by its clients in order to meet modern development/due diligence programmes.
CASE STUDIES
Case Study 1
An approach was made from a regular client, a nursing and care home provider, to assist them in a geoenvironmental audit of most of their sites (100+) throughout the United Kingdom. The work involved an initial office based Phase I Desk Study which comprised a review of readily available geological, environmental and historical data. This information was reviewed and initially reported in a summary manner. This allowed ‘problematic’ sites to be identified for further detailed appraisal. Such sites were investigated further and/or visited and if significant concerns were highlighted, then additional site and laboratory work was instigated and the site assessed.
Case Study 2
An enquiry was received to assist the design team involved in the re-development of former defence works. It was agreed that the project would benefit greatly from the production of one, large Phase I document which could be referred to as the re-development of the site progressed. To this end, numerous old reports were reviewed, which, together with historical and environmental data allowed the formulation of a Geoenvironmental Model of the site which was then used to plan and design further investigatory work specific to the proposed development. Of note was that during the walkover a large box of former reports on site investigations carried out across the site was found – these being ready to be binned. This basic Phase I study is still being used today.
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