Site investigations

Why do site investigations matter?

Site investigations are a crucial step for evaluating the environmental status and potential contamination risks of a property before development or redevelopment. This process ensures the safety of future users, compliance with legal requirements, and informs sustainable project planning.

Site investigations provide detailed, reliable data on soil, groundwater, and site conditions that directly impact health, safety, and regulatory compliance. This information uncovers contamination sources, exposure pathways, and risk levels, helping reduce environmental liabilities and enabling informed decision-making. Accurate site data allow for project design adjustments, risk management strategies, and cost-efficient remediation if necessary.

With decades of experience, DGE has performed detailed site investigations, ranging from preliminary risk assessments to intrusive soil and groundwater surveys, for contaminated land, redevelopment, and new construction projects in both urban and industrial contexts.

Key phases of site investigations

Site investigations typically include three phases:

1. Phase 1: Desk study and preliminary risk assessment, including review of historical data, maps, geological surveys, and an initial site walkover to detect potential issues.
2. Phase 2: Intrusive investigation involving soil and groundwater sampling using drilling or excavation, followed by laboratory analysis to define contamination extent and contaminant types.
3. Phase 3: Detailed investigation and ongoing monitoring when contamination exceeds acceptable limits, including remediation planning and environmental oversight to ensure site safety and compliance.

The customer journey: From assessment to safe redevelopment

Following initial studies, DGE clients receive clear reporting that outlines site conditions, contamination risks, and recommendations for mitigation or remediation. This supports regulatory compliance and guides redevelopment or construction activities. Ongoing monitoring verifies continued safety and remediation success.

Site investigations are indispensable for protecting ecosystems and human health, minimizing financial risks, and ensuring sustainable project delivery by combining scientific rigor with proactive contamination management.