The increasing recognition of the environmental aspects of development has obvious implications upon future construction. Additionally, however, current regulations place the onus for mitigation or clean up of environmental liabilities arising from past land use upon the owner. This emphasises the importance of establishing the history of a site prior to acquisition.

The comprehensive nature of environmental due diligence and assessment demands several sources of information, including, wherever possible:

• Site inspections (including a photographic record);
• Interviews with relevant parties;
• Inquiries to regulatory agencies and service providers;
• Historical and contemporary mapping and aerial photography;
• Sampling and analysis of environmental media (air, water, soil, etc.);
• Statutory requirements.

We have considerable experience in undertaking specialised site assessment, investigation and interpretation, both in the UK and abroad. The sites involved have ranged from green field sites to commercial premises and industrial facilities. They have included industrial, commercial and recreational premises, contaminated and undeveloped land throughout the UK and in France, Germany and the Middle East.

Below is an overview of the Company's experience in Environmental Impact Assessments

Refuse Transfer Station, Southwark - Refuse transfer station for the Borough of Southwark with a throughput of 34,000 tonnes per year.

Priorswood Industrial Estate, Taunton, Devon - Investigations and studies of two adjacent sites at Taunton for use as tips for disposal of solid domestic waste and their subsequent development for industrial use.

Kempten Allgau, Germany - Environmental Site Assessment of plastics packaging facility to assess risk as part of pre-acquisition audit. Completed 1998.

Middle East Regional Transportation Study - Assessment of environmental impact and cultural factors together with the collection and collation of economic statistical data. Relating to anticipated transport flows following the successful conclusion progress of the Peace Process. Assessment related to air, land and sea transport. 

Bracknell, Berkshire - Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessment to assess the environmental risks of the site; this involved site inspections, desktop records study, enquiries to relevant individuals and authorities, together with independent assessments and reports. Completed 1997