Contaminated Land Inspection Services

Service Definition

Since April 2000 local authorities have had a duty to inspect their area to identify contaminated land.  A lack of funding and low political pressure has created a situation where many authorities are largely inactive in this field – even failing to investigate high priority sites.  This situation undoubtedly means that certain contaminated sites have not been inspected or treated, allowing them to continually harm human health and the environment.

Communities and Local Government are looking to address this position by including contaminated land inspection percentages in future performance assessments.  It is therefore likely that many environmental protection teams will ensure this work is given a greater priority in future and bid for internal funds or apply to Defra for Contaminated Land Capital Projects (CLCP) funding.

Temple has specialists who have a proven track record of working closely with Local Authorities and have an intimate understanding of internal systems and procedures and how such work is best progressed. In many instances our professionals work at the council offices and with the environmental health team to formulate the type of detailed inspection plan that Defra will expect. In particular, this includes:

• The progress of desk-based research (Phase 1 Audits) and progress in identifying land that warrants a more detailed inspection and land where no detailed inspection is needed at this stage; and
• What progress has been made in investigating sites that warrant inspection – this will focus on the percentage of your area that has been investigated.

If you have not yet completed desk studies and prioritised your sites, we are well placed to assist you with that task – see our Desk Study service sheet.

We normally start by undertaking a review of all work completed to date and produce a report setting out the current position and our recommendations.  We then identify the specific tasks that need to be undertaken and produce realistic timescales.  We can also produce documents to enable you to gain funds internally and have a proven record in securing capital funding from council budget managers.  We have developed detailed 5 year inspection plans and strategies, and have helped LPAs gain sufficient funding to recruit an in-house team.

Once funding is secured, we can help implement the inspection plan. We offer a range of support services, from preparation of contracts and specifications through to procurement, project and media management – please see our Managing Agent service sheet.

Our services can be procured in a number of different ways, notably:

• Consultancy support in response to a specific project brief and identified deliverables;
• Interim management support – our contaminated land managers and specialists can be seconded to clients on a long term basis to manage complex projects or can be called on for limited periods when specific tasks are required;
• Institutional support where we provide support or training over the short, medium or longer term to build in-house capacity.

Service Users

Many local authorities need this service, even those that have an officer or team dedicated to contaminated land. In fact, in these cases, the need may be even greater since the council may already have a number of contaminated land projects underway.

This service is required whenever clients are unsure about how to set up and manage what can be very demanding specialist projects, or where available resources cannot handle the workload of a new project. 

Temple’s Capability

Temple, with its proven track record in brownfield inspections, can hit the ground running. Our familiarity with LPA procedures and practices, and work within a best value culture, is a significant advantage. Our sound technical knowledge and our adherence to best practice mean you can be confident of achieving your goals in the most expedient and cost effective manner.

Temple has worked with a number of LPAs in recent years and assignments have varied in size from under £5,000 to over £250,000. We have helped secure total funding in the region of £2.5m for inspection strategies and have also assisted in the implementation of these programmes.

In each case, we provide a team which is tailored to your requirements and ensure a personal service. We can also call on further resources if required, through our exclusive Associates network, some of whom are SIC status and of national and international standing.

Charging Structure

Temple offers this service on a time and expense basis. Our assignments have ranged from under £5,000 to over £250,000 depending on the size and complexity of the tasks and the type of support required.

Our team will be selected to match your requirements. Our daily rates normally range from £300 to £800 per day.

Contacts

If you would like further details on our contaminated land management services, please contact us on 0207 394 3700 or enquiries@templegroup.co.uk

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