Contamination Surveys
Contamination surveys identify substances or conditions within land, structures or building materials that may present a risk during construction, refurbishment, demolition, or ongoing site use.
These surveys are important for sites with previous industrial activity, fuel storage, waste handling operations or historic processes. These factors may affect ground conditions or building fabric.
Ambrey Baker carries out contamination surveys that provide clear technical information to support safe project planning, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
With almost 40 years of experience in complex industrial and food-grade environments, our team understands how contamination can affect safety, programme certainty, and long-term site performance. Our surveys identify risks early and provide practical guidance on how to manage them.
Regulatory and Technical Context
Contamination surveys support the identification and management of risks that may need to be addressed under a range of statutory and technical frameworks, depending on the nature of the site and the proposed works. This can include:
- the Environmental Protection Act 1990, particularly in relation to contaminated land
- the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
- the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)
- planning requirements and environmental assessments where redevelopment is proposed
Where we assess land contamination, recognised technical guidance such as BS 10175 can inform survey scope and reporting, the code of practice for the investigation of potentially contaminated sites.
What Our Surveys Assess
Our contamination surveys involve a structured review of the building, surrounding land, and available site information to identify potential hazards. Depending on the site and project requirements, this may include:
- inspection of existing building materials that may contain hazardous substances
- review of historical land use and previous site activities
- identification of contamination risks within soil, ground conditions, or structures
- targeted sampling and laboratory analysis where required
- assessment of potential risks to workers, occupants, and the environment
- evaluation of pathways for contamination exposure or migration
Each survey is tailored to the specific site, taking into account operational constraints and the nature of the proposed works.
Practical Next Steps
We support all contamination surveys with structured technical reporting, including:
- site observations and investigation findings
- sampling results and laboratory data where applicable
- identification of contamination risks and potential impacts
- recommendations for further investigation, remediation, or risk management
This enables building owners, developers, and project teams to understand site conditions and plan appropriate actions on a clear technical basis.
Where contamination risks are suspected, Ambrey Baker can provide the survey and technical advice required to support safe and informed decision-making.
LIFECYCLE SUPPORT
Leading Specialists in Industrial Facilities
From early-stage consultancy & design, to Hard FM, repair, refurbishment, reconfiguration, capital works & decommissioning. We support essential facilities that need to remain safe, compliant & operational throughout their working life
Related Case Studies
-
Supporting a Growing Brazilian Street Food Producer Into Its First Large-Scale Manufacturing Facility
Case Study Supporting a Growing Brazilian Street Food Producer Into Its First Large-Scale Manufacturing Facility Client: Confidential Duration: 6 Weeks Location: East…
-
Executing Critical Fire Separation Works Within a Live Pharmaceuticals Facility
Case Study Executing Critical Fire Separation Works Within a Live Pharmaceuticals Facility Client: Confidential Duration: 4 Weeks Location: North West, UK Year:…
-
End-to-End Factory Fit Out for a Major Ingredients Producer
End-to-End Factory Fit Out for a Major Ingredients Produce Client: Confidential Duration: 22 Weeks Location: Holme Farm, Swineshead Year: 2025 Value: Undisclosed…