
Investigation of Contaminated Sites
Where to start?
The investigation of contaminated sites is only possible with the written permission of the landowner or legal possessor.
First, at the start of the investigation, the boundaries of the investigation area must be defined in the work program. Then, the historical land uses of the area must be studied and identified, i.e., the economic activities that may have potentially caused contamination.
The investigation of contaminated sites includes a preliminary investigation and a detailed investigation.
As part of the detailed investigation, taking into account the pollutant threshold values specified in the regulations, the following must be assessed: the amount of contaminated soil (in m³ and tons), the maximum and average concentration within each area and type of pollution, as well as the potential for vertical (in depth) and horizontal (in extent) spread of the contamination beyond the boundaries of the investigation area.
What is included in the investigation work?
The investigation consists of the following stages:
- Initial site assessment – review of available information, compilation and analysis of previous studies, site inspection;
- Work program, which includes consultations with the involved parties, selection of study parameters and methods, and expected outcomes;
- Investigation work;
- Results and risk assessment;
- Recommendations;
- Investigation report – a summary of the collected information, observation results, measurement data, and analysis results.
The content and compliance of both the work program and the investigation report are evaluated by the State Environmental Service.