home > events > lacl events > 4 December 2008

Critical assessment of contaminated land reports

4 December 2008, Belfast

The problem

Whilst contaminated land assessment has been increasingly addressed as part of site development in the UK over the last 20 years or so, and key legislation and guidance documents have been introduced within recent years, there is still a wide range in the level and quality of assessment and the standard of reporting. Often this is associated with poor understanding of the contaminated land regime, and although avoidable, continues to occur, resulting in problems over the level of confidence in the assessments and occasionally in the discharge of planning consent.

The solution

An understanding of site investigation strategy, structure of reports, interpretation and assessment of data is key to producing a comprehensive and robust report. This workshop is aimed at understanding what standards are expected for contaminated land assessment and reporting, how to understand key site investigation data and recognise uncertainty, limitation or ‘gaps’ in data. Also what are the problems associated with inadequate or inappropriate site investigation, which could affect the interpretation, conclusions and the need for further information.

Programme

10.00	Registration and refreshments
10.30	Introduction to the day
10.45	Contaminated land assessment requirements under planning and regulatory regimes A review of key guidance, report structure and contents and some of the approaches and reasoning regarding investigation strategies
11.15	Understanding site investigation data and information gaps Investigation and assessment strategies, data reporting, presentation and assessment, reality checks and common mistakes
11.45	Refreshment break
12.00	Interpretation, uncertainty and limitations Relationships between observed facts and interpretation and reporting of uncertainty and limitations
12.30	Conclusions, constructive comments and further actions Reviewing conclusions and recommendations of reports with respect to fulfilling objectives, and impartiality. Assessing what positives can be determined and working with applicants/ consultants to determine further work and resolutions
13.00	Lunch
13.45	Case studies A number of case studies will be presented highlighting problems in site investigation planning, sampling and analytical strategies, interpretation, conclusions and further actions undertaken to address these issues.
14.15	Group work Extracts of reports will be provided to identify key ‘gaps’ in data, illustrations which include some common mistakes and assessing the adequacy of investigation and assessments, including uncertainties and limitations of interpretation and conclusions
15.15	Refreshment break
15.30	Group work feedback
16.00	Summary
16.15	Close

The workshop will be conducted by Environ in association with CIRIA

CPD

CIRIA recommends this workshop for up to 5 hours towards CPD requirements with the ICE, CIOB RICS, CIBSE & IstructE.

Venue

Belfast

Terms and Conditions

For non-member registrations, your booking will be confirmed once payment has been received. Bookings must be accompanied by a cheque payable to CIRIA or credit card details.

Confirmation of your booking will be sent out by CIRIA two weeks prior to the event.

Cancellations

Any booking fee paid will not be refunded unless written confirmation is received at least five working days prior to the event, substitute delegates are welcome.

CIRIA reserves the right to vary the programme and cancel the event in case of insufficient bookings.

sitemap