Erection of a Dwelling, Plymouth, PL3

A desk study report look at the history of the site and its surroundings as well as information held by regulatory bodies in order to assess the potential risks from historical contamination.

The first stage was to review the history of the site and its surrounds, the historical O.S. maps revealed the site was developed circa 1895 when the site formed part of the land associated with Hartley Lodge, aerial plates identified an area of hard-standing on the site.

Geological maps published by the British Geological Survey indicated that no drift soils were present on the site and the bedrock was exposed.  Made ground was recorded to be present 195m south of the site. Information provide by the BGS also indicated that the site soils may be impacted by elevated concentrations of arsenic.

Information provided by regulatory bodies identified a heap to the north of the site and a slate quarry to the east.

On completion of the desk based assessment a site walkover survey was undertaken, this revealed that the site formed part of the garden of the adjoining care home which was occupied by furniture and water tanks. The site also appeared to have been previously used as a driveway.

On completion of the walkover survey a qualitative risk assessment was undertaken on all the potential sources of contamination, which concluded that the made ground on site and the arsenic in the natural soils warranted further assessment. Both proposals for further works (Phase II investigation) and remediation in lieu of investigation was proposed.

The desk study report was submitted with the application (Phase I report parts 1 and 2) and the memo from Public Protection Services confirmed the report and the recommendations were accepted.