What is Preliminary Risk Assessment?

6th January 2023

What is a Preliminary Risk Assessment?

A Preliminary Risk Assessment (desk study) forms the foundation of any proposed development and future Ground Investigation. Therefore, the desk study phase is a process of identifying potential geo-hazards that may impact a development (such as contaminated land, poor or hazardous geological conditions etc), and allows for the design of an appropriate and targeted Phase 2 Ground Investigation.

A Preliminary Risk Assessment is referred to by different technical names throughout the industry, but the assessment/report is largely the same. For example, a Local Planning Authority may refer to the report as a Phase 1 Desk Study. Other consultants may refer to the study as a Phase 1 or Preliminary Geoenvironmental Appraisal.

What does the assessment involve?

The desk study must include a site walkover (reconnaissance) survey to assess the land for potential contaminants, invasive weed species, tree influence, evidence of potential flooding problems, obstructions, visually assess any obvious utilities runs (such as drains), and assess access/egress for future plant used during the Phase 2 Intrusive Ground Investigation.

The desk study considers historical plans, geological maps and records (including mining and radon) and data relating to landfills, waste, former industrial use and environmental data (such as Environment Agency flood mapping). As a result, this information is used to design the preliminary Conceptual Site Model (Source-Pathway-Receptor relationships) and inform the design of a targeted Phase 2 Ground Investigation.

The process of completing a desk study generally includes:

• Detailed site reconnaissance (walkover) survey
• Coal Mining Risk Assessment (obtained from the Coal Authority)
• Geological Assessment
• Obtain a series of historical plans and information to assess a sites historical use from the mid-1850s to present and assess any pertinent environmental issues / constraints;
• Radon and initial ground gas assessments;
• Preliminary consideration of fluvial/coastal, groundwater and surface water flooding risk;
• Assessment of anticipated ground conditions and any potential risks/constraints; and,
• Preparation of a Conceptual Site Model & Risk Assessment.

The importance of a Preliminary Risk Assessment

Industry standards and good practice guidance acknowledge that a Ground Investigation may be meaningless in the absence of a desk study. Historical site activities may play an important role in determining overall risks and constraints. With the benefit of a Preliminary Risk Assessment, a Ground Investigation can be designed to target historical features and potential areas of concern. These may include areas of potential contamination or relict/buried features (such as basements, foundations, drain runs etc.).

Undertaking a Preliminary Risk Assessment retrospectively following the completion of the Ground Investigation is not good practice. Consequently, we consider this will inevitably lead to a developer needlessly investing more money (and time). Further ground investigation in such instances is normally required.

Need a Preliminary Risk Assessment Desk Study Report? 

Call us on 0191 917 2310 or email us at info@northpointgeotechnical.com for Expert Geoenvironmental Engineering advice.