Understanding Contamination Pathways: The Science Behind Phase 1 Desktop Studies

A Phase 1 Desktop Study isn’t just a planning requirement—it’s a scientific process that identifies risks long before you begin construction. At its core is an understanding of contamination pathways: how pollutants travel from sources to people, property, or the environment.

EnviroSolution’s team of environmental consultants uses advanced data sources to uncover historical industrial use, waste activities, and potential contamination. We then map how contaminants might move—through soil, water, or air—and who or what they could affect.

This process forms a “Conceptual Site Model” (CSM), which underpins your planning submission. It considers:

• Source: Previous use of the land (e.g. fuel depot, landfill)
• Pathway: How contaminants could migrate (e.g. groundwater flow)
• Receptor: Who or what could be affected (e.g. future residents, watercourses)

Understanding these relationships is key to managing risk. It allows us to recommend whether further testing is needed or if your site is ready to develop safely.

By choosing a trusted Phase 1 Desktop Study from EnviroSolution, you ensure your project is grounded in environmental science—and ready to meet planning expectations with confidence.