{"id":2116,"date":"2025-07-17T11:26:42","date_gmt":"2025-07-17T11:26:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/?p=2116"},"modified":"2025-07-17T11:30:15","modified_gmt":"2025-07-17T11:30:15","slug":"driving-innovation-and-collaboration-at-geotechnica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/driving-innovation-and-collaboration-at-geotechnica\/","title":{"rendered":"GeoEnviro Solutions at Geotechnica 2025: Innovation, Knowledge Sharing, and Collaboration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

GeoEnviro Solutions had a strong presence at Geotechnica 2025<\/strong>, where Managing Director Rob Lewis<\/strong> and KTP Associate Pooneh Shah Malekpoor<\/strong> presented our ongoing Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP)<\/strong> project. Their talk, titled \u201cOptimising Ground Investigation: A Comparative Study of Sonic and Traditional Techniques,\u201d<\/strong> showcased the innovative research supported by Innovate UK<\/a><\/strong> and Borehole Solutions Group<\/a><\/strong>. This project reflects GES\u2019s commitment to driving technological advancement<\/strong> and applied research<\/strong> in geotechnical engineering<\/strong> and ground investigation methodologies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cGeotechnica offers good opportunities for the industry. It provides GES with a valuable platform to engage with professionals, suppliers, and contractors to connect, share knowledge, and showcase innovative technologies. The event provides opportunities for CPD, training, and staying up to date with industry standards and best practices. Live demonstrations and technical talks enhance learning and promote practical understanding of modern site investigation, drilling, and testing techniques for our engineers. Geotechnica also promotes collaboration and networking, helping GES to build partnerships and relationships.\u201d \u2014 Rob Lewis, Managing Director<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Driving
Driving Innovation and Collaboration at Geotechnica\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A Platform for Research and Professional Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our presentation explored innovative approaches in ground investigation, comparing modern techniques and highlighting the value of ongoing research and data-driven insights. Events like Geotechnica provide essential opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD)<\/strong> and staying informed about the latest industry best practices<\/strong> and regulatory standards<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connecting with the Geotechnical Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the technical presentations, Geotechnica remains a hub for professional connections. We were proud to engage in meaningful conversations with peers across the environmental and geotechnical sectors<\/strong>, exchanging ideas and exploring opportunities for future collaboration<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We thank everyone who attended our session and visited us at the event. It was a valuable opportunity to share our progress and learn from others shaping the future of ground investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking forward to continuing the conversations and building new partnerships!<\/strong> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

GeoEnviro Solutions had a strong presence at Geotechnica 2025, where Managing Director Rob Lewis and KTP Associate Pooneh Shah Malekpoor presented our ongoing Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project. Their talk, titled \u201cOptimising Ground Investigation: A Comparative Study of Sonic and Traditional Techniques,\u201d showcased the innovative research supported by Innovate UK and Borehole Solutions Group. This […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"\n

By Andrew Dickinson, Associate Director at GeoEnviro Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the introduction of Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities have been legally obligated to identify and manage land affected by contamination. The primary mechanism for addressing this issue has been through the planning system, utilizing conditions attached to planning approvals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding Land Contamination vs. Contaminated Land<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is important to clarify terminology. While many refer to 'contaminated land,' this term has a strict legal definition under Part 2A, requiring mandatory remediation overseen by the Environment Agency. To avoid confusion, professionals in the field refer to 'land contamination' or 'land containing contamination.'<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Evolution of Guidance: From CLR11 to LCRM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Government guidance dictates the application and management of contamination conditions. Previously, this was outlined in CLR11 (Contaminated Land Report No. 11), but since October 2020, it has been replaced by LCRM (Land Contamination Risk Management), which remains in force. Despite this change, industry terminology such as \"Phase I\" is still commonly used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Step-by-Step LCRM Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

LCRM establishes a structured approach to land contamination assessment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stage 1: Risk Assessment<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  • Preliminary Risk Assessment<\/strong> (PRA):\n
      \n
    • Historical data review (e.g., Ordnance Survey maps, regulatory data)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Site reconnaissance visit (walkover)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Online portal data analysis (e.g., Coal Authority, Environment Agency, UXO search)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Development of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) to evaluate pollutant linkages<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Outcome: Determine whether risks are acceptable or if further investigation is needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Generic Qualitative Risk Assessment<\/strong> (GQRA) (commonly known as Phase II Site Investigation):\n
        \n
      • Soil sampling and chemical analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Hazardous gas monitoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Validation against Soil Guidance Values (SGVs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Outcome: If contamination is negligible, no further action is needed; otherwise, remediation may be required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment<\/strong> (DQRA):\n
          \n
        • Rarely required but involves in-depth risk modeling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Often bypassed in favor of moving directly to remediation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Stage 2: Options Appraisal<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • Identification of feasible remediation options<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Detailed evaluation of each option<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Selection of the most effective and cost-efficient remediation strategy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Stage 3: Remediation and Verification<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            • Implementation of the selected remediation strategy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Comprehensive record-keeping of remediation activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Production of a Validation Report<\/strong> for regulatory approval<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              The Validation Report is essential in confirming that the site has been appropriately remediated. Even if no contamination was found, planning authorities often require documentation verifying that no previously unidentified contamination was encountered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Compliance and Competency Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

              To conduct land contamination assessments, a 'Competent Person'<\/strong> is required, as defined in Paragraph 189 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A Competent Person must meet one or more of the following criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • A Suitably Qualified Person (SQP)<\/strong> under the National Quality Mark Scheme (NQMS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Accreditation from the SoBRA<\/strong> scheme<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Recognition as a Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Membership in a professional organization relevant to land contamination<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Certification under the Gas Protection Verification Scheme (GPVS)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Demonstrated experience in managing land contamination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Why Choose GeoEnviro Solutions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                At GeoEnviro Solutions, we meet and exceed these competency requirements. As leaders in the field, we align our remediation and validation strategies with guidance from the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Pollution Advisory Group (YALPAG)<\/strong>\u2014a trusted authority comprised of local government contaminated land teams. Our extensive industry experience enables us to provide effective, regulatory-compliant, and cost-efficient solutions for land contamination issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                For expert consultation on land contamination assessments, contact GeoEnviro Solutions<\/strong> today. Our team ensures compliance with planning regulations while optimizing risk management strategies for developers and stakeholders alike.<\/p>\n","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[70,67,69,68,66],"class_list":["post-2116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog","tag-geoenviro-solutions","tag-geotechnical-engineering","tag-knowledge-transfer-partnership-ktp","tag-soil-sample-testing","tag-sonic-drilling"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2116","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2116"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2121,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2116\/revisions\/2121"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}