Services

Before the ground is investigated, an environmental history survey can be carried out. We go through the available archives, such as those of the environmental authority and the city planning archive, and can interview people who worked at earlier businesses on the site. This identifies the parts of the area where the ground may have been contaminated.

The survey can serve as the basis for a sampling plan showing where samples should be taken and which substances should be analysed in soil and groundwater. The results are presented in a report of their own or as part of the investigation report.

The environmental history survey can form the basis for an environmental site investigation, in which we take samples of soil, groundwater and soil gas. The samples are used to determine whether the ground is contaminated and what risks there may be to people and the environment.

Land is often affected by contaminants such as metals, petroleum hydrocarbons and PAH. Chlorinated solvents can occur after activities such as dry cleaning and metalworking, while pesticides can be found at market gardens and on farmland. PCB from sealants may have spread to the ground as the sealants break down. PFAS can occur as a result of earlier businesses, firefighting foam or diffuse and unknown sources.

Soil samples are usually taken with an auger mounted on a tracked rig, but samples can also be taken from trial pits dug by hand or with an excavator. Groundwater samples are taken from wells installed in the ground.

The results are summarised in a report with a risk assessment and recommendations, which can then serve as the basis for any remediation. The investigation can also be coordinated with a geotechnical investigation to reduce the cost of sampling equipment.

For a radon measurement in the ground, a detector is placed in the ground for 10 days. The detector is then analysed.

A detailed risk assessment can be carried out to clarify which risks exist in an area, for example on large industrial sites or where the contamination is complex. As part of the work we can also derive site-specific guideline values adapted to the conditions on the site.

If the ground is contaminated and needs remediating, we can set out alternative measures to reduce the risks where needed. The choice of measure is based on the available remediation techniques, the costs and how much the environmental risks can be reduced.

Before contaminated soil is remediated, the ground can usefully be classified in a grid, for example 20 × 20 metres, with samples in layers of about 0.5 metres. Each analysed sample can then classify 200 m³, or about 400 tonnes of soil.

This way the whole remediation area can be classified in advance, which makes it easier to procure the remediation contract and reduces the need for environmental supervision during the works.

Environmental due diligence, EDD, is carried out ahead of a property transaction and consists of an environmental survey and inspection of the property. The work is usually done over a short period and without sampling. It can also be carried out in confidence when a property acquisition is sensitive to publicity.

During remediation we check that the work is carried out as planned. As part of the supervision, samples of soil and groundwater are taken for analysis.

The aim is to make sure that contaminated soil and groundwater are remediated and that contaminated material is dealt with properly. The remediation is then summarised in a report.

Sediment is investigated much like soil. Samples can be taken by divers or with equipment from the quayside or a boat, then analysed and classified. The results are used to decide how the sediment should be handled, for example during dredging or capping.

We handle contact, dialogue and reporting to the relevant environmental authority throughout the project.

Before buildings are investigated, an environmental history survey can be carried out. We go through the available archives and can interview people with knowledge of earlier businesses on the site.

The survey helps identify where buildings may have been contaminated by earlier businesses and can serve as the basis for a sampling plan.

A building material survey, which may also be called an environmental survey, is carried out before demolition or refurbishment. We map which materials the building contains and how they may need to be handled. These can be, for example, materials containing asbestos, PCB, chlorinated paraffins, PAH, isocyanates, heavy metals or petroleum hydrocarbons.

We also investigate contamination in building materials that may have been caused by earlier businesses in the building, such as oils, PAH, PCB and metals. Timber in roof trusses, for example, may also have been treated against pests with metals, chlorophenol or pesticides such as DDT and lindane.

The results are summarised in a report with recommendations and can serve as the basis for remediation, refurbishment or demolition.

We carry out reuse inventories on our own or together with an architect or construction project manager. The inventory can usefully be combined with a survey of hazardous and special waste.

Our long experience of hazardous substances and diffuse contamination in building materials means that materials to be reused can also be assessed for harmful substances.

Successful reuse requires several parties and professions to work together. We work closely with partners in the construction and demolition industry who can help clients reach their reuse targets.

For a radon measurement in buildings, radon detectors are placed in selected rooms. A short-term measurement of at least 7 days can give a first indication of the radon level. A long-term measurement is carried out over two months between 1 October and 30 April to meet the regulatory requirements.

For substances in buildings we can carry out calculations to assess what levels can be present in building materials without posing risks to the people using the building.

During demolition and renovation we check that the remediation is carried out as planned. As part of the supervision, samples of building materials can be taken and analysed.

The aim is to make sure that contaminated building materials are remediated and dealt with properly. The work can then be summarised in a report.

We handle contact, dialogue and reporting to the relevant environmental authority throughout the project.