Documentation

Risk assessment

Environmental Audits and Desktops, Land Condition Records and Land Quality Statements may provide, in conclusion, a risk assessment with an overall risk rating. Definitions of risk vary from consultancy to consultancy but they can be broadly classified as follows:

Low
  • Site considered suitable for present use and environmental setting.
  • Contaminants may be present but very unlikely to have an unacceptable impact on key targets.
  • No action needed whilst site remains in present use and remains undisturbed.
Low to medium
  • Site considered suitable for present use and environmental setting.
  • Contaminants may be present but unlikely to have an unacceptable impact on key targets.
  • Action unlikely to be needed whilst site remains in present use or otherwise remains undisturbed.
Medium
  • Site may not be suitable for present use and environmental setting.
  • Contaminants probably or certainly present and likely to have an unacceptable impact on key targets.
  • Action may be required to clarify risk.
Medium to high
  • Site probably not suitable for present use and environmental setting.
  • Contaminants probably or certainly present and very likely to have an unacceptable impact on key targets.
  • Action is advised to clarify risk.
High
  • Site certainly not suitable for present use and environmental setting.
  • Contaminants probably or certainly present and very likely to have an unacceptable impact on key targets.
  • Action urgently needed.