Environmental site assessment
Understanding the environmental quality of soil (soil and groundwater) is important in many situations—for example during property transactions (to assess risks), planned excavation activities, and applications for environmental permits. SGS Search can provide this insight by conducting an environmental site assessment (ESA).
An ESA can consist of several phases:
- Phase I ESA: desk study (in accordance with NEN 5725)
- Phase II ESA: site investigation (in accordance with NEN 5740)
- Phase III ESA: remedial investigation (in accordance with NTA 5755) or additional studies
Good to know: an ESA does not always include multiple phases—only when there is a reason to do so.
Phase I ESA
During the first phase, available information about the site is collected and evaluated to gain insight into the environmental quality of the soil. This includes reviewing data such as historical activities that may have caused contamination, the presence of storage tanks, and previously conducted soil investigations (on-site or nearby).
The results are documented in a comprehensive report with clear conclusions and recommendations.
Phase II ESA
A targeted site investigation in accordance with NEN 5740 is carried out when the preliminary assessment indicates a potential risk of soil contamination at (part of) the site. This phase involves sampling and analyzing soil and groundwater, with the results assessed against current regulatory standards in the Netherlands.
Phase III ESA and additional soil investigations
If required based on the findings, SGS Search can also take care of other types of soil investigations, such as:
- Phase III ESA, or remedial site investigation (in accordance with NTA 5755) to delineate the contamination
- Exploratory sediment investigation (NEN 5720) for ditches or surface waters
- Asbestos investigation in soil, rubble, or dredged material
These studies aim to provide as much insight as possible into potential risks or constraints for future land use or development.
PFAS analysis
Due to regulatory requirements for the reuse of PFAS-containing soil and dredged material, soil investigations often need to be supplemented with PFAS analysis. Our certified laboratory is fully equipped to analyze soil, sediment, and groundwater samples for PFAS alongside standard parameters.
Site investigations for excavation works
Planning excavation activities? We can carry out targeted investigations to determine soil quality and ensure compliance with regulations..
Geoprobe mechanical soil drill
Fieldwork is often conducted manually, but when layers are impenetrable—such as rubble foundations—a mechanical drilling system (geoprobe) is used. This allows for fast, safe, and, where necessary, deep drilling (up to approximately 10 meters), while ensuring undisturbed sampling. Its compact size makes it suitable for use in city centers or other hard-to-reach locations.
Clear and comprehensive reporting
SGS Search conducts the environmental site assessment and presents the results, risks, and recommendations in a clear and structured report. Based on these findings, we advise on any necessary measures, follow-up investigations, or soil remediation.
