See the site's risk before the decision, not after.

Risk before the transaction

Past land use can mean future cost and liability.

The purpose of the preliminary assessment is to identify potential sources of soil and groundwater contamination, pathways and affected receptors. The result helps decide whether a desk-based evaluation is sufficient or whether targeted on-site sampling and a more detailed investigation are needed.

International equivalent: the preliminary assessment based on records review and site walkover corresponds to a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA), and the detailed investigation with targeted sampling to a Phase II ESA level. This is the framework regional investors, lenders and international advisers use in environmental due diligence , so the report slots directly into their decision process.

Decision chain

Site history, pathway and a proportionate next step.

1. Records and data reviewReview of past land uses, permits, investigations and map sources.
2. Site walkoverRecording of potential sources, tanks, fill, staining, paving and drainage.
3. Conceptual site modelSummary of source–pathway–receptor linkages and hydrogeological sensitivity.
4. Risk rankingEvaluation of uncertainties, immediate risks and factors affecting the investment decision.
5. Sampling proposalWhere warranted, definition of a targeted soil, groundwater or other investigation programme.

A usable result

A short, clear decision report for the next step.

A preliminary assessment does not replace a regulatory site investigation. Its job is to establish what risk is visible from the available data, where material uncertainty remains, and what investigation the investment decision requires.