What is analysed

documents, records, photographs, video, claims and case materials;

the location of the object, possible sources of impact and the sequence of events;

laboratory test reports and the correctness of sampling;

consistency of the conclusions with the source data and methods;

possible restoration and land reclamation measures.

Result

The work results in an expert opinion, review or written specialist position with conclusions that may be used in negotiations, a claim or court proceedings.

Important: if laboratory tests are required, their cost and timeframe are usually calculated separately according to the parameters, number of samples and object.

The examination aims to establish what happened to the soil or earth materials on the site, which parameters changed and what supports a link between the changes and the suspected impact. The presence of rubbish, a change in colour or an odour do not by themselves replace laboratory data.

Subject of examination

Soil cover and soil delivered to the site
Suspected contamination zones, control areas and depths
Impact of petroleum products, other substances, waste and construction work

Sample questions for the expert

Which changes in soil condition are confirmed by the survey and test reports?
Are contaminated and control areas comparable in their sampling conditions?
What data indicates the source and period of the impact?
Which restoration measures are needed and is there sufficient data to substantiate them?

The final questions are formulated according to the objects and circumstances of the particular task.

What to prepare

Documents relating to the land parcel and a plan of its use
The history of work, soil deliveries, accidents or waste placement
Sampling records, coordinates, depths, photographs and laboratory test reports
Previous surveys and information on background conditions

How the examination is conducted

The site's history, spatial distribution of changes and suitability of the sampling plan are assessed. Chemical parameters are compared with site conditions and the subject of the dispute. The choice of comparison and regulatory basis must be justified in the examination itself.

Scope and limitations

The characteristics of a single sample must not be extended to the entire site without justification. Determining property boundaries, waste hazard class and a party's culpability requires different questions and expertise.

What the deliverable records

The result describes disturbances, analyses causation and states limitations concerning area and period, and, where the data is sufficient, substantiates restoration of the soil cover.

Contamination of soil and earth materials

When it is used