What is a site walkover with regards to land contamination?
The site walkover involves a competent and experienced person visiting the site to document visual and olfactory (odour) evidence relating to the site and surrounding area, preferably whilst the site is still active or prior to demolition. This can assist in identifying key areas of potential contamination e.g. above or underground fuel tanks, storage areas, dumped equipment or containers, staining on the ground, smelly or stagnant water, process areas within buildings, informal areas of vehicle maintenance. Walking round the site can assist in identifying potential routes along which contaminants could move such as soakaways, drainage routes, streams, gradient changes and surface run off, ground types, and surface cover. A visit can also identify nearby receptors such as housing, play areas, agricultural land, streams/ rivers/ lakes/ reservoirs/ coast, drainage ditches and sensitive environments. These reports should be compiled by an experienced and qualified consultant. The Council
