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CL:AIRE is a UK charity committed to providing a valuable service for all those involved in sustainable land reuse.
We develop training resources, disseminate information and act as a credible resource for all stakeholders, ensuring we remain at the cutting-edge of best practice and innovation.

 

Improving efficiency & raising standards
Improving efficiency & raising standards
Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoWCoP), National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Affected by Contamination (NQMS), Asbestos in Soil, SuRF...
Supporting our Members
Supporting our Members
Find out about the benefits of becoming a CL:AIRE Principal or Supporter Member:- Member discounts, Networking, Working Groups, ...
Sharing Knowledge & Developing People
Sharing Knowledge & Developing People
Water and Land Library ( WALL), Continuing Professional development through Training and workshops...
CL:AIRE Membership
CL:AIRE works with its Members to raise awareness and pursue shared objectives in land, water and environmental management by collecting strategic industry information and developing industry initiatives that improve efficiency and save money.
Gas Protection Verification Scheme (GPVS)
The GPVS seeks to raise standards in membrane inspection, verification and reporting and provide confidence that risks associated with ground gases have been adequately managed.
Definition of Waste Code of Practice
The Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoWCoP) provides a clear, consistent and efficient process which enables the reuse of excavated materials on-site or their movement between sites.

Find out more...Register of materials...
Make a declaration...
NQMS for Land Contamination Management
The National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Contamination Management (NQMS) is developed by the National Brownfield Forum to provide visible identification of documents that have been checked for quality.

Site Investigation

Welcome

to the

Site Investigation Blended Learning Suite

Please click on the course title below.

Introduction to Brownfield Site Investigation

This course has been designed to be consistent with the National Brownfield Skills Framework (NBSF) which states that Site Investigation covers the preparation, implementation, testing and presentation of information detailing the extent of contamination on a site and the impact of this on human health and the environment.

Set at an introductory level, the course content aligns with Level 2 of the NBSF.

Level 2 demonstrates a basic level of knowledge that an individual needs in order to begin to undertake or perform tasks.

A person with a Basic level 2 capability may have some or all of the requisite knowledge to undertake an activity but not necessarily the practical experience of its application. It is recognised at this level, that further learning and knowledge acquisition - whether via formal training, mentoring, studying best practice, work experience, etc is important to ensure effective application of the relevant knowledge.

Audience

The NBSF is aimed at all those involved in preparing brownfield land for development and/or ensuring it is suitable for its current use.

Course Structure

The course consists of 10 modules and two assessments. The first assessment is set after module 1 and the second on completion of all the modules. Module 1 consists of a video and recommended reading list, with the remaining modules containing a video and further reading options.

Module 1 An Introduction to Brownfield Site Investigation
Module 2 Documentary Research
Module 3 Site Reconnaissance
Module 4 Design of the Investigation
Module 5 Surveying
Module 6 Service Avoidance
Module 7 Monitoring and Sampling
Module 8 Insitu testing
Module 9 Laboratory Testing
Module 10 Site Safety

Objectives

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

  • Understand the principles and purpose of a site investigation
  • Know what guidance is currently available on site investigation design and techniques
  • Understand what a conceptual site model is and its importance in assessing land contamination
  • Know how to undertake desk-based documentary research into contaminative uses and environmental setting of the site
  • Recognise the importance of a site reconnaissance and what information should be obtained from completing one
  • Understand what information is required to design a site investigation, including setting objectives
  • Understand the principles of conducting a site investigation, what techniques are available and the constraints may be associated with the investigation
  • Appreciate the range of site investigation methods available and their applicability, advantages and disadvantages
  • Understand the techniques for sampling and monitoring as part of a site investigation.
  • Appreciate the value of laboratory testing for environmental and geotechnical purposes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of assessing, managing and mitigating Health & Safety risks including the important of underground service clearance
  1. CL:AIRE is looking forward to seeing you at AquaConSoil

    CL:AIRE is looking forward to seeing you at AquaConSoil

     May 2025
    For those of you heading to AquaConSoil from June 16-20, we'd like to draw your attention to several sessions involving CL:AIRE and hope to see some of you in Liège.
  2. Have your say in the 2025 National Environmental Services Survey

    Have your say in the 2025 National Environmental Services Survey

     May 2025
    You’re invited to contribute your opinions and insights to the 2025 National Environmental Services Survey.
  3. Defra consults on improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain for minor, medium and brownfield development

    Defra consults on improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain for minor, medium and brownfield development

     May 2025
    Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking views on improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for minor, medium and brownfield development. Further information is
  4. Defra consults on biodiversity net gain for nationally significant infrastructure projects

    Defra consults on biodiversity net gain for nationally significant infrastructure projects

     May 2025
    Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking views on the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). The government is introducing BNG...
  5. MHCLG announces simpler rules for smaller housebuilders

    MHCLG announces simpler rules for smaller housebuilders

     May 2025
    Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has announced simpler and more streamlined planning for smaller housebuilders. Further information is available here.
  6. Sustainathon 2025 launches a call for speakers

    Sustainathon 2025 launches a call for speakers

     May 2025
    Sustainathon 2025 has now been launched. This is a 17 hour global marathon dedicated to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, Sustainathon 2025 will dedicate an hour to each SDG.
  7. National Brownfield Forum April meeting notes published

    National Brownfield Forum April meeting notes published

     May 2025
    The National Brownfield Forum April 2025 meeting notes have now been published and are available to download here: April 2025 Meeting Notes Please share the link to the...
  8. Government launches consultation on reforming landfill tax

    Government launches consultation on reforming landfill tax

     May 2025
    The government has published a consultation on reform of Landfill Tax. The consultation seeks views on proposals aimed at supporting the government's ambition to transition to a more circular economy,...
  9. Next GPVS application window opens 1 June 2025

    Next GPVS application window opens 1 June 2025

     April 2025
    The next Gas Protection Verification Accreditation Scheme (GPVS) application window opens 1 June 2025 and closes 31 August 2025. The application window is open to Technician Grade and Specialist...
  10. Contamination and Land Remediation Expo (CLR Expo) 2025

    Contamination and Land Remediation Expo (CLR Expo) 2025

     April 2025
    The Contamination and Land Remediation Expo (CLR Expo) returns for 2025 (16-17 September, NEC, Birmingham) as the premier event for professionals across the geoenvironmental sectors. Whether you're a contractor, environmental...
  11. BSI proposes to revise guidance on investigations for ground gas (BS8576)

    BSI proposes to revise guidance on investigations for ground gas (BS8576)

     April 2025
    The British Standards Institution (BSI) proposes to revise BS8576 - Guidance on investigations for ground gas. Permanent gases and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). A new work item proposal has been...
  12. EAC launches new inquiry to address the risks of PFAS within the UK's regulatory approach

    EAC launches new inquiry to address the risks of PFAS within the UK's regulatory approach

     April 2025
    The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched an inquiry looking at the risks of PFAS within the UK's regulatory approach. EAC requests written submissions by 5.00pm on 26 May 2025.
  13. EU Council reaches agreement on soil monitoring law

    EU Council reaches agreement on soil monitoring law

     April 2025
    The European Council has reached a provisional deal with the European Parliament on a directive establishing a framework for soil monitoring to improve resilience and manage the risks of contaminated...
  14. UK and Welsh Governments launch joint consultation to reform environmental permitting regulations

    UK and Welsh Governments launch joint consultation to reform environmental permitting regulations

     April 2025
    The UK and Welsh Governments have launched a joint consultation to reform Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016. The proposals relate to flood risk activities, waste operations, water discharge...
  15. Independent review of Defra's regulatory landscape published

    Independent review of Defra's regulatory landscape published

     April 2025
    The independent review carried out by Dan Corry on behalf of Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), to review environmental regulations has been published. The review has identified major...
  16. Environment Agency publishes guidance on how to get environmental permitting support for major projects

    Environment Agency publishes guidance on how to get environmental permitting support for major projects

     April 2025
    The Environment Agency has published guidance on how to get extra support for projects in England that require a complex range of environmental permits and licences. Further information is
  17. Piling and Penetrative Ground Improvement Methods on Land Affected by Contamination: Guidance on Pollution Prevention

    Piling and Penetrative Ground Improvement Methods on Land Affected by Contamination: Guidance on Pollution Prevention

     March 2025
    In March 2025, CL:AIRE published a new guidance document Piling and Penetrative Ground Improvement Methods on Land Affected by Contamination: Guidance on Pollution Prevention. Download the file here (23MB)
    CL:AIRE rolling out new membership process for new and renewing members

    CL:AIRE rolling out new membership process for new and renewing members

     March 2025
    Over the next few weeks, CL:AIRE will be rolling out a new membership process for new and renewing members. The process will improve how we capture the data about our...
  18. Launch of Earthbanks project

    Launch of Earthbanks project

     March 2025
    CL:AIRE is excited to formally announce the launch of its new research project, Earthbanks, spearheaded by eight of the top academics in soil in the UK. The Earthbanks project aims to...
  19. CL:AIRE publishes DoW CoP 2024 Auditing Summary Report

    CL:AIRE publishes DoW CoP 2024 Auditing Summary Report

     March 2025
    CL:AIRE continues performing the Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoW CoP) audits following the procedures published on its website (DoW CoP Auditing Procedures). The audit activities...
  20. BSSS launches new soil podcast

    BSSS launches new soil podcast

     March 2025
    The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) has launched a new podcast, Soil Matters, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and...