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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.

Introduction to Brownfield Site Investigation: Topics

Overview

This page gives you access to all the training content on this subject, including links to the course structure, objectives and syllabus. A forum has also been created for the user to ask questions or provide feedback on the technical content of the subject. It is recommended that you read all the information before proceeding with module one. There are 10 modules to complete.

To access the modules, scroll down to the 10 module toggle bars and select the arrow icon. This will expand the toggle and display the full content of the module.

Once an activity has been completed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link. This informs the website that the training required to proceed to the next module has been passed.

This course has two assessments; the first after the reading list and video in module 1, and the second upon completion of module 10. Once all activities have been completed and both assessments passed, a personalised PDF certificate will be available to download.
N.B. The certificate can only be accessed once, so please make sure it is saved in a safe location prior to closure.

Module 1: An Introduction to Brownfield Site Investigation

This module consists of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with narration converted to streaming video format. The video is hosted on YouTube and has been embedded here. A good broadband internet connection is required in order to stream the video.

In addition to the video, a PDF of all the slides is available to print.

Once the video has been streamed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link to indicate that the activity has been completed. The next module will now become available.

Module 2: Documentary Research

This module consists of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with narration converted to streaming video format. The video is hosted on YouTube and has been embedded here. A good broadband internet connection is required in order to stream the video.

In addition to the video, a PDF of all the slides is available to print.

Once the video has been streamed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link to indicate that the activity has been completed. The next module will now become available.

Module 3: Site Reconnaissance

This module consists of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with narration converted to streaming video format. The video is hosted on YouTube and has been embedded here. A good broadband internet connection is required in order to stream the video.

In addition to the video, a PDF of all the slides is available to print.

Once the video has been streamed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link to indicate that the activity has been completed. The next module will now become available.

Module 4: Design of the Investigation

This module consists of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with narration converted to streaming video format. The video is hosted on YouTube and has been embedded here. A good broadband internet connection is required in order to stream the video.

In addition to the video, a PDF of all the slides is available to print.

Once the video has been streamed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link to indicate that the activity has been completed. The next module will now become available.

Module 5: Surveying

This module consists of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with narration converted to streaming video format. The video is hosted on YouTube and has been embedded here. A good broadband internet connection is required in order to stream the video.

In addition to the video, a PDF of all the slides is available to print.

Once the video has been streamed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link to indicate that the activity has been completed. The next module will now become available.

Module 6 - Service Avoidance

This module consists of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with narration converted to streaming video format. The video is hosted on YouTube and has been embedded here. A good broadband internet connection is required in order to stream the video.

In addition to the video, a PDF of all the slides is available to print.

Once the video has been streamed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link to indicate that the activity has been completed. The next module will now become available.

Module 7: Monitoring and Sampling

This module consists of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with narration converted to streaming video format. The video is hosted on YouTube and has been embedded here. A good broadband internet connection is required in order to stream the video.

In addition to the video, a PDF of all the slides is available to print.

Once the video has been streamed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link to indicate that the activity has been completed. The next module will now become available.

Module 8: Insitu testing

This module consists of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with narration converted to streaming video format. The video is hosted on YouTube and has been embedded here. A good broadband internet connection is required in order to stream the video.

In addition to the video, a PDF of all the slides is available to print.

Once the video has been streamed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link to indicate that the activity has been completed. The next module will now become available.

Module 9: Laboratory Testing

This module consists of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with narration converted to streaming video format. The video is hosted on YouTube and has been embedded here. A good broadband internet connection is required in order to stream the video.

In addition to the video, a PDF of all the slides is available to print.

Once the video has been streamed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link to indicate that the activity has been completed. The next module will now become available.

Module 10: Site Safety

This module consists of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with narration converted to streaming video format. The video is hosted on YouTube and has been embedded here. A good broadband internet connection is required in order to stream the video.

In addition to the video, a PDF of all the slides is available to print.

Once the video has been streamed, select the dotted tick icon to the right of the activity link to indicate that the activity has been completed. The next module will now become available.

  1. British Standard 1377-9 is available for comment

    British Standard 1377-9 is available for comment

     June 2025
    The following British Standard is available as a Draft for Public Comment (DPC): BS 1377-9 – Methods of test for civil engineering purposes – Part 9: In-situ tests until 6 August.
  2. Defra publishes new national standards for SuDS

    Defra publishes new national standards for SuDS

     June 2025
    Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has recently announced the publication of updated national standards for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). These apply to England only. Further information is...
  3. Call for abstracts for SoBRA/RSC Winter Conference

    Call for abstracts for SoBRA/RSC Winter Conference

     June 2025
    SoBRA/RSC are seeking abstracts for presentations at their Winter Conference on ‘Current Issues in Contaminated Land Risk Assessment’ (10 December, London). Submissions are invited on any topic relating to brownfield risk...
  4. GPVS application window now open

    GPVS application window now open

     June 2025
    The Gas Protection Verification Accreditation Scheme (GPVS) application window is now open and closes 31 August 2025. The application window is open to Technician Grade and Specialist Grade applicants. 
  5. Contamination and Land Remediation Expo tickets now available

    Contamination and Land Remediation Expo tickets now available

     June 2025
    Claim your FREE tickets for Contamination and Land Remediation Expo (CLR Expo) now! CLR Expo is a part of the UK’s largest event for environmental services industry, taking place from...
  6. Environment Agency publishes an update to LCRM guidance

    Environment Agency publishes an update to LCRM guidance

     June 2025
    The Environment Agency is pleased to announce that Scottish Government and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency are now adopting Land contamination risk management (LCRM) making it UK-wide guidance.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. 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...
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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...
  14. 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,...
  15. 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...
  16. 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...
  17. 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...
  18. 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.
  19. 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...
  20. 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...
  21. 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...