National foreword

This British Standard is the UK implementation of ISO 18400‑202:2018.

BS ISO 18400‑202:2018 is intended to be used in conjunction with BS 10175:2011+A2:2017 and other members of the BS ISO 18400 series of standards as appropriate. Where there are differences in the guidance given in this standard and that in BS 10175:2011+A2:2017, the guidance in BS 10175:2011+A2:2017 takes precedence.

The UK committee notes that this standard covers a wide variety of situations in which investigations including sampling to determine soil quality might be carried out rather than being focused on potentially contaminated sites, as is the case in BS 10175:2011+A2:2017.

The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee EH/4, Soil quality.

A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to its secretary.

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from legal obligations.

This British Standard was published under the authority of the Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 30 November 2018.

Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.

The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).

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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 190, Soil quality, Subcommittee SC 2, Sampling.

This first edition of ISO 18400‑202, together with ISO 18400‑104, ISO 18400‑203 and ISO 18400‑205, cancels and replaces the first editions of ISO 10381‑4:2003 and ISO 10381‑5:2005, which have been technically and structurally revised.

The new ISO 18400 series is based on a modular structure and cannot be compared to the ISO 10381 series clause by clause.

A list of all parts in the ISO 18400 series can be found on the ISO website.

Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

Introduction

All investigation programmes to gather information about soil quality need some basic information about the subject site and its environmental setting to allow appropriate planning of the field work. To collect this information, a preliminary investigation is carried out comprising desk studies, retrieval of data from archives and databases, interviews and a site reconnaissance. From the information gathered, and the observations made, a conceptual site model can be developed including hypotheses about soil characteristics and their possible spatial distribution.

It is for the user of this document to decide the extent and nature of information required in any particular case taking into account the nature of the site and the objectives of the overall investigation: however, some preliminary information will always be needed. Detailed guidance is provided in the document based mainly on the need to obtain detailed information on many aspects of a site in the more complex cases, e.g. a potentially contaminated site, but the guidance is intended to be helpful when preparing to investigate all types of site.

The sources of information available for use in preliminary investigations will vary from country to country and jurisdiction to jurisdiction and, thus, the guidance given about sources of information in this document is of necessity generic in character. The user will find it useful to prepare detailed information about local sources for their own use. National standards providing guidance on the design and execution of geotechnical investigations often contain a requirement that a desk study and site reconnaissance should be carried out and thus could provide useful guidance about potential sources of information. Similarly, standards covering the demolition and dismantling of old buildings and industrial plant could provide useful information and guidance.

This document deals only with the investigation of the ground. It should be recognized that there could be derelict buildings and/or industrial plants awaiting demolition, dismantling or refurbishment on old urban and industrial sites, but that buildings in a poor state and containing potentially hazardous materials could also be present on farms and similar sites. Failure to investigate these buildings before demolition could put the safety of workers at risk or lead to the spread of contamination on and around the site^[⁷^][⁸^]. The investigation of derelict buildings or remnant foundations is outside the scope of this document.

This document is part of a series on sampling standards for soil. The role/position of the standards within the total investigation programme is shown in Figure 1.

1 Scope

This document provides guidance on the design and execution of preliminary investigations comprising desk studies and site reconnaissance, and where appropriate, preliminary risk assessment. It is applicable whenever sampling exercises or investigations are to be carried out to determine soil quality.

2 Normative references

3 Terms and definitions

4 General/principle

5 Phases of investigation

6 Objectives of preliminary investigations

7 Scope of preliminary investigations

7.1 General/strategy

The preliminary investigation should consist of:

a desk study, including consultations (see 7.3) with those who might have relevant information about the site, in which information on the history and other relevant aspects of the site, is collected and critically reviewed (see 7.2);
a site reconnaissance (site inspection, walk-over survey) (see 7.4);
development of a conceptual site model (see Clause 8), which in the case of potentially contaminated sites should include:
- formulation of hypotheses on the possible type(s) and amount of contamination, migration pathways (on- and off-site), and spatial and temporal distribution; together with hypotheses regarding other aspects of the site, such as the hydrogeology;
drawing conclusions with regard to the need for and scope of further investigations (see 8.4);
identification of any need for immediate actions to protect humans or the environment (e.g. fencing, removal of superficial deposits).

In most cases, it should be possible to make a preliminary qualitative assessment of (potential) risks to humans and other receptors (see 8.3).

The minimum information that should be collected in the preliminary investigation is set out in 7.2 and 7.3 and the procedures on how the information can be obtained are provided in 7.2.3. Guidance on reporting the results of the preliminary investigation is provided in Clause 9.

The objectives of the preliminary investigation might not require all the elements recommended in 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4, in which case the strategy should identify what elements of the preliminary investigation are essential and those that do not need to be addressed. Some examples of information that could be required relating to stockpiles are listed in Table 1, to agricultural sites in Table 2 and wooded sites in Table 3. Much of the guidance in Table 1 is also applicable to other site types.

Where elements of a preliminary investigation described in 7.2 to 7.4 are not to be included, these should be documented in the report, and any limitations on the final assessment arising from the omissions should be clearly understood by all parties involved and stated in the report.

The strategy should provide for a review of the information obtained at the conclusion of the preliminary investigation to determine if the objectives have been achieved (and are still appropriate) and whether there is a need to carry out an exploratory investigation and/or detailed investigation (see Clause 5).

The site should be divided into zones if necessary or advantageous if this has not already been done (guidance on site zoning is provided in ISO 18400‑104). Separate conceptual models should be developed for each zone that is identified.

NOTE It is likely that there will be different requirements for further investigation of each zone.

Care should be taken that a focus on separate zones does not obscure the overall picture and that the potential interactions between zones are not overlooked.

The output from the preliminary investigation should include the preliminary conceptual site model (see Clause 8) and, in the case of potentially contaminated sites, a preliminary risk assessment (see 8.3) based on the information available.

Owner and occupiers.
Relevant requirements in lease/rental agreements.
Soil type(s).
Whether the land to be investigated is used for raising crops or animals and the history of these activities (e.g. what crops or animals and when).
Whether the farm is “organic” or conventional.
Whether genetically modified crops are grown.
Use of pesticides, soil amendment materials, and fertilizers, and how these have been applied.
If organic wastes (e.g. farmyard manure, sewage sludge) has been spread the time period that has elapsed since this was done (important for safety in respect of the possible presence of pathogens).
Current or past presence of plant or animal pathogens (7.2.4).
Presence of ground-nesting birds.
Whether irrigation is used and if so in what form.
Presence of areas of stressed vegetation.
Location of areas of wet ground and/or ground liable to flooding.
Location used for servicing farm machinery.
Location of waste deposits (slurry ponds, dung heaps, etc.).
Location of animal burial pits and filled ponds.
Location of natural water courses and artificial drainage ditches.
Location of any in-ground drainage system (e.g. presence of land-drains).
Location of any old redundant or little used machinery (could be a hazard, impede investigation or be a source of contamination).
Presence of fuel tanks.
Presence of underground fuel or gas pipelines (hazardous and there could be severe restrictions of excavation over wide zone).
Presence of overhead cables.
Presence of public rights of way (footpaths, bridle paths, etc.) or a “right to roam” (e.g. public access subject to some restrictions).
Non-farming activities in buildings (e.g. vehicle maintenance, workshops, storage).
Presence of ecologically sensitive areas or features within or close to the site (farm buildings often house protected birds and bats).
Presence of archaeological remains.

Ownership and occupiers.
Soil type.
Type of wood (e.g. deciduous, conifer, mixed, natural or planted, managed or unmanaged, coppiced, ancient woodland).
Other plants present and whether these can be trafficked (and if so when).
Wildlife present.
Domesticated animals or birds present.
Presence of public rights of way (footpaths, bridle paths, etc.) or a “right to roam” (e.g. public access subject to some restrictions).
Presence of ecologically sensitive areas or features within or close to the site.
Presence of archaeological remains.

7.2 Desk study

7.3 Consultations

Relevant parties should be consulted, normally in parallel with the documentary research. This should include, when appropriate, consultation with authorities about the current use of the site including environmental and operational permits and discharge consents (i.e. permits to discharge water to sewers or water courses).

Among those officials or organizations that could be consulted are those responsible for

management of contaminated sites on behalf of governments or local governments,
management of groundwater and surface water resources,
physical planning,
controlling environmental impacts such as noise and air pollution,
ecologically sensitive sites,
storage of petroleum and other hazardous substances,
sites protected because of their scientific values (in some jurisdictions these can include valued geological exposures), and
archaeological and other heritage sites.

Client approval should be obtained before entering consultations with third parties and regulators, in case of confidentiality issues.

Where possible, and appropriate, interviews should take place with current or former owners and workers, current or former neighbours, neighbouring businesses, environmental groups, groundwater exploration companies, water companies, water quality inspectors, etc., to obtain for example, further information on, or enhance knowledge of, suspect locations or features, underground services, etc. The accuracy of such anecdotal evidence should be treated with caution unless the information can be confirmed by an independent source. Such consultations can be combined with the site reconnaissance (see 7.4).

7.4 Site reconnaissance

A reconnaissance of the site, neighbouring land (i.e. adjacent to the site) and the surrounding area should be made after available historical information and other relevant information has been obtained and collated. The area around the site for which information is to be gathered should be specified before the site reconnaissance is carried out.

Arrangements for the reconnaissance visit, including access, should be agreed with the client and the site owner and/or occupier, as appropriate, before being undertaken.

When appropriate, a request should be made for personnel visiting the site to be accompanied by someone familiar with the site, such as a plant manager, person in charge of maintenance or safety officer in the case of an industrial site.

A health and safety risk assessment should be carried out before the visit. This assessment should be based on the results of the desk study, but should be refined once the preliminary investigation is completed. The assessment should be kept under review as the investigation proceeds, but where there is any doubt as to the presence or degree of contamination then protective equipment should be used. Personnel undertaking the visit should be briefed on any hazards (e.g. physical, chemical, biological) that could be encountered and any precautions to be taken. Old buildings, etc. could be structurally unsound and should only ever be entered after an assessment of the potential risk of doing so (for further guidance on safety, see ISO 18400‑103).

NOTE 1 Assessment of the condition of a building might require advice from appropriately qualified expert.

A strategy for the visit should be decided in advance and suitable plans, checklists and reference documentation prepared.

The principal objectives of the visit should be to:

verify information on the site collated during the desk study;
collect additional information about the site and its environs and, in the case of potentially contaminated sites, any potential contaminants, pathways and receptors;
record observations of aspects of the site and its environs not revealed by the desk study, including the presence of invasive plant species;
collect information that will assist in the planning of any subsequent phases of field investigation (for example any constraints to access).

Care should be taken during the site reconnaissance not to do anything that could lead to the spread of potentially harmful organisms (see 7.2.4).

Typical observations to be made during a site visit are:

current usage and state of the site;
site access and ease of movement on-site, and conditions which could prohibit sampling at specific locations (e.g. buildings or other structures);
conditions at boundaries to the site and surrounding land usage;
proximity of sensitive developments and habitats;
potential site risks (e.g. overhead power cables, live services and voids);
presence of hazardous materials;
evidence that topographic levels (altitudes) have changed (both increases and decreases) as a result of human activity or natural processes;
indications of contamination or other adverse conditions (e.g. vegetation stress or lack of plant growth, presence of visual staining or fibrous materials);
visual evidence of contamination on or entering or emitting from the site or the presence of odours;
condition of any surface waters;
evidence of water abstraction points;
existence of any ground water or soil gas monitoring wells;
surface and, where there are existing monitoring wells, groundwater levels.

The topography of the site should be observed and compared to topographic levels (altitude) anticipated from the desk study. Raised ground and artificial slopes could be indicative of made or filled ground (anthropogenic ground).

If buildings still remain in which potentially contaminating processes could have taken place, the past and present usage should be reviewed and the buildings inspected for evidence of actual and potential contamination^[⁷^]. However, care should be taken to ensure that it is safe to enter any building before doing so.

A photographic record should be made illustrating the site as a whole, and particular features of relevance to the investigation, subject to any restrictions forbidding photographs to be taken (in which case this should be noted in the report of the investigation).

If during the site reconnaissance anything is seen that is considered likely to pose an immediate threat to human health and safety or the environment, this should be reported immediately to whoever is in control of the site and to regulatory authorities or fire and police authorities when appropriate so that any essential urgent action can be taken.

NOTE 2 Detailed guidance on the field inspection of buildings prior to decommissioning or demolition is provided in CIRIA, SP102^[⁷^].

NOTE 3 Sampling is not usually undertaken during a site reconnaissance. However, it could be appropriate to do so where materials are identified during the visit that could potentially present an immediate hazard to vulnerable receptors. This ought only to be undertaken if it can be done safely using appropriate containers and protective equipment. If not, an urgent exploratory investigation could be planned where the objective is to determine whether an immediate risk is present from the identified site materials.

8 Development of the preliminary conceptual site model

8.1 Overall conceptual site model

8.2 Characteristic distributions of the physico-chemical properties

8.3 Formulation of contamination-related hypotheses

8.4 Preliminary qualitative risk assessment for potentially contaminated sites

8.5 Further investigations

9 Reporting the preliminary investigation and the conceptual site model

Bibliography

BS ISO 18400-202:2018

Soil quality. Sampling - Preliminary investigations

Current

Published:

31 Oct 2018