Description of BS 10175:2011+A2:2017 2017

This British Standard gives recommendations for, and guidance on, the investigation of land potentially affected by contamination and land with naturally elevated concentrations of potentially harmful substances, to determine or manage any risks. It covers:

1. setting the objectives of an investigation;

2. developing a strategy for the investigation;

3. designing the different phases of the investigation;

4. sampling and field testing;

5. laboratory analysis;

6. reporting,

in order to obtain scientifically robust data on soil, groundwater, surface water and ground gas contamination.

It is intended for use by those with an understanding of the risk-based approach to the assessment of sites (as described in the Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination (CLR 11) [31]).

The relevant recommendations and guidance within this standard are intended to ensure that the objectives of an investigation are achieved and that appropriate data for the risk assessment are obtained. However, it is not feasible to provide detailed guidance for every possible investigation scenario.

This British Standard does not give:

1. guidance on certain constraints or problems that can affect a site, such as geotechnical aspects (which are covered by BS 5930);

2. guidance on legal aspects, including the need for licences and permits, etc.;

3. detailed guidance for the investigation and assessment of radioactively contaminated sites (see Note 1);

4. procedures for the formal assessment of the potential risks posed by land potentially affected by contamination (see Note 2);

5. guidance on sampling from stockpiles (see Note 3);

6. detailed guidance on investigations for ground gases, i.e. Volatile Organic Compounds (

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When relevant, this standard is to be used in conjunction with other standards and codes of practice, for example, BS 8576 for investigations for ground gas and BS 5930 for investigations for civil engineering purposes.

NOTE 1 Guidance on the investigation and assessment of radioactivity in soils is given in the BS ISO 18589 series. The appropriate methodology for such works will be dependent on the nature of the contamination and the site conditions and ought to be discussed with the regulator in advance.

NOTE 2 See the guidance published by Defra and the Environment Agency in CLR 11 [31].

NOTE 3 Guidance on sampling stockpiles is given in BS ISO 18400‑102 and BS ISO 18400‑104.

NOTE 4 Guidance on the investigation of uncontaminated natural, near-natural and agricultural sites, for example to determine factors relevant to assessment of potential productivity, is provided in BS ISO 18400‑205.

NOTE 5 Further guidance on assessment of soil quality in relation to particular purposes can also be found in BS EN ISO 15175, BS ISO 15176, BS ISO 15799, ISO 15800 and BS ISO 19258.

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