Groundwater risk assessment for your environmental permit
Summary
The Environment Agency has published guidance on how to carry out a groundwater risk assessment for environmental permit applications. It explains when applicants may need to assess direct or indirect pollution risks, with particular emphasis on sensitive locations such as Groundwater Source Protection Zone 1 (SPZ1), and outlines the need for a conceptual model, desk study and site investigation evidence.
Why it matters
For residential property surveyors, this is relevant where sites may be affected by contamination, drainage proposals or redevelopment requiring environmental permitting. It also highlights the importance of groundwater protection considerations in site due diligence and environmental risk reporting.
Key points
- Groundwater risk assessment may be required for environmental permit applications involving potential pollution.
- Sensitive areas such as SPZ1 require the applicant to undertake and submit the assessment.
- A conceptual model is central to evaluating hydrogeological risk and pollutant pathways.
- Desk studies and ground investigations should draw on site history, public records and reconnaissance.
- BS 5930:2015 is referenced for guidance on ground investigations.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
