Residential property sale, Inverness

Challenge

ERS was approached by the vendor of a residential property after a purchase fell through when a site search revealed potential land contamination due to former industrial uses of the site.

Solution

ERS adopted an intergrated approach to achieve efficient solutions for this private client.

After identifying that the site could be contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals and fuel hydrocarbons, our engineers designed a scope of intrusive works and collected soil samples from beneath the property for laboratory testing.

A quantitative risk assessment was then undertaken, using site investigation results supplied by ERS. 

Outcome

• The initial site investigation and report commissioned by the potential purchaser had not been carried in sufficient detail to confirm the true condition of the site. 
• ERS investigations and appraisal reports showed that, despite the historical use of the site, current contaminant levels did not pose significant risks to site occupants. 
• It was therefore concluded that the site was suitable for continued use as a residential property.
• The owner was subsequently able to show these detailed reports to other potential purchasers.