Groundwater Risk Assessment – Greater Manchester
Commercial Redevelopment
Project Overview
Terra Environmental was appointed to undertake a groundwater risk assessment in support of a commercial redevelopment site in Greater Manchester. The project required a clear understanding of potential risks to controlled waters and the provision of robust, regulator-ready evidence to support planning and environmental decision-making.
Our work was undertaken in accordance with recognised UK guidance and best practice, ensuring a proportionate and defensible assessment aligned with the site setting and proposed development.
The Challenge
The site was located within a sensitive hydrogeological setting where potential contamination sources could pose a risk to groundwater receptors. Planning and environmental requirements necessitated a structured assessment to identify potential pollutant linkages and determine whether further investigation or mitigation was required.
Key challenges included:
Understanding site-specific hydrogeological conditions
Assessing potential impacts to controlled waters
Providing clear justification to support regulatory review
Our Solution
Terra Environmental delivered a qualitative and quantitative groundwater risk assessment tailored to the site conditions and development proposals.
Our scope included:
Review of site investigation data and environmental datasets
Assessment of groundwater vulnerability and aquifer status
Identification of potential contamination sources and pathways
Qualitative and quantitative risk assessment to controlled waters
Design of a proportionate monitoring strategy where required
Liaison with regulators to support decision-making
All assessments were completed in line with relevant UK guidance, including CLR11 and Environment Agency methodologies.
The Outcome
The groundwater risk assessment provided clear, defensible evidence to demonstrate that risks to controlled waters were appropriately understood and managed. The findings supported regulatory confidence and informed planning decisions, enabling the project to progress without unnecessary additional investigation.
Project Benefits
Proportionate assessment aligned with site-specific risk
Clear identification of potential risks to controlled waters
Robust evidence to support regulatory review
Reduced uncertainty through structured risk assessment
Discuss a Similar Project
If you would like to discuss a project or find out how Terra Environmental can support contaminated land assessment, remediation and regulatory compliance for your site, please get in touch with our team.