Unreliable site investigation

Comparisons between investigations of one area of contaminated land by several different organisations have revealed very wide discrepancies in the ability of sampling protocols to identify the extent of contamination. This result shows that site investigations have substantial amounts of uncertainty which is currently unrecognised, and not considered in the decisions on how to develop the land. The estimation and reporting of this uncertainty needs to become a routine (and mandatory) part of site investigation. With this information, developers can make more reliable and more cost-effective decisions on contaminated land. This is an important step that will help meet government targets on the reuse of brownfield sites.