Environmental searches ... bite size

Although enquiry 3.13 of the Enquiries of the Local Authority may identify contaminated land, on its own it is not usually sufficient if there appears to be a contamination issue.

There are various different searches which can be carried out:

1. A desk-top search. These collate information from a variety of sources.
2. Environmental survey. If the environmental search report reveals that the property is at risk of contamination, then an environment survey is usually commissioned. This will involve soil samples being tested to establish the nature and extent of contamination.