Harrison Group undertook an extensive desk study as part of a risk assessment of a former maltings in Norfolk. The Client, a national house builder, required the assessment as part of the planning process.

Harrison Group researched the history of the site through local archive studies and a detailed assessment of the likely contamination sources across the site. Sensitive receptors were of particular importance on the site including a watercourse containing crayfish and otters and an adjacent SSSI. The desk study identified major contamination sources including the former malting furnaces, electricity substation a waste water treatment plant and former railway.

The information gained as part of the desk study allowed for the cost effective design and implementation of intrusive site investigations.