Client Name
United Living
Type of Works Completed
Phase II investigation, Detailed Vapour Intrusion Risk Assessment and Mitigation Design, remedial strategy and verification services.
Project Overview
We were appointed to assess and manage vapour intrusion (VI) risks at a technically complex brownfield site proposed for residential redevelopment. The site formerly hosted one of the world’s largest dyeing and dry-cleaning operations, strategically located near Liverpool docks to clean fabrics from the city’s transatlantic liners.
The site had a long industrial history, including the use of chlorinated solvents in the dry-cleaning process, and faced heightened regulatory scrutiny because of the sensitivity of the proposed end use and its proximity to off-site receptors. Achieving regulator confidence without over-engineering the solution was critical.
Our Approach
We undertook a detailed vapour intrusion risk assessment using a lines-of-evidence methodology, combining intrusive investigation, soil vapour and groundwater monitoring, flux testing, and quantitative modelling. We completed sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of assumptions and clearly demonstrate how we controlled risks.
We led extensive liaison with the Local Planning Authority, Environmental Health, and their appointed technical reviewers, responding to detailed technical challenges and participating in multi-party meetings to agree an acceptable path forward. We incorporated an independent third-party review to further strengthen the assessment.
The Solution
We developed a proportionate mitigation strategy that integrated VOC-resistant membranes, passive sub-floor ventilation, clean cover systems, and groundwater control measures. The design aligned with current UK guidance and a clear verification framework supported long-term performance.
Outcome
The approach enabled discharge of planning conditions and provided a clear, defensible route to construction. The project demonstrates our ability to manage vapour intrusion risks on complex sites, deliver regulator-approved mitigation designs, and guide clients through technically demanding and highly scrutinised planning environments.
