Soil Testing Understanding the chemical composition of soil is essential for safe construction, land development, waste disposal, and environmental protection. Whether you’re working on a redevelopment project or assessing potential contamination, accurate soil testing supports regulatory compliance and informed decision-making at every stage.
At Envirochem, we provide soil testing services supported by our in-house UKAS-accredited laboratory (No. 1227). We work with clients across construction, remediation, and environmental consultancy to deliver reliable data on soil contamination, suitability for reuse, and classification for disposal.
What We Test For
We carry out soil testing across a wide range of parameters depending on your site history, project scope, and regulatory requirements.
Common testing parameters include:
- Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and more)
- Petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH, PAHs)
- Asbestos content
- Soil pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels
- Sulphates and other salts
- Cyanide, phenols, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
We can also include advanced analyses such as PFAS, dioxins, microbiological indicators, radiological screening, and vapour intrusion parameters, depending on your site conditions and reporting needs.
Testing is tailored to support a range of requirements, including reuse assessments, waste classification, planning conditions, and environmental risk evaluations.
Our Process
Each project begins with a consultation to understand your site context and intended use of the results. We advise on appropriate sampling strategies based on Environment Agency and local planning guidance. Our soil testing enables timely decisions on site, helping you adapt sampling or mitigation strategies whilst your project is underway.
Once samples are received, they are analysed at our UKAS-accredited laboratory (No. 1227) using validated methods. Our team interprets the data in line with applicable standards, such as the CL:AIRE Definition of Waste Code of Practice, hazardous waste thresholds, or planning conditions.
We provide clear, structured reports that include all analytical data, relevant threshold comparisons, and a plain-language interpretation to support your next steps.
When Is Soil Testing Required?
Soil testing may be required in a variety of situations, including:
- Redevelopment of brownfield or previously industrial land
- Planning applications requiring contamination assessments
- Waste classification for off-site disposal or treatment
- Reuse of soil under the CL:AIRE DoWCoP or other regulatory frameworks
- Site-specific risk assessments for groundwater, human health, or ecological receptors
- Suspected contamination from historical or ongoing industrial activity
- Before purchase or redevelopment to identify contamination risks
Compliance and Risk Considerations
Failure to properly assess soil quality can lead to serious regulatory and financial consequences. Incomplete or inaccurate testing can delay planning approval, result in misclassified waste or lead to non-compliant reuse that puts health and the environment at risk.
By commissioning appropriate soil testing early in a project, you can avoid unexpected delays, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and plan more efficiently for reuse or disposal.
At Envirochem, we help you navigate these obligations with clear advice, accurate data, and expert interpretation tailored to your site’s requirements.
Why Choose Envirochem?
As a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory (No. 1227) with over three decades of environmental consultancy experience, we bring real-world insight and technical expertise to every soil testing project. Our environmental chemists and consultants regularly support construction, remediation, and waste management teams, ensuring our testing is aligned not only with lab precision, but with site realities.
We work closely with you to determine what should be tested, why it matters, and how the results affect your decisions. Our reports are accepted by regulators, trusted by contractors, and structured to help you move forward with confidence—whether that’s preparing for a planning submission, or managing excavation waste from a contaminated site.
Speak to Our Team
If you’re unsure what kind of soil testing you need, or would like support designing a testing programme for your project, get in touch with our expert team. We’ll help you understand your regulatory obligations and deliver the data you need to move forward with confidence.
Talk to an Expert
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