What is BS 10175:2026 - Investigation of potentially contaminated sites about?
BS 10175:2026 provides recommendations and guidance for the investigation of land that may be affected by contamination or by naturally elevated concentrations of potentially harmful substances. It outlines a structured process for determining and managing risks through scientifically robust data collection related to soil, groundwater, surface water, and ground gas.
This revised standard consolidates Amendments 1 and 2 into the main text and includes updated references to current guidance and regulatory regimes. It also introduces revised content on technical and broader issues such as climate change and sustainability.
Who is BS 10175:2026 - Investigation of potentially contaminated sites for?
BS 10175:2026 is intended for professionals who have an understanding of the risk-based approach to the assessment of sites. This includes environmental consultants and contaminated land specialists, developers, planning consultants, geotechnical engineers, legal and insurance professionals, and local authorities.
What does BS 10175:2026 - Investigation of potentially contaminated sites cover?
The standard gives guidance on:
- Setting the objectives of an investigation
- Developing a strategy for the investigation
- Designing different phases of the investigation
- Sampling and field testing
- Laboratory analysis
- Reporting
It also outlines relevant recommendations to ensure that investigation objectives are met and that appropriate data for risk assessment are obtained. While it covers many technical aspects of site investigation, it does not include detailed guidance on geotechnical problems, radioactively contaminated sites, formal risk assessment procedures, stockpile sampling, or investigations for ground gases. It maintains compatibility with related standards such as BS 5930, BS 8576, and the BS ISO 18400 series.
Why should you use BS 10175:2026 - Investigation of potentially contaminated sites?
The standard supports the consistent and thorough investigation of potentially contaminated sites.
Its application helps ensure proper assessment in line with regulatory and planning requirements across the UK. It contributes to consistent practice, protects the health of site users and the environment, and reduces the burden on regulators.
BS 10175 is recognised within frameworks such as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Affected by Contamination (NQMS), and the Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC) qualifications.
What's changed?
BS 10175:2026 is the first full revision of BS 10175 since 2011. BS 10175:2026 will supersede BS 10175:2011 which will be withdrawn.
Key changes in BS 10175:2026 include:
- Consolidation of Amendments 1 and 2 into the main text
- Updated references to external guidance and regulatory regimes
- New and revised content addressing climate change and sustainability
- Addition of an informative annex on leaching tests
- Expanded information on bioavailability, bioaccessibility testing, and on-site measurement methods
These updates reflect current professional practices, new ISO and EN standards, and evolving guidance from regulators and professional bodies.
BS 10175 Executive Briefing
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