PRE-AQUISITION INSPECTION ON A GWSPZ 1 SITE
WJ Shirley were instructed to conduct a pre-acquisition cctv drain survey for Swiss Life Asset Managers.
The site is a mixed-use retail park extending to over 80,000 sq ft, including multiple retail units, restaurants, and associated car parking.
To meet the client’s proposed exchange deadline, we completed the assessment over a weekend to ensure the report was completed and sent to the client within the desired timeframe.
The main concern was the site’s location within a Groundwater Source Protection Zone 1 (GWSPZ), where groundwater from below the site goes to make drinking water supplies and so, the consequences of pollution are severe.
However the site had risk remediation strategies already in place, such as 3 oil interceptors and no soakaway drainage which significantly reduces the risk of pollution occurring.
To ensure these strategies continue to operate as intended, the oil interceptors require regular maintenance to guarantee their effectiveness, which is critical in this case with this site being within a GWSPZ 1.
We also noted an unusual but positive sustainability arrangement likely forming an attenuation system designed to temporarily store surface-water during times of heavy rainfall.
Overall, the site was well equipped for heavy rainfall, and to prevent pollution. Only minor maintenance work is recommended to ensure there is access into the system for maintenance works, and the pollution mitigation measures remain effective.
