Environmental and Laboratory Testing Services
Planning-ready laboratory testing for soil, plant and waste materials — delivered with certified accuracy, planning-formatted results and predictable turnaround times across the UK.
Before design moves, testing needs clarity. Whether you’re preparing a planning submission, managing contaminated ground, or validating remediation works, the right evidence keeps progress compliant and predictable.
Our team helps you confirm what’s required, when it’s needed, and how to keep decisions moving — not waiting.
What is Environmental and Laboratory Testing?
Environmental and laboratory testing determines how soil, plant tissue and waste materials interact with environmental or regulatory thresholds.
It establishes the analytical baseline that underpins planning, waste classification, and land quality assurance.
Each test has its own scope, method and accreditation. Early sampling prevents planning delay, compliance risk and costly re-work once designs progress.
Our Testing Supports:
- planning validation and discharge conditions
- contaminated land risk assessment
- remediation design and verification
- waste transfer and disposal classification
- nutrient and biosecurity management
If you’re unsure which test applies, we’ll confirm it quickly before it becomes the constraint.
What Test Do I Need?
Most testing requirements follow clear planning or environmental triggers. Match your site activity to the test most likely to apply.
UKWIR Testing
When: Excavation or reuse of soil linked to water industry assets.
Purpose: Confirm compliance with UK Water Industry Research guidelines for reuse or transfer.
Timing: Year-round
Soil Testing and Analysis
When: Planning conditions, contamination checks or BNG soil suitability
Purpose: Assess nutrient levels, pH, contamination or soil health
Timing: Year-round (weather-dependent sampling).
Leaf Analysis
When: Diagnosing nutrient uptake or pollution stress in trees and shrubs.
Purpose: Measure nutrient balance to guide management or mitigation
Timing: April to October
Phytophthora Testing
When: Tree or shrub decline, especially in planning or import-control contexts.
Purpose: Detect Phytophthora pathogens and confirm plant health compliance.
Timing: April–September (weather-dependent); year-round for scoping (PEA).
WAC Testing
When: Excavated soils or materials require waste classification
Purpose: Define hazardous/non-hazardous status for disposal or reuse
Timing: Year-round
Why Testing Matters
Laboratory evidence underpins many planning and environmental approvals. Authorities and consultants rely on data that meets recognised standards under:
- Environmental Protection Act 1990
- Waste Framework Directive
- Environmental Permitting Regulations
- UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) protocols
- National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Section 15
Without certified testing, projects risk:
- validation queries from LPAs or regulators
- delayed waste classification or soil-movement permits
- disposal rejections or stop-work conditions
- non-compliant remediation verification
Early, proportionate testing gives planners and contractors clear, defensible data before deadlines tighten.
Your Next Step
Testing schedules move with your project timeline.
The earlier you confirm sampling requirements, the smoother your planning and compliance route becomes.
Send us your site details and materials — we’ll confirm exactly what’s required, when it’s needed, and how to keep your programme predictable.
Phone: 0800 494 7479
Email: [email protected]