FAQs

The first phase of our ground investigations started in February. The duration of individual ground investigations varies depending on the type of work being carried out. For example, a cable percussion borehole - the most common ground investigation technique, which is used to gather soil samples - might take around two to three days, with time before this to set up and time afterwards to demobilise and put the land back to its original condition. A trial pit survey however, which is also used to gather soil samples, will typically take one to two hours to complete.

There are different types of ground investigations that we will need to carry out, and we have described these to each landowner in the access licences we have sent to them about their land. These are also described, alongside photographs, in our  Guide to Intrusive Surveys. They range from boreholes dug using a drilling rig to trial trenches dug using an excavator. 

We are committed to minimising the potential for any disruption to landowners and local communities as we carry out ground investigations and our contractors have strict procedures in place to manage any potential impacts. Trackway will be laid to allow vehicles to enter and leave sites without bringing mud onto the roads. Other ways we will look to minimise disruption include carefully timing our work so that surveys in neighbouring areas can be carried out during the same period; with the aim of limiting working hours to 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. 

We are writing to local parish councils, MPs and local authorities to let them know when ground investigations are due to take place in their area. We are also notifying immediate neighbours to where the work is taking place. As our survey contractors continue to work closely with local landowners to make specific arrangements for accessing their land, the timings of the ground investigations may sometimes shift. We will keep local stakeholders updated of any significant changes to our programme.