What Is a Historical Soil Survey?
Awareness of soil contamination has increased significantly in recent years, accompanied by expanded regulatory and enforcement measures.
The Ministry of Environmental Protection has issued a comprehensive policy document titled “Principles of the Ministry’s Policy for the Prevention and Treatment of Soil Contamination.”
As part of this policy, relevant facilities are required to conduct a Historical Soil Survey to thoroughly assess the potential for soil and groundwater contamination within industrial sites – both current and historical.
This survey represents a critical first step in soil risk management and allows facilities to:
- Identify potential contamination early
- Prepare effectively for regulatory requirements
- Prevent future fines and enforcement actions
- Preserve property value and environmental quality
Main Components of a Historical Soil Survey
- Site Environmental Description
- Precise geographic location of the facility
- Characterization of adjacent areas and land uses
- Identification of sensitive receptors (e.g., residential zones, public facilities)
- Review of surrounding land use and industrial history
- Historical Site and Activity Review
- Description of industrial operations over time
- Identification of major changes in activity or ownership
- Documentation of previous spills or contamination events
- Review of the broader industrial history of the area
- Topographical, Geological, and Hydrogeological Data
- Analysis of terrain features and slopes
- Characterization of soil and bedrock composition
- Mapping of groundwater levels and flow directions
- Assessment of potential subsurface fluid migration pathways
- Production Processes and Infrastructure Review
- Overview of current industrial operations
- Mapping of hazardous material storage and transfer systems
- Examination of drainage and wastewater systems
- Identification of potential weak points or leakage risks
- Recommendations and Mitigation Plan
- Identification of areas requiring additional soil testing
- Proposals for infrastructure improvements to prevent future contamination
- Recommendations for monitoring and long-term management
- Development of an environmental risk mitigation plan
Why Choose A.B.P. Chemical Engineering and Ventilation Ltd.?
A.B.P. Chemical Engineering and Ventilation Ltd. provides professional and tailored support throughout the entire soil survey process, ensuring full regulatory compliance and efficient execution.
- Multidisciplinary expertise – A team of experienced engineers specializing in soil surveys and industrial contamination
- Regulatory familiarity – Deep understanding of updated environmental standards and ministry requirements
- Comprehensive approach – Thorough on-site inspections to accurately identify all potential risk areas
- Data-driven methods – Use of advanced methodologies for historical and technical data collection and analysis
- Continuous support – Professional assistance from initial preparation to final submission to authorities
- Customized service – Adaptation of each survey to the specific history and operational characteristics of the site
- Collaboration with authorities – Established working relationships with relevant regulatory bodies
- Proven experience – Successful track record in submitting compliant and effective soil survey reports
A.B.P. Chemical Engineering and Ventilation Ltd. specializes in tailoring each survey to the specific operational and historical characteristics of every facility, ensuring that the assessment fully reflects the site’s unique conditions and industrial background.
Professional Support Every Step of the Way
A Historical Soil Survey is not merely a regulatory requirement – it is a strategic management process that helps facilities identify potential risks, prepare for mitigation, and prevent environmental and financial damage.
With the expertise of A.B.P. Chemical Engineering and Ventilation Ltd., each survey becomes a structured, professional, and efficient process that delivers a clear understanding of site conditions and provides actionable solutions for long-term environmental management.
For more information or an initial consultation, contact our environmental engineering team today.
Additional Information
- Guidelines for Conducting Historical Soil Surveys (2015) - Israel Ministry of Environmental Protection