In brief
- Establishes the condition of the soil and groundwater at the site.
- Serves as the reference against which the condition after definitive cessation of the activity is compared.
- It is a requirement for applying for the Integrated Environmental Authorisation (AAI) if the activity uses, produces or releases relevant hazardous substances.
- Includes boreholes, soil and groundwater sampling and laboratory analysis.
- Without it, companies that are subject to the obligation do not obtain the Integrated Environmental Authorisation.
What is the soil baseline report?
The soil baseline report (informe base de suelo) compiles the information needed to determine the condition of the soil and groundwater, so that a quantitative comparison can be made with their condition after the definitive cessation of activities, as provided for in Article 23 of Royal Legislative Decree 1/2016 of 16 December.
It is required when applying for the Integrated Environmental Authorisation (AAI) if the activity involves the use, production or release of relevant hazardous substances, taking into account the possibility of contaminating the soil and groundwater at the site.
Which companies have to prepare one?
Those carrying out activities listed in Annex I of Royal Decree 9/2005 of 14 January, which sets out the list of activities with the potential to contaminate soil, as amended by Order PRA/1080/2017 of 2 November.
If you are not sure whether your activity is subject to this obligation, contact us and we will check it for you.
What does it contain?
- Information on the current use of the site and, where available, on its previous uses.
- Existing risk assessments and reports on soil and groundwater measurements that reflect their condition at the time the report is drawn up or, alternatively, new measurements relating to possible contamination by the hazardous substances the installation will use, produce or release.
How we do it
- Site visit and borehole proposal
We visit the installation and propose where to locate the boreholes. - Drilling
We carry out the drilling fieldwork. - Sampling
We take soil and groundwater samples. - Topographic levelling
We level the boreholes and piezometers installed. - Laboratory analysis
The samples are analysed in the laboratory. - Report
We write the report covering the historical information, the fieldwork and the interpretation of the analytical results. - Submission
We submit the report to the competent authority.
Methodology
We follow the European Commission Guidance concerning baseline reports under Article 22(2) of Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions.
What happens if it is not done?
If your company is subject to the obligation and does not have a soil baseline report, the Integrated Environmental Authorisation will not be granted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the baseline report for?
To establish the starting condition of the soil and groundwater so that it can be compared with their condition when the activity definitively ceases.
Are boreholes always necessary?
The report may rely on existing risk assessments and reports if they reflect the current condition; if not, new soil and groundwater measurements must be taken.
Is it the same as the preliminary soil status report?
No. The baseline report is linked to the Integrated Environmental Authorisation; the preliminary soil status report (informe preliminar de situación) must be submitted by activities with the potential to contaminate soil.