ISO 18400-202-2018 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18400-202:2018 — Soil quality — Sampling — Part 202: Preliminary investigations. Provides guidance for the design and execution of preliminary investigations (desk studies, site reconnaissance and, where appropriate, preliminary risk assessment) prior to soil sampling and subsequent soil-quality assessment.

Abstract

This standard sets out principles and practical guidance for planning and carrying out preliminary investigations of soils. It covers information gathering (desk study), site reconnaissance, development of a conceptual site model and the use of preliminary risk assessment to define the objectives and scope of any subsequent sampling and investigation programme. The document is intended to ensure that sampling exercises to determine soil quality are well planned and targeted.

General information

• Status: Published (current; reviewed and confirmed in 2024).
• Publication date: 15 October 2018.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.080.05 — Examination of soils in general.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2018).
• Number of pages: 34.

Scope

ISO 18400-202:2018 provides guidance on the design and execution of preliminary investigations comprising desk studies and site reconnaissance, and where appropriate preliminary risk assessment. It is applicable whenever sampling exercises or investigations are to be carried out to determine soil quality, and is intended to help define the objectives, extent and methods of follow-up sampling and testing. The standard does not prescribe detailed laboratory sampling or analytical methods, which are covered elsewhere in the ISO 18400 series or in method-specific standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Planning and scoping preliminary investigations to meet investigation objectives.
• Conducting desk studies: historical land use, maps, records, environmental reports and other relevant data sources.
• Site reconnaissance techniques: visual inspection, walkover surveys, shallow probing and reconnaissance sampling where appropriate.
• Development of a conceptual site model (CSM) identifying potential sources, pathways and receptors.
• Use of preliminary risk assessment to prioritise areas for detailed investigation.
• Selection of relevant parameters and analytes driven by CSM and investigation goals.
• Health, safety and environmental protection during preliminary fieldwork.
• Documentation, reporting and the decisions required to define a subsequent sampling strategy.
• Coordination with applicable regulatory frameworks and stakeholder communication.

Typical use and users

Used by environmental consultants, contaminated-land investigators, site remediation planners, regulatory authorities, environmental laboratories, developers and land managers. Typical applications include site screening before detailed sampling, pre-purchase due diligence, redevelopment planning, preliminary assessments for remediation, and research projects that require an initial characterization of soil conditions.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 18400 series on soil sampling. Other relevant parts include ISO 18400-104 (Strategies), ISO 18400-203 (Investigation of potentially contaminated sites), ISO 18400-206 (Collection, handling and storage for microbiological assessment) and related soil-quality vocabulary and methods standards such as ISO 11074. ISO 18400-202:2018 replaces guidance formerly given in parts of the withdrawn ISO 10381 series (e.g. ISO 10381-4 and ISO 10381-5).

Keywords

soil quality, sampling, preliminary investigation, desk study, site reconnaissance, conceptual site model, preliminary risk assessment, contaminated land, environmental site assessment.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18400-202:2018 is an international guidance standard for conducting preliminary investigations of soil prior to sampling and detailed assessment of soil quality.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers planning and carrying out desk studies, site reconnaissance, development of a conceptual site model and preliminary risk assessment to define objectives and scope for subsequent sampling and testing. It does not specify laboratory analytical methods.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental consultants, remediation contractors, regulatory agencies, laboratories, developers and researchers involved in site assessment, remediation planning or environmental due diligence.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was published on 15 October 2018 (Edition 1) and remains the current published ISO standard; it was reviewed and confirmed in 2024.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It is part of the ISO 18400 series on soil sampling, which contains several parts addressing strategies, investigation of contaminated sites, sample handling and other specific sampling topics.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: soil quality, sampling, preliminary investigations, desk study, site reconnaissance, conceptual site model, risk assessment, contaminated land.