Ground gas
The term ‘ground gas’ refers to gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which are generated within the ground and/or within landfills, commonly from the breakdown of vegetative matter. Ref The HS2 London-West Midlands Environmental Statement, Glossary of terms and list of abbreviations, DETR 2013.
Approved document C, Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture, suggests that ‘methane and other gases’ includes hazardous soil gases (other than radon, which is dealt with separately), which originate from waste deposited in landfill or are generated naturally.
They may include gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen which can migrate through the subsoil and through cracks and fissures into buildings, where if they build up to hazardous levels, cause harm to health or compromise safety:
- Methane is an explosive and asphyxiating gas.
- Carbon dioxide is toxic.
- VOCs are flammable and toxic and can have an unpleasant odour.
They may be apparent as:
- Landfill gas, produced by the action of micro-organisms on biodegradable waste materials, including; methane, carbon dioxide and small quantities of VOCs.
- Elevated levels of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, occurring naturally in coal-mining areas
- Methane and carbon dioxide occurring in organic rich soils and sediments such as peat and river silts.
- VOCs occurring as a result of petrol, oil or solvent spillages.
The assessment of the risk from ground gases should adopt a tiered approach. A preliminary risk assessment should be undertaken, and depending on the outcome, either a generic quantitative risk assessment (GQRA) or detailed quantitative risk assessment (DQRA), or both, may be necessary.
Where risks are unacceptable then these need to be managed through appropriate building remedial measures or site-wide gas control measures, such as the removal of the gas generating material or 'covering' (placing one or more layers of materials over the site) together and the use of gas extraction systems.
Control measures for dwellings may include gas resistant barriers above an extraction or ventilation layer from which gases can be passively dispersed and vented to the atmosphere.
Control measures for non-domestic buildings, which may have a larger footprint, may require mechanical dispersal and ventilation systems, monitoring and alarms. These systems will require ongoing maintenance and calibration.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Brownfield land.
- Building on fill.
- Contaminated land.
- Cover systems for land regeneration - thickness of cover systems for contaminated land (BR465).
- Deleterious materials.
- Designing to reduce the chemical, biological and radiological vulnerability of new buildings (IP 7/15).
- Ground conditions.
- Landfill tax.
- Methane.
- Natural gas.
- Pollution.
- Pre construction information.
- Radon.
- Radon: Guidance on protective measures for new buildings BR 211.
- Radon protection for new domestic extensions and conservatories with solid concrete ground floors (GG 73 revised).
- Radon protection for new large buildings GG 75.
- Radon protection for new dwellings GG 74.
- Radon solutions in older homes GR 38.
- Site appraisal.
- Site information.
- Solid and liquid contaminants risk assessments.
- Synthetic methane.
Featured articles and news
Heat pump announcements, what homeowners need to know
An 'ultimate guide to heat pumps' from a heating company.
Construction contract awards reach £7.1bn in February
Their highest level in seven months.
The journey to sustainability in heritage
Research is the key to better understanding.
Heritage approaches to adaptation, mitigation and loss.
Bridging the gap between policy, finance and installation.
Development on brownfield land
Definition, background, policy and the latest consultation.
With the Design Framework for Building Services.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, measures and the roles involved.
ECA joins HSE campaign to support mental health
Working Minds’ five simple steps based on risk assessment.
Mental health in the construction industry
Mental health issues in brief with related articles.
Transitional arrangements, Building Control and the BSR.
For pre-October buildings with substantial progress by April.
How to write an inspection and test plan
ITPs for quality control and assurance particular elements.
Why quality counts in domestic ventilation systems
From products, to systems to the installation.
Empowering the Future with CIOB Academy
Lifelong learning, upscaling, and reskilling for the built environment.
Winners of the 2024 ASBP Awards
Project, Product and Initiative according to the 6 pillars.