UXO Surveys

We assess, detect, and remove UXO-safely, expertly, and without delay

UXO Surveys

When the presence of unexploded ordnance (UXO) can’t be ruled out, a UXO survey is your next critical step.

UXO surveys use geophysical techniques to detect buried munitions before they can cause harm. Whether your site lies in a former WWII bombing zone, near a military facility, or on reclaimed land, the right UXO survey can confirm whether it’s safe to proceed with your project safely, or help you manage any risk with confidence.

At BACTEC, we deliver rapid, accurate, and cost-effective UXO surveys across land and marine environments, tailored to your project’s specific risks, depth, and ground conditions.

UXO Surveys

What Is a UXO Survey?

A UXO survey is a geophysical investigation used to identify potential unexploded ordnance beneath the surface. It follows a UXO risk assessment that indicates there’s a reasonable possibility of encountering buried munitions during intrusive groundworks.

UXO surveys aim to do the following:

Detect ferrous (metallic) anomalies that could indicate buried UXO
Map the location, depth, and intensity of targets
Distinguish UXO from scrap, utilities, or geology
Inform safe excavation, clearance, or redesign

There are two main types of UXO survey, non-intrusive surveys (no ground disturbance) or intrusive surveys (borehole-based or physically probing the ground).

UXO Surveys

Why UXO Surveys Matter

UXO may lie metres below the surface, hidden for decades, but still volatile. Every month in the UK UXO is identified and every year in the UK, construction sites are evacuated due to unexpected UXO finds.

A UXO survey helps you avoid unexpected delays and evacuations, prevent harm to life and property, and demonstrate health and safety compliance.

You can then proceed with confidence and precision and avoid wasting time and money clearing false targets.

UXO surveys are recommended (or required) for any project where moderate or high UXO risk is identified during a preliminary or detailed assessment.

UXO Surveys

Types of UXO Survey

1. Non-Intrusive UXO Survey & 2. Intrusive UXO Survey

UXO Surveys

Non-Intrusive UXO Survey

These surveys detect magnetic anomalies using surface or near-surface instrumentation. They are ideal for open areas, undeveloped land, and shallow investigations.

The techniques we can employ include:

Towed array magnetometry where a sensor rig is pulled across open ground. It is highly efficient for large sites.

On-foot magnetometer surveys which are suited to uneven or restricted-access areas.

Drone-mounted magnetometry which enables rapid coverage of difficult terrain, nearshore and watercourses, or sensitive habitats for example.

Non-intrusive surveys are typically fast, affordable, and effective especially when deployed before any excavation or site clearance.

UXO Surveys

Intrusive UXO Survey

These are utilised when deeper risks exist or where intrusive works are planned (e.g. piling, deep foundations, boreholes).

Here are the main techniques:

Borehole probing (downhole magnetometer surveys): sensors are lowered into predrilled boreholes to scan for risk at your working depth.

Cone penetration testing (CPT) with magnetometry which combines ground testing and anomaly detection.

UXO clearance during rotary drilling – this is used for deeper investigation or simultaneous site prep and risk mitigation.

UXO Surveys

Introducing The Stitcher Exclusive to BACTEC in the UK

UXO Surveys

The Stitcher

The Stitcher is a game-changer for deep UXO detection. Engineered in Europe and used exclusively by BACTEC in the UK, this specialist rig isn't your standard CPT setup.

Instead of running a single line at a time, The Stitcher delivers rapid CPT deployment across a grid, “stitching” together high-resolution geophysical data across large areas. It provides the output of multiple rigs in one, with unmatched speed, efficiency and coverage.

It is the perfect solution for:

Very large or high-risk sites
Projects with tight UXO mitigation timelines
Clients looking to cut time and cost without compromising safety

If your project involves large-scale piling, extensive redevelopment or high-density investigation, The Stitcher is the future-proof solution.

All intrusive methods offer high confidence at depth and are usually used on high-risk or complex sites.

UXO Surveys

What Happens After a UXO Survey

Once the survey is complete, BACTEC provides a clear and comprehensive report detailing the following:

All detected anomalies
Likely risk levels associated with each target
Recommendations for any further investigation or clearance
Supporting data and mapping outputs

If potential UXO is identified, we proceed to target investigation, often involving supervised excavation or further geophysical analysis. Our team can also remain on standby to provide explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) supervision to deliver full UXO mitigation on-site.

Marine UXO Surveys

UXO isn’t only a land-based risk. Our specialist marine UXO surveys support offshore wind, dredging, cable routing, and coastal engineering projects.

We use technologies such as sidescan sonar and sub-bottom profiling, marine magnetometry arrays and ROV (remotely operated vehicle) inspection - and can deploy UXO diver teams where required.

Marine surveys are adapted to account for tides, visibility, seabed composition, and current strength. We offer full desktop assessment, survey planning, acquisition, analysis, and mitigation planning as a seamless package.

Why Choose Us for Your UXO Surveys?

How many reasons do you need? Here are just a few!

Complete in-house capability from desktop assessment through to investigation and clearance.
Flexible survey methods: land, marine, drone-based, or borehole-integrated.
Advanced tech; we use the latest magnetometry, GPS and processing tools and are exclusive Stitcher solution suppliers.
Speed and precision including rapid mobilisation and the delivery of clear, actionable results.
Experienced people, (geophysicists, drillers, EOD engineers and risk consultants) and last but not least, national reach – from urban brownfield sites to remote uplands and offshore zones.

Whether you’re investigating a 2-hectare school site or a 200km subsea cable route, BACTEC delivers the data and confidence to move forward safely.

When Should a UXO Survey Be Carried Out?

A UXO survey is appropriate when a UXO risk assessment identifies a moderate or high risk, you’re planning deep groundworks (piling, tunnelling, shaft sinking), or your site lies in or near a known WWII bombing zone or former military facility. It’s also essential where the ground has previously been backfilled, reclaimed, or disturbed or you need to prove due diligence for regulatory or insurance purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions: UXO Surveys

What is a UXO survey?

A UXO survey is a geophysical scan of ground to detect anomalies that could indicate unexploded ordnance, usually following a risk assessment that identifies potential danger.

What makes The Stitcher different from a normal CPT rig?

The Stitcher is engineered for rapid “grid stitching,” delivering the equivalent output of multiple CPT rigs. It dramatically reduces survey time and cost while improving coverage and accuracy. It is ideal for large-scale or time-sensitive projects.

How much does a UXO survey cost?

Costs vary depending on site size, survey type, and risk level. A simple non-intrusive survey may be a few thousand pounds, while marine or deep intrusive surveys are more complex and costly. We offer fast, transparent quotes.

How long does a UXO survey take?

Non-intrusive surveys may take 1–3 days on site, plus a few days for reporting. Intrusive or marine surveys can take longer depending on access and scope. We can talk timings…give us a call.

Is a UXO survey always necessary?

Not always, no. But if your risk assessment flags a possible UXO threat, a survey is the safest and most cost-effective next step.

What’s the difference between a non-intrusive and intrusive UXO survey?

Non-intrusive surveys use magnetometers at or above ground level, ideal for early-stage checks. Intrusive surveys scan deeper, using boreholes or probes, and are suited for complex or high-risk sites.

Can UXO surveys tell the difference between bombs and scrap metal?

Yes, to a degree. Skilled interpretation, combined with local knowledge and historical context, can distinguish likely UXO from clutter. Suspect items can then be flagged for further investigation or clearance.

Plan Safely. Build Confidently.

Don’t break ground without knowing what lies beneath.
A UXO survey could be the difference between a smooth project and a major incident.