Contaminated Land Remediation

Remediation of Contaminated Land

During development projects on derelict industrial sites, old petrol stations and locations with unexpected chemical residue, land affected by contamination can be a serious concern.

It has the ability to slow or even completely halt the plans, and depending on how bad the circumstances are, it could threaten public health, water quality and the wider environment through the release of harmful substances.

Specialist intervention will be needed anytime the contaminants present could impact a development. It’s a fairly common element of projects on brownfield land and other such sites with historical contamination.

Any issues can be resolved by addressing contaminated land through a structured process known as contaminated land remediation.

What is Contaminated Land Remediation?

Contaminated land remediation is the name given to the strategies and practices used to eliminate risks caused by hazardous substances such as asbestos, hydrocarbons, solvents and even heavy metal contamination.

More specifically, it surfaces on the process of containing, removing or treating polluted components within groundwater, soil and surface water to make the land suitable for the intended use and contribute to a safe development.

In any remediation exercise for contaminated land, it must meet the requirements of Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, along with the Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) framework.

The contaminated land regime ensures that any significant harm to human health or the environment is effectively mitigated.

Examples of remediation work a consultant could suggest include the excavation of contaminated soils, in-situ treatment or ongoing monitoring.

When Would Someone Need Land Contamination Remediation?

An architect, developer or planner would need to organise remediation whenever a contaminated land risk assessment identifies a suspected or proven risk to human health or the environment.

It is likely for this to happen when:

• Contamination could affect water quality or controlled waters
• Development sites present an unacceptable risk under planning legislation
• Historical land use suggests the presence of organic pollutants
• Planning authorities ask you to confirm contamination levels before work starts
• Planning projects consist of a new development or a change in land use
• Regulatory authorities – such as the local authority or the Environment Agency (EA) – issue a remediation notice
• The site itself presents an unacceptable risk to local communities

Before the development begins, the planning conditions from the local planning authorities will often specify the need for a contaminated land assessment and the corresponding remediation to ensure sustainable development.

Contaminated Land Remediation Process

The following structured and phased process is used to correctly undertake contaminated land remediation:

Contaminated Land Remediation Methods

1. Preliminary Risk Assessment (Desk Study)

Reviewing historical records over the course of an initial assessment to grow an understanding of existing potential sources.

2. Site Investigation and Site Assessment

Conducting gas, soil and groundwater sampling on the development site to assess the level and extent of contamination.

3. Conceptual Site Model (CSM)

Working out the relationship between potential contamination sources, pathways and receptors, such as humans, water and the environment, based on a detailed investigation.

4. Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment (DQRA)

Evaluating whether the contamination exceeds an acceptable level for the intended future use of the site.

5. Remediation Strategy and Design

Deciding on appropriate remediation activities and sustainable solutions based on present risks, site conditions and regulatory requirements.

6. Regulatory Approvals

Speaking to the local authority and the Environment Agency (EA), actively choosing to work closely with relevant stakeholders until regulatory compliance has been met and sign-off has been confirmed.

7. Implementation

Moving forward with the successful implementation of an agreed remediation scheme to neutralise contaminants.

8. Verification and Monitoring

Maintaining evidence that the land has been remediated effectively – possibly including frequent monitoring moving forward – to keep an eye on any unexpected changes and meet all legal obligations.

Contaminated Land Remediation Techniques

In terms of the actions, exercises and practices that geo-environmental consultants may execute, common remediation techniques include:

• Capping and Stabilisation
• Chemical Oxidation
• Excavation and Waste Disposal at Licensed Landfill Sites
• In-Situ Bioremediation
• Soil Washing and Vapour Extraction

Contaminated Land Remediation Plan

As with all strategies for dealing with contaminated land and other similar hazards, a plan will be created afterwards to outline how geo-environmental specialists have chosen to address the risks.

Along with meeting reporting requirements, satisfying all parties involved and avoiding any acts that would undermine compliance, it can also be submitted as part of the application for planning permission.

The land remediation plan will feature such things as a list of the applicable contaminated sites, results from relevant surveys, any identified environmental risks drawn from the updated conceptual site model, a breakdown of the threats the contamination poses, and a remediation strategy that will deal adequately with the contamination issue and suit the new use of the land.

Our Contaminated Land Remediation Services

Every contaminated site is different, and with that in mind, we offer tailored support to address your plot of land, timeline and regulatory obligations.

From brownfield sites in urban areas to greenfield sites with an existing contamination issue, our team offers further guidance and ensures that you have everything you need to convince the local planning authority that remediation has been carried out correctly.

Read the section below if you want further information on the likely cost of remediation, the specialists who will work on your site, and methods of speaking to our team.

Cost of Remediation of Contaminated Land

Site-specific factors such as the condition, size and intended use can affect the cost of our services for remediating contaminated land.

Other elements that could impact the price include the extent of the risk to human health, the type of remediation works needed, the access constraints, any requirements for a formal remediation notice, and whether any further assessment phases are necessary.

Early intervention will save money in the long run because it will prevent any potentially costly delays later in the process.

For an accurate indication of how much remediation will cost on your site specifically, reach out to our team, and we will be able to use the details of your plot of land and proposed development to work out the total amount you will pay for our services.

Contaminated Land Remediation Contractors

From a trusted network of specialist in-house geo-environmental consultants, we ensure that our contaminated land remediation services are provided to a high and consistent standard.

Our coverage spans across the entirety of the UK, meaning we can offer help to clients in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

With seemingly endless collective experience under our belt, we’ve seen every possible issue a development site can have, so nothing prevents us from supporting developers and other professionals in need of help with remediation.

Our team has worked with brownfield sites, greenfield sites and everything in between, helped by relevant extensive training, qualifications and skills.

Allow Us to Create Your Contaminated Land Remediation Strategy

Not only are we advanced when it comes to remediation methods whenever greenfield and brownfield land contamination has been suspected, but we are also determined to guide clients every step of the way through the process.

Under our guidance, we will check for any threats to the environment or human health and bypass any restrictions from law, legislation and regulation.

Get a free quote from our team by getting in touch via email, over the phone or through one of the quote forms on our website.

One of our administrators will then speak to you about your development site and planning project. From that point, we can create a quote that reflects your details and requirements.

If you’re happy to move forward, the next step will be to book in a site visit that fits with your development schedule.