Land contamination
When substances are introduced into or onto land where they would not normally be, the land could then be considered to be contaminated.
The term 'land contamination' covers a wide range of situations where land is contaminated in some way. In a small number of these situations where certain criteria are met, a site might be determined 'contaminated land' which has a specific legal definition set out in Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act.
Throughout the UK, there are thousands of sites that have been contaminated by previous use. Often this is associated with industrial processes or activities that have now ceased, but where waste products or remaining residues present a hazard to the general environment.
There is increasing pressure to reuse land which is affected by contamination rather than develop greenfield sites such as parks or woodland.
- What's new?
A 'what's new' page for land contamination. For example, new policies, new guidance and general changes to the section. - Radioactive Contaminated Land
Information about the modification of the contaminated land legislation to include radioactive contaminated land. This includes briefing notes, FAQs, a glossary and links to other web sites. - How we deal with land contamination
Information on the Environment Agencys' role in dealing with land contamination. - Read the introduction to the Model Procedures and download a copy of the Procedures
Introduction to the Model Procedures and copy available for download. - Contaminated Land Exposure Assessment (CLEA) introduction
A framework for the assessment of risks to human health from land contamination. - Oral Bioaccessibility Testing in Human Health Risk Assessment
Oral bioaccessibility testing in human health risk assessment, publications and current work programme. - Guidance documentation
Guidance documentation on land contamination issues - DoE Industry Profiles
DOE Industry Profiles provide developers, local authorities and anyone else interested in land contamination, with information on the processes, materials and wastes associated with individuals industries.
