Contaminated land

A preliminary or desktop investigation of the site and its previous uses must be conducted to identify potential risks from contamination.

A thorough site investigation must be carried out to determine the type and extent of any suspected contamination.

The testing company and laboratory responsible for testing and analysing contamination must be suitably competent.

The proposed remediation strategy must be agreed upon by the local planning authority and the relevant environmental agency, where applicable.

The site induction must include details of contamination and the procedures for working in areas of known contamination.

Procedures must be in place to ensure work is stopped, and appropriate reporting occurs if contamination is accidentally discovered or disturbed.

Areas of contamination must be fenced off to prevent vehicles and machinery from spreading contamination across the site.

Relevant environmental permits must be in place for the treatment and remediation of contamination.
Suitable controls must be in place for managing contaminated water, such as discharge consents to foul sewers or tanker.

Contaminated materials that need to be stockpiled must be covered to prevent run-off and wind-blown contamination.

Contaminated materials must be stored on hard-stand areas to prevent contamination of the ground and groundwater below.

Stockpiles must be positioned away from drainage systems or watercourses.

Suitable wheel-washing facilities must be provided to clean contaminated vehicles before they leave the site.

Vehicles removing contaminated materials must be covered with sheets before leaving the site.