Contaminated Land occurs where substances in, or under the land mean that it is actually or potentially hazardous to human health or the environment. Land contamination usually results from past industrial and business use, however, in some situations hazardous substances may be naturally occurring. In East Lindsey we have identified over 7000 sites that are potentially contaminated. East Lindsey District Council has drawn up a strategy for identifying and prioritising these sites in detail. The objectives of the Authorities contaminated land strategy are:
To prevent risk to human health caused due to exposure to contaminated land.
To prevent risk to groundwater and surface water.
To promote brownfield redevelopment.
To promote Local Agenda 21 in the district.
Please be advised that we are currently updating our Contaminated Land Strategy. The revised strategy will be posted on the website in due course.
Land can become contaminated from many activities. In the past mining, quarrying, industrial activity and waste dumping were carried out with little regard to impact on the land. Agriculture and contaminants from the atmosphere can also impact on land and cause contamination. The depositing of industrial and domestic waste in landfill sites can result in the contamination of ground water as pollutants can become concentrated into liquid that leaches from the site. Also, methane gas from the decomposing waste can build up to potentially explosive levels if not properly managed.
Health Risks and Contaminated Land
Contaminated land may present a hazard to potential users of the land and affect vegetation. Exposure to contaminants can be through inhalation of dust or gasses, contact with soil, or through food grown on the land. Leachates (pollutants draining from the site in liquid form) can pollute groundwater and rivers or ponds. Some contaminants may be corrosive, and some can pose a risk of explosion or fire. The Authority assesses the health risk on the basis of guidelines issued by the Environment Agency. The Authority use a risk assessment bases on a conceptual model using a Source-Pathway-Receptor methodology like the one shown below. The methodology takes into account all the possible and plausible pathways through which contaminants can reach receptors.
What are the Effects of Contaminated Land?
The effects on human health and on the environment will depend on the type and amount of contaminant involved. Impacts on humans range from skin and respiratory irritation to increased incidences of cancer and birth defects.
How Long does Contamination Last?
Once a contaminant reaches the soil, it may break down or be neutralised; be washed out by rain; evaporate or remain in the soil building up to high concentrations. What happens will depend on the balance between the rate of input and rate of removal of the contaminant, the properties of the contaminant and the soil, the rate of rainfall and the activity of soil organisms. When contaminants build up, it may not be permanent. However soil can sometimes remain polluted indefinitely.
Is it safe to live on Contaminated Land?
In most cases the risks associated with living on sites that have been previously used by industry are low. More often than not, any effects are to the value of the property due to perceived risk rather than actual effects to the health of occupiers or to the environment. However if you are concerned about potential problems contact the Environmental Protection Section on (01507) 601111
What can be done about Contaminated Land?
If land is found to be contaminated, it must be restored to a state in which it is 'suitable for use'. This will be determined by the use to which the land is to be put. For example, more rigorous clean up targets will be required for domestic gardens than for a site that is to be used for industrial warehouses, as the risks of contact of individuals with the contamination is likely to be greater.
Who is responsible?
As described above, the local authority is under an obligation to find any sites within their area presenting a risk because of contamination and regulate remediation of these sites. They must also determine the need for sufficient investigation and remediation for sites that are to be redeveloped via the planning process. The local authority may also refer sites considered as 'Special Sites' to the Environment Agency (EA) for assessment. Special sites are sites where the EA are likely to have specialist expertise in dealing with the site. The EA may also be consulted by the local authority under the planning process.
What solutions are available to clean up contaminated sites?
A site affected by contamination may need some form of remediation before it can be used. There are many ways in which this may be achieved. The choice is very site specific and depends on factors such as the type of contamination, site geology, regulatory requirements, and future plans for the site
Who do I contact for further information about Contaminated Land
Please follow the link below to our contact details page.
