News & Articles

Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC)

Why

These tests are to determine the appropriate category of landfill.

What they are Not

They will not determine if a site is or is not ‘contaminated’.

This test does not categorise the soil as hazardous or non-hazardous.

Background

It is a statutory requirement in accordance with the Landfill Regulations (2005) and Waste Framework Directive (WFD) (2008/98/EC), that a waste is characterised and also meets specific Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) prior to disposal in a landfill. The waste producer has a Duty of Care to ensure that the waste is characterised and the landfill operator must also be satisfied that a Basic Characterisation, is completed before the waste is accepted.

The Environment Agency’s technical guidance ‘Waste Classification (WM3, 1st edition 2015)’ which came into force on 1st July 2015, sets out the requirement for the classification. It also provides the basis for the methodology to employ in order to ensure compliance with the regulations.

The classification assesses the composition of the material and determines the concentrations of the hazardous substances. The assessment of contaminated soil to determine whether it is hazardous waste is dependent on the presence of “hazardous substances” exceeding set levels.

Basic Waste Characterisation Testing (Air Dried Testing)

If soil from construction and remediation works are intended for disposal there is a requirement to determine if these classify as hazardous or non-hazardous. These tests will determine the levels of a range of contaminants within the soil.

Waste Acceptance Criteria Testing

Landfills are classified according to whether they can accept hazardous, non-hazardous or inert wastes. Wastes can only be accepted at a landfill if they meet the relevant waste acceptance criteria (WAC).

There are acceptance criteria for inert, stable-non-reactive hazardous and hazardous landfills.

If material is classified as non-hazardous it may be sent to an inert landfill subject to meeting inert waste acceptance levels. Where the material is classified as hazardous, WAC analysis will be required to demonstrate that it meets the acceptance levels for either hazardous landfill or stable non-reactive hazardous landfill.

WAC testing can be scheduled alongside the testing for characterisation.

Check with the landfill site if there are any other criteria that need to be met under their permit.

We are Here to Help

Call 020 8291 1354 or email with your requirements we are ready to help you achieve a cost effective solution for your site.

We are able to provide Waste Classification Reporting.

We can also provide advice for Waste Management Plans and the adoption of the CL:AIRE Definition of Waste: Development Industry Code of Practice.

Please contact us to discuss your sampling and testing requirements.

Can Micro-Plots solve the Housing Crisis

Perhaps not on their own but a project in Bristol aims to show they can be a key part of the solution. At the same time the aim is to enhance communities by ensuring the project is led by the local residents.

The Knowle West Media Centre website states:

"We Can Make

Together…

We Can Make good homes,

We Can Make local jobs,

We Can Make space for nature,

We Can Make social infrastructure,

We Can Make community wealth,

We Can Make a thriving neighbourhood."

Find out more at We Can Make

The Contamination Risks of Building on Brownfield Land

As cities constantly evolve, many developers are turning to brownfield land as they plan for future growth. Brownfield land offers a unique opportunity to save costs and resources while meeting urban areas' development needs. It is important to have knowledge of how the contamination on these sites affects health, structures and ecosystems.  Without this knowledge, communities may find themselves with unexpected issues in the future. In this blog post, we will explore the risks associated with building on contaminated brownfield land and how you can reduce those risks to keep your community safe.

What Is Contaminated Land?

Contaminated land is any area in which hazardous materials, such as asbestos, pesticides, solvents and heavy metals, have been released into the environment. This will have happened either naturally or through human activities such as industrial production. The presence of these hazardous substances can have a negative effect on the health and safety of people living and working in the area. It will also have a detrimental effect on wildlife and the environment itself.

How Do You Know If a Site Is Contaminated?

When evaluating a brownfield site for potential contamination, the first step is to look for clues that may indicate the presence of hazardous materials. This can include checking for discolouration of soil, odours and visible signs of contamination such as rust or leakage. It is also important to consult with local authorities to determine if there have been any reports of contaminated land in the area.

The Contamination Risks of Building on Brownfield Land

Once a contamination survey is done, and contamination is suspected, a comprehensive site assessment should be conducted to determine the presence and type of contaminants and their concentration level. This assessment typically includes soil testing, groundwater sampling and air quality tests.

The Contamination Risks of Building on Brownfield Land: Things You Need to Know

When considering the use of brownfield land for development, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with building on contaminated sites. The most common risks include the following:

  • Health Risks
  • Structural Risks
  • Environmental Risks

Health Risks

Building on contaminated land can lead to direct exposure to hazardous materials, which in turn may cause a range of health problems, such as respiratory issues and skin irritation. It can also result in indirect exposure to hazardous materials through the consumption of contaminated water, food or soil.

Structural Risks

Contaminants may also weaken the structure of a building, leading to potential safety hazards. It is important to consider the types of contaminants present and their impact on the structure of a building before construction begins.

Environmental Risks

Contamination can also lead to long-term environmental damage, including pollution of drinking water sources, soil contamination and the destruction of ecosystems. It is important to consider the potential impact on local ecosystems before building on brownfield land.

These risks should be taken into account when evaluating any potential development plans for brownfield sites, as they can have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of a community.

How Can You Reduce the Risk of Building on Contaminated Sites?

The good news is that there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risks associated with building on brownfield land. Here are some tips:

1. Conduct Comprehensive Site Assessment – Before starting any development project, it is important to conduct a comprehensive site assessment to determine the presence and type of contaminants present, as well as their concentration level.

This study enables us to assess the potential risks, and if these are considered significant to guide the scope of any intrusive phase 2 investigation.

If this report concludes there are no significant risks and the local authority agree then no further action is required, however if potential risks are identified then you will need to progress to stage 2.
 

2. Implement Appropriate Remediation Measures – If a site is found to have contamination, remediation measures should be put in place to reduce the risk of exposure or environmental damage. This can include physical barriers, such as fencing and impermeable liners, as well as chemical treatments that may neutralize contaminants and make them less hazardous.

Now that you’ve identified what needs to be done in order to clean up your land, it's time to choose a plan of action! 

*For further information regarding the stages of site assessment and remediation check out our blog post Discharging Contaminated Land Planning Conditions*

The Contamination Risks of Building on Brownfield Land

3. Monitor the Site – Once remediation measures have been implemented, it is important to monitor the site on an ongoing basis to ensure that contaminants remain below acceptable levels. This can be done by regularly testing air, soil and water samples.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your community from the risks associated with building on contaminated land. With careful planning and thorough assessment, brownfield sites can be safely redeveloped into vibrant new developments that benefit the community.

Conclusion

Brownfield sites often present a unique set of challenges for developers, as they may be contaminated with hazardous materials that can cause serious health and environmental problems. To reduce contamination risks when building on brownfield land, it is important to conduct comprehensive site assessments, implement appropriate remediation measures and monitor the site on an ongoing basis. Taking these steps can help protect your community from the risks of building on contaminated land. You can contact G.O. Contaminated Land Solutions to help with any brownfield land requirements for London, Surrey, and Sussex areas. We are here to provide you with the insights and services necessary for successful redevelopment projects

Discharging Contaminated Land Planning Conditions

If you’re a developer, planner or engineer looking to develop contaminated land, then planning conditions must be discharged prior to starting the project. This can seem like an intimidating task, and understanding the processes that are required in order to ensure your development is fit for purpose can feel overwhelming. But we're here to help! In this blog post, we'll dive into the details of what it takes to discharge contaminated land planning conditions - so you can make sure your projects run smoothly. With our comprehensive guide and tips on discharging land contamination planning requirements, you'll get up-to-speed quickly and be ready to tackle any challenge the job throws at you!

Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment (Desk Study) 

Discharging Contaminated Land Planning Conditions

The first step of the process is determining whether a site requires an assessment through a Phase 1 Preliminary Risk Assessment. This desk study gives you the opportunity to evaluate the risks present at your site prior to committing resources in terms of time and money. The evaluation will help determine if there are any contaminants present on the property and what steps need to be taken next for further investigation. In this phase, you also get to discover which regulations apply to your land as well as who owns it and what uses it has had in previous years. In general, if:

  • Contaminants aren’t noticeable from visual assessments.
  • There are no known sources nearby that may have contaminated the area
  • There are no indications that would require further investigation

Then you will usually be able to skip Phase 1. However, if your site has a history of heavy industrial use, or there is reason to believe that contaminants may have leaked from other areas into the property, then it’s recommended you move forward to the next level of assessment.

Phase 2 Preliminary Assessment (Field Study)  and Site Investigation  

Once you’ve determined that a more detailed study needs to be done on your land, you'll need to determine what kinds of assessments are necessary and which steps need to be taken in order for those studies to be performed.

Just like the desk study, this evaluation will give you the opportunity to understand what contaminants are present at the site, their potential for harm, and any remediation steps that will be needed to make the property safe for development.

Phase 3 – Remedial Options  and Remediation Strategy

Now that you’ve identified what needs to be done in order to clean up your land, it's time to choose a plan of action! Which methods are most applicable when cleaning contaminated soil depends on several factors, including The presence of chemical and physical contaminants, Onsite risks, Contaminant removal rates (using either physical or chemical treatments), The amount of waste created during the cleanup, The ability and costs associated with disposing of this waste And more... In general, there are two approaches that can be taken for soil remediation: 

Physical Treatments: When using physical treatments, the contaminants are modified by changing their chemical or physical properties. One of the most common ways to do this is through bioremediation, in which microbes are used to break down contaminants and reduce their toxicity over time. However, depending on the type of contaminant you're dealing with, this may not be feasible, and a variety of other approaches may need to be utilized instead. 

Chemical Treatments: The second method of treatment - chemical treatments - cleanses contaminated soils by breaking down chemicals into less harmful substances or making them inert. This might involve extracting certain materials from your land (such as heavy metals), physically diluting chemicals by mixing it with clean soil, or “killing” the contaminants through oxidation.

Phase 4 – Verification Reports and Demonstration Projects

Once the cleanup process has been completed, you'll need to verify that those affected areas have been sufficiently treated. Verification of soil remediation will typically involve testing multiple core samples, analyzing any unsaturated soils and groundwater bodies, as well as using visual inspection methods to ensure that the contaminants are gone and no new ones have been introduced on site. Depending on the results of these tests, you may also want to conduct a demonstration project which would test cleanup effectiveness through long-term monitoring. This is especially necessary if there are still potential sources of contamination on your land or in neighbouring areas.

If you have any questions, please contact us, and we will be happy to help you with your contaminated land planning conditions. Our team of experts is experienced in assisting landowners with discharging their obligations under environmental legislation. We can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to ensure that your site is suitable for development in accordance with the planning policy.

House Sale with Hidden Extra - Japanese Knotweed

There is an excellent article by Property Wire on the need for proper due diligence in regard to Japanese Knotweed when selling property. In the case highlighted in the article the vendor was left with a potential £200,000 court bill.

Japanese Knotweed infestation

 

We're Hiring - Contaminated Land Consultant

Contaminated Land Consultant 

About the job

We are looking for the right person to join our growing team. The role would suit a recent graduate or equally someone returning to the workplace. The successful applicant will be involved in every aspect of our work, on site and in the office on a wide variety of projects.

The job holder will be part of a small team involved in all aspects of a project. You will be carrying out investigations and preparing reports on behalf of a wide range of clients. The job holder will need to be flexible and available to visit sites as and when required.

We support Hybrid working with this role.

For more details on the role and how to apply follow this link:

Contaminated Land Consultant | GO Contaminated Land Solutions Ltd | LinkedIn

A field of dumped vehicles and a new detached property
     You could be working to transform sites like this one in Tadley
You could be delivering projects like this on a former military establishment.
You could be delivering projects like this on a former military establishment.

Unused brownfield sites with room for 1.2m homes in England, report says

The Guardian reports on a CPRE analysis which found a record number of brownfield sites in England that have been identified for redevelopment and could provide 1.2m homes are lying dormant, according to an analysis. Read the article for more information.

unused brownfield sites

What To Do If You Think Your Land May Be Contaminated?

Contaminated land legally means land that contains substances that could cause significant harm to people, property, or protected species.  This also includes land that carries the risk of polluting surface waters of lakes or rivers.  

If you suspect your land may be contaminated, you must seek help from a properly qualified environmental consultant.  You should also report it to the Environment Agency promptly - a delay in doing so could incur a fine. 

Identifying land contamination is the first and arguably most important stage of the assessment process. This is because once contamination has been identified, steps can be taken to mitigate its risks. The second stage of assessment involves characterising the contamination, which helps to determine the extent of the problem and the potential risks involved. The third stage is to assess the risks posed by the contamination, which will help to inform any remediation or mitigation strategies that are put in place.

Finally, the fourth stage is to monitor and review the effectiveness of those strategies over time. All four stages ensure that contaminated land is managed effectively and minimises risks.

When a business or individual acquires land, they are responsible for ensuring that it is free of contaminants. The process of assessing and cleaning up contamination can be complex and time-consuming.

This blog post will explore the different stages of contaminated land assessment in detail.

ContaminatedLandRemediationFlowChart

Phase 1: Investigation Stage (P1E) 

The first stage of the investigation is to carry out a desk study. This involves gathering data from sources such as historical maps, aerial photographs, and environmental records. This information can help to identify potential areas of contamination.

Once potential areas of contamination have been identified, a site walkover will be conducted. This involves inspecting the site to look for signs of contamination, such as spills or waste dumping.

After the desk study and site walkover has been completed, a risk assessment will be carried out. This will help to identify any areas where further investigation is required.

All of the above steps are not necessarily done in order; you can carry out the process in parallel or as it suits you.

Once phase 1 is done, you can submit it to the local authority, and if accepted, you can proceed to phase 2. In case of non-acceptance, you will need to refine your phase 1 investigation and submit it again.

In case there is no contamination found, you can proceed with the completion of projects, and no further steps are required.

Phase 2: Detailed Investigation Stage (P2E) 

The second stage of the investigation is to carry out a detailed investigation. This involves carrying out intrusive investigations to gather data on the contamination's nature, extent, and risk.

After the detailed investigation has been completed, a report will be prepared that outlines the findings. This report will be used to develop a remediation strategy.

Once the type and extent of contamination have been identified, a clean-up plan can be developed. This may involve the removal of contaminated soils or the treatment of contaminated water.

Phase 3: Remediation Stage (P3E) 

The third stage of the process is to carry out site remediation. This involves removing or treating contaminated soils, water, or air. The type of remediation that is required will depend on the type and extent of the contamination.

Once the remediation has been completed, the site will be monitored to ensure that the contamination has been successfully removed. Monitoring may involve the regular testing of soil, water, or air samples.

Remediation of contaminated land can be a complex and time-consuming process. However, it is essential to protect the environment and human health. You should seek professional advice if you suspect that your land may be contaminated.

Phase 4: Verification Reports (P4E)

The final stage of the process is to prepare verification reports. These reports will confirm that the remediation has been successful and that the land is safe for its intended use. Verification reports are typically prepared by independent consultants.

Contaminated land assessment is a complex process that involves several steps. However, it is essential to protect the environment and human health. You should seek professional advice if you suspect that your land may be contaminated.

The Bottom Line

Land contamination is a serious problem that can have devastating consequences. Understanding the stages and importance of conducting a contaminated land assessment is therefore critical for anyone involved in property development or redevelopment. Thankfully, there are professionals and companies like GO Contaminated Land Solutions who specialise in this field and who can help you ensure that your project does not end up being a disaster.

What is Contaminated Land?

The answer to this is not as straightforward as you might imagine; it rather depends on who is asking and why they are asking. So let us consider the who or why:

  • The local authority or the Environment Agency consider the site is potentially contaminated
  • A contaminated land condition has been attached to your planning application
  • You are considering buying some land
  • You have a plot of land and now you want to use it as an allotment

Let’s consider each of these in turn.

What is Contaminated Land?

If the local authority or the Environment Agency consider the site is potentially contaminated, they are using the definition in the Environmental protection Act 1990: Part 2A.

Section 78A(2): “contaminated land” is any land which appears to the local authority in whose area it is situated to be in such a condition, because of substances in, on or under the land that – (a) significant harm is being caused or there is a significant possibility of such harm being caused, or (b) significant pollution of controlled waters is being caused, or there is a significant possibility of such pollution being caused;

Put simply, is there something on or in the land that can reach and harm someone or something? The onus is on the local authority or the Environment Agency to demonstrate that harm or the significant possibility.

If a contaminated land condition is applied to a planning application, it is because the local authority considers there may be a risk from the land due to the proposed development or use of the land. Here the onus is on the applicant to demonstrate that there is not an increased risk to anyone or anything from contamination.

If you are considering buying some land, either you or your solicitor should as a minimum, obtain an on-line search from a company such as Landmark or Groundsure. If this report indicates that there is potential contamination, then you should ask a suitably qualified consultant for advice. If you buy contaminated land you could end up being responsible for clean-up costs.

If you are considering making a plot of underused ground into an allotment you are going to be working the soil, getting dirty, creating dust and hopefully eating some of the produce. This will open up new ways in which any contaminants present can cause harm. As a minimum some soil testing should be undertaken to enable an assessment of risk to be made.

Team Building and Community Day at Sydenham Garden

It was great to go back for a third time supporting Sydenham Garden at one of their sites. Thank you to the team who worked extremely hard on the essential task of rebuilding and restocking the wood store ahead for winter. This has been a great team building activity and giving back to the community. It is great to hear about the work  being done and to contribute to this very worthwhile project. Thank you to Peter, Matt, Davina, Ed, and Azra. See pictures from the day below.

Sydenham Garden do an amazing job supporting people with mental ill-health in South London. Using horticulture for therapy and rehabilitation at their community gardens, providing training, using art as creative expression, working to protect and preserve the environment as well as selling some of their produce. If you would like to know more about Sydenham Garden, please see link below.

https://www.sydenhamgarden.org.uk

    Sydenham Garden