Topmost FAQ’s about Land Contamination Surveys

 Land contamination surveys are a crucial part of building compliance regulations in the UK and any construction project has to adhere to land contamination surveys. The objective is to find out any contamination present in the land which is likely to pose a threat to the dwellers of the land or environment.    

Though Contaminated Land Survey Essex is a necessary process still there are many dilemmas relating to this survey. So this blog will try to answer some top frequently asked questions about land surveys. 

Which kind of land is considered contaminated under this survey? 

The definition of contaminated land is that it is a piece of land in which substances can pose a hazard to people or protected species. 

In basic terms, it is a land which is contaminated by oils and tars, heavy metals, gases, asbestos, radioactive substances etc.

Which sites are high in the risk of getting contaminated?  

The land which becomes contaminated is due to the past use of the site where pollutants remained in the soil or groundwater. 

The top sites most in the risk of contamination are mentioned below:

• Former factories

• Mines

• Refineries

• Landfills

• Steel works railways 

• Military bases

What are the ways to determine if a site is contaminated? 

It's the local authorities who determine if land in their area is contaminated and they need to be told if you suspect that a site is contaminated. Many information resources can be utilised to help you identify the presence of potential contaminants. 

• National Land Use Database

• River Basin Management Plans

• Local Authority survey information

Are there chances for further construction to be halted if land is contaminated?  

Yes, in case the land is contaminated then planning permission is granted with some conditions and obligations. The conditions will be to outline the steps needed to lower down the risk of contamination so that it does not harm people or the environment. 

If you are going through a Contaminated Land Survey in South London then you can rely on environment consultants who have extensive training in contaminated land.