Contaminated land
Under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, we as a local authority have responsibility for regulating contaminated land. This requires us to survey the Borough, determine contaminated land, ensure a solution is found and identify who should bear the costs of the solution. Local authorities are required to take a strategic approach in inspecting their area and are required to publish this as a part of a written strategy.
During the first quarter of 2018 a minor review was undertaken which included the following amendments to the strategy:
- To extend the timeframe for the strategic inspection of high priority sites to March 2019.
- To amend the recipient of the internal annual progress report from the section manager to the Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Citizens and Public Protection.
- To insert a section briefly outlining the Council’s approach to the recovery of costs.
Read our Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy 2016 (PDF)
The legislation also requires the council to maintain a public register of land that meets the legal definition of contaminated land. A summary of its content can be found below.
View the Summary of Public Register Entries (PDF).
Contaminated Land – Land off Moody Lane, Great Coates, Grimsby, DN31 2SS
The Authority recently concluded its inspection of the above land.
In accordance with Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and supporting Statutory Guidance, the Authority has prepared a Written Record of Determination of Contaminated Land. Its purpose is to explain in simple terms why the Local Authority considers the above land to be Contaminated Land and its initial thoughts on a remedial solution.
View the Written Record of Determination (PDF).
Development of land impacted by contamination
Local Authorities in Lincolnshire are receiving an increasing number of planning applications for developments on previously used land – often referred to as “brownfield” sites. In many cases these sites are affected by the presence of contamination from historic industrial processes.
In such circumstances developers are responsible for:
- investigating land contamination
- cleaning up contamination
- ensuring land is safe and suitable for its proposed future use
It is function of the Pollution Control Unit (PCU) to ensure that owners and developers carry out the necessary investigations and put forward proposals for dealing with any contamination in a responsible and effective manner. To assist in this regard the PCU recommends following the guides produced by the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Pollution Advisory Group (YALPAG). They provide a consistent and transparent county-wide approach to the development of contaminated land and are written in accordance with relevant national guidance and legislation.
View the YALPAG Development on land affected by contamination guidance (PDF).
View the YALPAG Verification for Cover Systems guidance (PDF).
View the YAPLAG Verification Requirements for Gas Protection Systems guidance (PDF).
Due to the complex and technical nature of this issue we strongly recommend that a suitably qualified environmental professional undertakes this work.
Contaminated land enquiries
The issue of potential contamination can arise when buying and selling property. Solicitors and conveyancers often commission an environmental search by a third party search company when arranging the sale or purchase of a property. When looking at contamination the search company sometimes requests further action, depending on proximity to any sites where potential contamination could be present. Where ‘further action’ is recommended clients are usually advised to contact their local authority for more information regarding the property/site.
We can provide information relating to the status of the site under Part 2A, past historical uses of the site and in the vicinity, details of any contaminated land investigation undertaken for planning applications on the site or nearby as well as any other pertinent local information we may hold. It should be noted however that this does not necessarily mean the information provided would lead to the site passing the search. This information can also be provided to environmental consultancies when undertaking site investigation work and due diligence reports.
A charge is made for providing this information. Please contact the Environment Team for more information.
Contact details
Environmental Team, Doughty Road Depot, Doughty Road, Grimsby, North East Lincolnshire, DN32 OLL
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01472 324833
Opening times: By appointment only