The long industrial history of the UK has caused areas of land to become contaminated in various ways over many years. The ground around old factory and chemical sites, for example, may contain substances which can, in some cases, present a risk to people, animals, vegetation, rivers and streams, buildings and the groundwater system from which we obtain our drinking water. Old petrol stations, gasworks, tanneries and even dry cleaners have potential to contaminate.
In addition some naturally occurring substances may represent a risk, for example, due to the geology of some areas of Devon, arsenic can be found in high levels even on previously undeveloped sites.
But as well as direct health or environmental problems, land contamination can cause economic and financial damage. Uncertainties about remediation requirements and liability for them can cause blight, deter development of brownfield land in favour of greenfield sites, and affect urban regeneration.
However, when identified, effective management of contaminated land issues will prove beneficial to both interested parties and the environment as a whole.
The law on contaminated land
On 1st April 2000, the Contaminated Land Regulations came into force, implementing Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The regulations place a duty on the local authorities to identify any contaminated land in their areas, and bring about its remediation. The regulations give the council (and in some cases the Environment Agency) powers to serve remediation notices requiring such remediation to be carried out.
South Hams District Council adopted its strategy for identifying contaminated land on 21st June 2001.
It is our aim to bring about the identification, investigation and (where necessary) the remediation of such land in a systematic and efficient fashion, in co-operation with all interested parties, using our powers of enforcement only as a last resort.
Our Policy
The Council’s policy on contaminated land is summarised as follows: "To ensure the protection of the land environment by the pro-active identification and management of contaminated land, through the adoption of a rational and transparent strategy implemented (where possible) in partnership with landowners, developers and other relevant parties"
Further Information
A leaflet explaining the Regulations and South Ham’s Policy on contaminated land in more detail is available.
Making an Enquiry
Enquiries may be made in person, by telephone, by letter, e-mail etc. or via a third party such as a Councillor.
The Council has employed a Contaminated Land Officer with experience in contaminated land issues who will deal with your enquiry.
Letters should be addressed to:
Head of Environmental Health
South Hams District Council
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
Devon TQ9 5NE
