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.

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*

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