New guidance on radioactively contaminated land

In a move to attempt to drive up standards and improve consistency, the Environment Agency has published guidance on the characterisation and remediation of radioactively contaminated land.

The new guidance provides:

- a description of the relevant legislation and guidance on interpretation;
- advice on remediation targets; and
- summary information on techniques for the characterisation and remediation of radioactively contaminated land.

The guidance is intended to ensure that Agency officers and other organisations are informed about the requirements of the regulatory system - and of recommendations from advisory bodies such as the National Radiological Protection Board.

The remediation process will normally involve the disposal of any radioactive waste arising, which will require prior authorisation by the Agency under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. Guidance is given on the regulatory context for radioactively contaminated land and on interpretation of the Act.

Remediation of radioactively contaminated land will take place for a variety of reasons, but is frequently driven by plans to sell and change the use of land. Planning authorities will be involved with such changes of use, which may require planning permissions to be issued, involving the preparation of environmental impact assessments. When consulted, the Agency will provide advice to planning authorities, developers and others on remediation standards and associated activities.

Copies of the guidance can be downloaded from:
www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/ras
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