Contaminated Land

What is contaminated land?

Throughout the UK there are thousands of sites which have been contaminated during their previous use with toxic material such as heavy metals or hydrocarbons. In some circumstances this land can cause harm to human health, pollute controlled waters and release potentially toxic or explosive gas.

There is an increasing need for the reclamation and redevelopment of this land. Local Authorities work to ensure that the land is remediated so that there is no significant risk to human health from these site.

There are three main processes to enable contaminated land to be cleaned up.

• Through using powers given under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990
• Through using powers given under the Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) Regulations 2009  if the pollution is recent, or
• Through the planning process.

Is there any contaminated land in Reading?

Whilst Reading does have areas of land affected by contamination, only one site within Reading has been determined as contaminated land in accordance with the definition under Part IIA the Environmental Protection Act 1990. More detailed information on the site is available on the public register which you can access via the below link.

Contaminated Land Strategy

Reading's contaminated land strategy is available in the 'Downloads' section at the bottom of this page. This sets out the Council's strategy for how contaminated land will be identified and investigated in the Reading. If you have any comments to make about this strategy, please submit them via the 'contact this service' link.

Pollution Incidents

If you know of a recent release of any potentially contaminative substances.

Contact the Environment Agency if you think there is a risk to controlled waters (which includes rivers, streams and groundwater) Tel: 0800 807060

Or

Reading Borough Council Environmental Protection Team if you think there may be a risk to Human Health, details in the Contact This Service link.