We investigate incidents of contamination and give advice on development of contaminated sites. We undertake searches on potentially contaminated land. The council has completed its identification of potential contaminated land and has prioritised 154 sites for further investigation. Download the Contaminated land inspection strategy for more information. The strategy was reviewed in early 2015 and the current version formally adopted on 1st July 2015.

Accumulations

If likely to cause a public health problem or attract vermin, accumulations can be dealt with by the Environmental Health team. Report an environmental pollution issue.

Contaminated Land

Land having former industrial use, and some other sites, may have been contaminated to some extent. Through the planning process, when such sites are developed, conditions will be applied to ensure that the site will be made fit for its intended use. Liaison takes place with our planners with respect to potentially affected land to be developed.

Part of the district is a designated radon affected area. 

Further information on contaminated land. 

Landfill Gas

We carry out investigations of potentially affected sites. We give advice and exercise controls when development is proposed for a site affected.

Contamination

We investigate incidents of contamination and give advice to assist clean up. 

Where incidents of contamination occur, depending on the circumstances,  a number of different agencies may need to be involved, including the Police, Fire Service and Environment Agency. The Environmental Services Unit of the Council will usually become involved if the contamination is on private land, or if there is a threat to the public at large. Oil spillages and other spillages on the road, for example, would normally be dealt with by the Fire Service who may involve the Highways Cleaning Agency and the Environment Agency.