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Contaminated Land Remediation in the UK with Reference to Risk Assessment: Two Case Studies
Author(s) -
ELLIS B.,
REES J. F.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
water and environment journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.437
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1747-6593
pISSN - 1747-6585
DOI - 10.1111/j.1747-6593.1995.tb00923.x
Subject(s) - land reclamation , environmental remediation , remedial education , contaminated land , risk analysis (engineering) , remedial action , environmental planning , activity based costing , cover (algebra) , order (exchange) , land use , environmental science , waste management , computer science , business , engineering , civil engineering , contamination , mechanical engineering , history , ecology , archaeology , marketing , political science , law , biology , finance
The approach to land reclamation in the UK has traditionally relied upon the use of cover and concealment, which can leave a legacy of problems below the ground. Alternatively, the bulk export of materials to licensed landfill has often been used, but this (a) simply transfers a problem, (b) can cause considerable disruption, and (c) is becoming increasingly expensive. Remedial strategies involving the use of barrier systems or off‐site removal both have their place in the efficient and economic development of contaminated sites. However, there is now increasing interest in the use of on‐site technology which can provide cost savings and by treating, destroying or stabilizing contamination, can serve to minimize future liabilities. The design, costing and application of treatment, as opposed to cover or disposal, depends fundamentally on understanding the problem and evaluating the capabilities and availability of appropriate technologies. With reference to UK case studies, this paper highlights some of the options available and routes taken in order to achieve site‐specific, commercially‐acceptable, remedial responses.