Contaminated land-an overview

Contaminated land arises largely as a result of past industrial processes which have left a legacy of many substances in the ground including heavy metals, organic compounds, oils and tars, and soluble salts. However although much of the contaminated land is the result of past activities associated with the industrial revolution, many contaminative uses are still in operation today. Consequently the adequate management of contaminated land is twofold: remedial works for land that is already contaminated, and the implementation of appropriate management procedures to prevent or minimise future contamination. The presentation provides an overview of contaminated ground and briefly covers the following aspects: definitions; policy; regulation; tackling contamination; information and guidance.