Contaminated Land in Reading: Fast Geo-Environmental Reports

Dealing with contaminated sites in Reading

We explain Reading Council’s contaminated land strategy and the steps to take. Firstly, we look at the history of contamination in the area.

Reading’s industrial history

Reading’s history spans brewing, biscuit-making, engineering, and manufacturing. The town became famous for Huntley & Palmers biscuits, Suttons Seeds, and the Reading Brewery, all of which contributed to its economic growth. Additionally, Reading’s position as a transport and trade hub meant industries such as printing, chemicals, and metalworking thrived throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Contamination Risks

This industrial success has left behind a legacy of land contamination. Former factories, fuel storage sites, and chemical works have contributed to pollution in certain areas. Potential contaminants include heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and solvents, which can pose risks to human health, water sources, and local ecosystems. Some land near the River Thames and the Kennet & Avon Canal has also been affected by past industrial activity, increasing concerns about soil and water pollution.

Risks Associated with Developing Contaminated Land

Disturbing contaminated land can create new opportunities for pollutants to spread to humans and watercourses. For this to happen there must be a source of contamination, a route for it to spread, and a receptor it can reach.

Legislation and Contaminated Land

Local authorities are responsible for monitoring potentially contaminated land. Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 defines contaminated land as an area containing substances in the ground that present risks to humans or the environment. Paragraph 197 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) clarifies that the safe redevelopment of contaminated land is the responsibility of the developer landowner, or both.

Anyone dealing with contaminated land must follows these principles:

• Take a Risk-Based Approach to assess potential harm to humans and the environment.
• Polluter Pays Principle: the responsible party must bear the costs of cleaning land if they can be identified.
• Remediation Through Development: appropriate clean up measures must form part of future development.

Reading Borough Council’s contaminated land strategy

Following national guidelines, the council assesses and manages potentially contaminated sites to ensure safe redevelopment. This process involves risk assessments, soil testing, and, where necessary, remediation measures such as soil treatment or removal to make land suitable for housing, businesses, and green spaces.

Regeneration is a priority in Reading, with efforts focused on converting former industrial areas into thriving communities. Projects like Green Park and the Reading Station redevelopment demonstrate how previously contaminated sites can be transformed to support economic growth and sustainability.

The Contaminated Land Risk Assessment Process

A Pre-Application Consultation with the local council will clarify contamination concerns and the reports that will be needed. A contaminated land risk assessment is often required: if evidence of contamination is found, the report will explain the remediation measures necessary for development to go ahead.

Working to the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management guidelines, geo-environmental consultants carry out the following process:

• Phase 1: Preliminary risk assessment. This desk study involves assessing maps, historic documents and environmental records for information on potential contamination sources.
• Phase 2: On-site investigations include testing soil and groundwater for contaminants. In some cases, vapour extraction or landfill gas surveys will be required, and trial pits may be dug to check ground conditions and organic matter. Consultants may create a conceptual site model to assist their investigations.
• Risk Assessment: Potential risks will be detailed.
• Remediation Planning: where contamination is identified, a remediation strategy will be drawn up. This might recommend soil treatment measures or capping contaminated areas.
• Validation and Reporting: this stage ensures that remediation work meets regulatory standards. Reports will be submitted to the local authority.

Site Assessments ensure Regulatory Compliance

By working in partnership with developers and consultants, Reading Borough Council supports the redevelopment of historically contaminated sites into valuable assets.

Following preliminary risk assessment and site investigations, geo-environmental consultants can advise on the most effective steps to facilitate development. Adhering to this phased approach ensures compliance with Environment Agency regulations and legislative requirements.

For further information on how Arbtech’s geo-environmental consultants can assist with contaminated land assessments, complete our quick quote form at the top of this page.