Contaminated Land in Newcastle: Evaluate Pollution Issues

Contaminated Land Issues Across Newcastle

Newcastle City Council has a comprehensive policy on contaminated land, reflecting the city’s industrial heritage. The council’s approach is guided by the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Part IIA, which requires local authorities to identify and ensure the remediation of contaminated land.

Historical context

Newcastle-upon-Tyne has a long and extensive history of industrial activity, particularly from the mid-18th century until the end of the Second World War. The city was a centre for the coal industry and lead manufacture, with at least five lead works located within its boundaries.

Lead contamination is particularly prevalent: extremely high levels of lead pollution are found on the former St. Antony’s Lead Works site, now part of Walker Riverside Park.

This industrial legacy has left a significant impact on the land, particularly along the riverbank sites where heavy industry predominantly developed.

Types of contamination

The city’s industrial history has resulted in various types of land contamination that present a significant possibility of causing harm. Common contaminants found in the area include:

• Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
• Oils and tars.
• Chemical substances and preparations including solvents.
• Gases.
• Asbestos.
• Radioactive substances.

The risks from disturbing contaminated land

New routes for pollutants to spread may be created as a result of new development on a contaminated site, potentially affecting people’s health, watercourses and the wider environment. For this to happen, three elements must be present: a contamination source; a pathway for the pollution to reach receptors, and a receptor such as an ecosystem or people. Without all three elements being evident, the threat is minimal.

Newcastle City Council’s contaminated land policy

The council has developed a Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy to address the issue of land contamination in the city and prevent unacceptable risks.

The strategy outlines the council’s approach to:

1. Identifying potentially contaminated land.
2. Assessing the risks associated with contaminated sites.
3. Determining appropriate remediation measures.
4. Ensuring that those responsible for contamination clean it up.

The policy aligns with the government’s preference for remediating historically contaminated land through the planning system, allowing redevelopers to bear the clean-up cost.

Additionally, the council maintains a public register of information relating to the remediation of contaminated land, as required by the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Planning and development

The council requires developers to address potential contamination issues in their planning applications. The risk of significant harm arising from known or suspected land contamination or instability that could put existing or future occupants at risk must be investigated. Planning applications must address these specific requirements:

1. Assess contamination risks to health and the environment.
2. Submit a remediation strategy if contamination is identified.
3. Carry out the agreed remediation as a condition of planning approval.

The Contaminated Land Risk Assessment

A contaminated land risk assessment must be carried out before planning consent will be granted on a contaminated land site. If the results confirm that contamination is present, the report will include details of the remediation work required to enable development to proceed. Contaminated land assessments are carried out by geo-environmental consultants who operate according to the Environment Agency’s Land Contamination Risk Management guidelines. The steps are:

• Phase 1: Desk studies to review historical land use. Historical maps and industrial records will be scrutinised to identify potential contamination sources.
• Phase 2: Site investigation. Consultants will take samples of soil, ground gas and ground water to check for contaminants. This may involve digging trial pits to monitor ground conditions. A conceptual site model may be created to help with the site assessment.
• Risk assessment. From the information collected, consultants will assess potential risks to human health, water and the environment.
• Remediation. If necessary, a remediation strategy will be drawn up. Measures might include soil treatment or removal, or areas of the site may be capped to prevent exposure to pollution.
• Validation and reporting. On completion of the remediation process, consultants will check that it complies with regulatory standards. A report will be provided to the council for approval.

What are the benefits of reusing contaminated land?

The main three benefits are:

• Protecting greenfield sites from being built upon.
• Boosting urban growth by providing development where it is needed.
• Enhancing the environment and local eco systems.

In Newcastle, environmental improvements have been made at the Walker Riverside Park, which occupies the site of the former St. Anthony’s Lead Works. While parts of the site remain heavily contaminated, efforts have been made to cover contaminated areas with topsoil and vegetation. However, further soil treatment or remediation would be required for the site to be fully open for recreational activity.

Challenges and ongoing efforts

Land contamination remains a significant challenge in Newcastle. The industrial legacy of the city means that many sites, particularly those along the River Tyne, may still contain high levels of contaminants.

The council continues to work on identifying, assessing, and remediating contaminated sites throughout the city. This ongoing process involves collaboration with landowners, developers, and environmental agencies to ensure that land is safe for its intended use and does not pose unacceptable risks to human health or the environment.

In conclusion, there is a proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing the city’s industrial legacy of contaminated land. Through strategic planning, risk assessment, and remediation efforts, the council aims to transform historically contaminated sites into safe and usable spaces for the benefit of the community and the environment.