Contamination – is there a problem? from a regulatory perspective, the presence of contamination does not automatically lead to land being classified as contaminated.

Remediation may only be necessary when contamination is causing a problem, or when there is a significant possibility that it may cause a problem.  Sites only need be regenerated to a level suitable for their specified use.

This forms the basis of the 'risk-reduction' approach to regenerating contaminated land. Take away the risk and you take away the problem.

The next step of the risk-reduction approach is consideration of pollutant linkages, rather than contamination directly.

A pollutant linkage only exists where there is an identifiable source, a pathway and a receptor.

If we address any one of these elements the pollutant linkage can be broken and the risk removed.

We make it our business to find solutions to land regeneration that are appropriate to a specific use. These may address the source of the contamination, block the pathway by which the contamination can cause harm or in certain cases remove the receptor.

As you seek to regenerate your site, ERS will work closely with your team to provide expert advice on the different options available to you and their suitability for particular end uses.