Remediation Strategy to Discharge your Planning Condition

Why do I need a Remediation Strategy?

Remediation is the third stage of a phased Contaminated Land Assessment that is often required to discharge planning conditions to ensure safe development. 

Remediation is typically required following submission and approval of a Phase 2 Site Investigation and is designed to break the pollutant linkages identified or appropriately reduce the associated risks of pollution to an acceptable level.

The first and possibly most fundamental part of remediation is the preparation of a Remediation Strategy (also known as a Remediation Plan). The Remediation Strategy identifies the most suitable remedial option for the site.

The Remediation Strategy sets out the mitigation measures /methodology required as part of the redevelopment works to ensure that the site will be “suitable for use” under the planning system. If unacceptable risks have been identified for a site (typically following a Phase 2 Site Investigation), under the planning framework, these will need to be managed and mitigated through the implementation of remedial measures.

A Remediation Strategy provides a detailed methodology for the implementation of any required remedial works. This document will allow any parties undertaking design, clearance/ development works to make provisions for remedial measures as required. This will also set out how the remedial works will be validated/verified (often referred to as a Verification Plan).

Lustre Consulting considers this to be a vital part of the process, which ensures that both the client and relevant regulators agree on a methodology at an early stage, providing a more efficient and cost effective solution. The chosen remedial option will depend on a number of factors including the nature of contamination, proposed development, geology, access, timescales and budget. The Remediation Strategy allows each factor to be assessed in turn to ensure that the most suitable remedial option has been chosen.

When complete, the Remediation Strategy is submitted to the local planning authority and any other relevant regulators (such as the Environment Agency) for approval prior to commencing with the works.

The second part of remediation is the Remediation Verification. Remediation Verification is the independent process of validating that the remedial measures set out in the strategy have been undertaken adequately and that the objectives of the strategy have been achieved. This process addresses the verification element of the overall remedial works and often involves site inspections, document review, field and laboratory testing.

There are a range of remediation techniques available; constantly evolving as the industry advances.  As an environmental consultancy it is vital to have a sound knowledge of all available options and remain up to date with new technologies within the industry. Common examples include:

• Engineered capping layer.
• Localised hotspot removal.
• Stabilisation and solidification.
• Bioremediation (windrows, biopiles, insitu bioremediation).
• Pump and treat.
• Thermal processes.
• Chemical processes.

How is a remediation strategy carried out?

At Lustre Consulting we pride ourselves on designing cost effective and compliant remediation schemes that effectively target identified sources of contamination. Our dedicated consultants will guide you through the remediation process.

To meet your requirements and ensure you remain compliant, all our Remediation Strategies are prepared by qualified and competent consultants in accordance with current guidance such as the recommended approach set out in the Environment Agency’s Model Procedures for  Land contamination risk management (LCRM).

Frequently asked questions about Remediation

Do I need a Remediation Strategy?

Do you have any planning conditions attached to your development? If so, the conditions may have details which require a Remediation Strategy and/or Remediation Verification Report as part of the contaminated land conditions.

How long does Remediation take?

In terms of timescales, this will depend on the type of remediation employed, the nature of the ground conditions and extent of contamination. This could be a week if it is some localised removal of soil, or a number of months if it is a large and complex site with groundwater contamination.

How can I be sure I need a Remediation Strategy?

If you are unsure as to whether you require a Remediation Strategy, please give us a call, so together we can discuss your requirements. Alternatively, please send an email to info@lustreconsulting.com and provide us with the site location and description of the proposed development.