Statutory Guidance For The Contaminated Land Regime Has A Make Over

On 7 February 2012 draft revised statutory guidance, which accompanies the contaminated land regime in England and Wales (Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990), was laid before Parliament with associated regulations. 

The regime (in place for over 10 years), requires local authorities (and in some cases the Environment Agency) to identify and deal with contaminated land which presents significant risks to human health or the environment. Provided Parliament does not decide otherwise, the revised guidance will become effective around 6 April 2012. It will replace the current guidance.  Revised regulations, the Contaminated Land (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2012 were also laid before Parliament and (unless Parliament rejects them) will come into force on 6 April 2012.