Soil Contamination – What causes it and how to deal with it.
Soil contamination occurs when the level of pollutants, including chemicals, man-made waste, radioactive materials and salts, is higher than the normally expected level. This then results in the deterioration of the natural properties of the soil, as well as the environment, comfort and health of individuals being adversely affected.
Soil contamination can be caused by a wide range of different factors and events which can all have differing effects on the soil itself. The most common events that result in soil contamination include the introduction of industrial waste into the soil, leaking underground storage tanks or contaminated water seeping into the soil and an excessive use of pesticides or herbicides on the land. Further activities that can contribute to soil contamination include mining, the introduction of asbestos as the result of construction works and the storage of fuel or lead. The presence of Japanese knotweed in an area of soil can also result in that soil being considered as contaminated.
Is Your Soil Contaminated?
If your soil becomes contaminated this can have various residual effects depending upon the environment that the soil is situated in.
In agricultural and rural environments, the fertility of the soil can be reduced resulting in the inability to grow crops and other plants. This reduction in crop yield can then have a further impact on the level of soil erosion and can alter the flora and fauna that can be found in that area. This, ultimately, can result in a change to the entire ecosystem and reduce levels of biodiversity.
Industrial environments will, again, see a decrease in the amount of vegetation found within the area and the release of gases and radioactive rays that could be detrimental to health. Public health may also be at risk in urban areas, as a result of clogged drains, the release of gases and pollution of water sources resulting from soil contamination.
Once soil on your land has been identified as contaminated this can also have detrimental implications for any construction or development plans for that land, as the legal responsibility for that contaminated land lies with the property owner. As a property owner, you will be expected to treat the contamination either before you obtain planning permission for the development, or as part of the development itself. This can result in significant additional costs and delays to development.
If you are planning to develop on your land and suspect that the soils on that land might be contaminated, you should always ensure that the soil is tested and analysed before development begins. This will allow for the correct method of treatment or removal to be actioned and will give you the peace of mind that the costs involved are an absolute necessity to ensure that the development work runs as smoothly as possible.
It is also recommended that a survey for Japanese knotweed is completed by a certified Japanese knotweed surveyor to identify any potential invasive weeds on the site and to ensure an appropriate removal plan is put in to place before development starts.
Contact Us
ProHort can provide you with soil testing and analysis to identify any contaminated soil, whether that be industrial or agricultural. Why not give us a call on 01782 479479 for more information?