Land contamination at industrial sites –A risk model

Abstract

AbstractThe paper focuses upon work undertaken at a number of manufacturing sites within the UK. An environmental risk assessment technique has been developed to allow quick and effective actions to be made in order to reduce liabilities and pollution incidents. Recent papers investigating the historic and current causes of contaminated land have paid little attention to proactive risk reduction and preventative measures. The model takes account of current facilities, site management and environmental awareness within industrial sites, to ensure that future risks are reduced. The risk criteria have been identified in terms of the physical aspects of the site, and the site's management and facilities in terms of hazard control. Each risk criterion is given a ranking that allows site specific and process specific information to be included. Pre‐determined risk criteria are used to prioritize sites for remedial action. The model outlined is a prioritizing tool that allows areas that may require increased management to be identified. It has been developed on a number of industrial sites, and is subject to on‐going revision and refinement. In the development of the model it has been evident that a proactive approach to environmental management increases awareness to problems and can rapidly yield benefits in terms of potential contamination, waste minimization and environmental liability. Copyright © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.