The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2000 require local authorities to:
- inspect their area to identify contaminated land
- ensure it is reinstated where appropriate
- maintain a register of contaminated land which is available for public inspection
North Ayrshire Council's Environmental Health Service is responsible for delivery of the Contaminated Land Strategy and has a dedicated Contaminated Land Officer who deals with all aspects of contaminated land surveillance and remediation.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 legally defines land that is contaminated where substances are causing, or could cause:
- significant harm to people, property, or protected species
- significant pollution of surface water (such as lakes and rivers) or groundwater
- harm to people as a result of radioactivity
Development of Contaminated Land
Many potentially contaminated sites are dealt with through the planning and building process. If you are planning building or development in North Ayrshire, you should consider previous land uses.
Site specific information can be gained by submitting a Freedom of Information or Environmental Information request.
For advice regarding development on contaminated land, please email Planning.
Information on the development of land which may be affected by contamination can be found at the National House Building Council (NHBC) Website and at Environmental Protection Scotland.
The Contaminated Land Regime is support by the Scottish Government.