Contaminated land is most often the result of previous industrial use, often from traditional processes that are no longer in use. Some of these sites may potentially present a hazard to human health or the environment.
On 1st July 2001, a statutory regime came into force in Wales providing an improved system for the identification and remediation of contaminated land. This regime is often referred to as 'Part IIA', or 'Part 2A' of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
A principal duty of the Council is to protect residents and the environment from any potential harm that may be caused by contaminated land. Under Part 2A, councils have a statutory duty to identify, inspect and, if necessary, secure the remediation of historic contaminated sites within their area.
The Environmental Health section undertakes these duties and has published a Contaminated Land Strategy which is available below. This strategy outlines how land will be assessed, how information will be stored and what timescales will be involved in carrying out the inspections.
Part IIA is not the only way that land contamination is tackled. Planning and building control processes also deal with it, along with urban regeneration initiatives, voluntary action by landowners and industry, and the arrangements which protect the environment from the impacts of current human activity such as waste management and industrial controls.
If you would like further information or have a concern or query relating to an area of land which you believe may be contaminated please contact us via the details given below.
Related Documents
- Development Of Land Affected By Contamination Developers Guide 2023
- Contaminated Land Strategy
- Requirements For The Chemical Testing Of Imported Materials For Various End Uses And Validation Of Cover Systems
Contact Information
Public Protection
The General Offices
Steelworks Road
Ebbw Vale
NP23 6AA
Telephone: 01495 357813
Fax: 01495 355834