Get ready for new land contamination guidance

RSK Geosciences Associate Technical Director, Joanna Wilding has featured in the ENDS Report’s latest Policy Briefing on The Environment Agency’s new Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM) guidance. LCRM replaces the Model Procedures for the Management of Land Contamination (CLR 11), which was published in 2014.

“LCRM places a greater emphasis on demonstrating the competence of those undertaking risk assessments and remediation,” Joanna explains. “Sustainability considerations also feature throughout the guidance.”

Regarding sustainability, “LCRM places emphasis on delivering sustainability benefits across the whole supply chain. It links to a framework developed by the industry-led Sustainable Remediation Forum UK, designed to ensure environmental, social and economic impacts are balanced and climate change is factored in to achieve robust, long-term remediation for future generations.”

In terms of demonstrating suitable qualifications and experience, the National Quality Mark Scheme (NQMS), Society of Brownfield Risk Assessment (SoBRA) and Specialist in Land Contamination (SiLC) bodies are some of the most highly regarded institutions. Individuals can also demonstrate competence through holding a membership to a relevant professional organisation or having a proven track record.

LCRM promotes the use of the NQMS to ensure things are done right first time. “RSK is very supportive of the NQMS and RSK employees have contributed to its development,” comments Joanna. “We are keen for the scheme to be a success, as we see it directly benefitting our clients and indirectly assisting in raising technical standards within the sector. RSK currently has 11 Suitably Qualified Persons – more than any other organisation – able to sign-off reports under the NQMS.”

Subscribers can read the article in full on the ENDS Report website. RSK Geosciences Director Tom Henman also recently gave an SiLC perspective on the publication of LCRM, which is available on the SiLC website.