Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
This will ensure that the requirements are appropriate. It is also necessary to con-
sider the future activities and controls on the site with the purpose of ensuring that
long-term risks are also managed, and that the site will continue to be "fit for use"
in the future.
Making certain choices about the management of the site can not only achieve
the necessary quality requirements in relation to immediate fitness for use but
also improve the quality of the site over time. For example, introducing additional
gradual treatment would open up opportunities for land use changes, an increased
Biodiversity and less long-term care.
23.6.2.2 Protection of the Environment
Protection of the environment is related to the wider effects, in contrast to those only
related to the use of the site. In the UK the term “suitable for use” combines the two
concepts of fitness for use and protection of the environment (UK/DETR Circular
2/2000). Protection of the environment has two objectives:
1. To prevent or reduce negative impact on the (natural) surroundings, including
Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity, groundwater bodies, surface waters.
2. To conserve and, if possible, enhance the quality and quantity of resources (for
example land, soil, water or cultural heritage).
The requirement to achieve both fitness for use and protection of the environment
means that solutions have to be chosen carefully. A solution that meets only the
fitness for use requirements is probably not the best solution if it creates potential
problems in surrounding areas. A solution that manages the risk of contaminant
dispersion may be different from the solution that manages risks to achieve “fitness
for use”.
Solutions may in turn lead to the exploitation of other resources, such as energy
reserves, or land capacity for disposal. Other environmental and spatial planning
policies will aim to protect these resources and a balanced decision - or new solu-
tions - will be needed where there is conflict between the objectives of risk reduction
and conservation of resources.
The decision to conserve land or soil as a resource may lead to policies favouring
redevelopment of Brownfields over Greenfields (non urban land). This in turn may
lead to increased pressure to develop new solutions to deal with the risks to human
health and the environment. It also shows the need for strategies to prevent sites
from becoming Brownfields.
23.6.2.3 Long-Term Care
If a solution leaves contamination in the soil, there is a need for long-term care.
Monitoring and control may be necessary to ensure that the solution remains appro-
priate, that it continues to work and that any restrictions on future choices regarding
the land use are enforced.
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