Environemtal Protection UK has written to environment secretary Caroline Spelman urging her to ensure the revised contaminated land regime receives strong practical, scientific and financial support from central government to sustain the regime's benefits.
Its letter says continued dialogue with DEFRA officials has seen some of the issues addressed, but it stresses central government must remain involved in delivery.
The letter, from chief executive James Grugeon points out that, 10 years into the Part 2A regime, many sites of concern remain unidentified and 45% of local authorities report no progress under the scheme.
"The revision of this statutory guidance will not be the panacea for contaminated land policy," says the letter.
"For the significant benefits to be realised - as outlined in the consultation impact assessment - a firm commitment from central government is essential to enable the development of key research and delivery tools to support the new guidance."
EPUK is seeking DEFRA commitment to:-
- regular reviews of contaminated land inspection strategies;
- progress on assessment criteria;
- Government-supported and resourced toxicological research and interpretation;
- R&D on background contamination assessment;
- transitional advice to councils on the new guidance;
- national communications and case studies for sharing of knowledge and best practice.
"In order to enable the sector to realise its full potential and to help remove barriers to growth, EPUK urges you to ensure that the revised contaminated land guidance is fit for purpose and to commit to facilitating the development of the necessary tools and research," wrote Mr Grugeon.
"A healthy contaminated land sector encourages the safe and sustainable reuse of brownfield land within the UK, which is central to the regeneration of Britain's economy."
He said the UK contaminated land sector had been assessed at £1bn, with annual growth potential of 3.5% but continuing uncertainty is undermining confidence in brownfield redevelopment, hindering growth and increasing pressure of scarce land resources.
EPUK also calls for greater resources for the contaminated land capital grant system which was cut by 78% in 2010-1.
"Central government should ensure that this limited fund has a greater impact by giving local authorities access to expertise and facilitating knowledge sharing through the use of an expert advisory panel for determinations and the development and dissemination of key case studies," it says.
