Despite the perceived rural nature of South Somerset, there has
been various thriving industries occurring in the region for a
number of years.
Today there is an important manufacturing and engineering
industry in the Yeovil area particularly those relating to the
aeronautical industry. Historically industrial processes were
frequently poorly controlled. As a result land and groundwater at
the locations of such processes may have been contaminated by
spillages and emissions of chemicals used or produced.
In addition to the above the legacy of historical
contamination in the district has been contributed to by activities
such as waste disposal, energy production, fuel storage / supply
and those undertaken on railway land and military sites. Such sites
may currently be derelict, in active commercial or industrial use
or may have been redeveloped for other purposes such as
housing.
Today such processes are carefully controlled and
regulated however further pollution incidents can occur resulting
in the creation of 'new' pollution.
Remediation of contaminated sites in South Somerset
is secured via the following mechanisms:
The planning process enables us to ensure the undertaking of
appropriate investigation at any potentially contaminated site
which is subject to redevelopment or any change of land use
requiring planning permission. Mitigation or remediation may then
be required to ensure that the land is suitable for the intended
use.
- Through the enforcement of Part IIA of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990
The legislation enables us to enforce remediation to be
undertaken by appropriate persons at problematic contaminated sites
which are not being proactively dealt with by other means.
In addition, we will provide advice on general land
contamination issues, respond to specific site enquiries and ensure
that pollution incidents and emergencies are dealt with
correctly.
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