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Oil drums on contaminated landMany areas of land in the UK are contaminated by previous industrial activities.

Your business activities could also cause land contamination, particularly if you handle hazardous substances, such as chemicals or fuel.

If you want to develop land and apply for planning permission you may have to clean up any land contamination as a condition of your planning consent.

Contaminated land may be hazardous to the environment and human health.

Northern Ireland

Contaminated land regulations are not yet in force in Northern Ireland. When they come into force, it is likely the regulations will be similar to those in England, Scotland and Wales.

Contaminated land in Northern Ireland – proposals for regulation

The Environmental Liability Regulations came into effect in Northern Ireland on 24 July 2009. If you cause land contamination serious enough to be classed as environmental damage from this date you may be liable.

Environmental damage: land contamination

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