Land contamination

Allerdale was once a thriving area for coal and iron ore mining.

Mining and quarrying within Allerdale have also influenced the current landscape, with colliery spoil tips and ironwork slagheaps widespread along the borough's coastal strip.

Industrial, mining and waste disposal practices, particularly since the 18th century, have left a legacy of land contamination. 

When the Environment Act 1995 came into force it introduced Part IIA into the Environmental Protection Act 1990, specifically to deal with contaminated land. The aim of the legislation is to protect human health, controlled waters, ecological systems, buildings and other property. Part IIA is a joint initiative, enforced by Local Authorities (who are the lead regulator) and the Environment Agency.

As a statutory requirement under Part IIA, Allerdale Borough Council revised its contaminated land inspection strategy (2005 and draft 2013). This document sets out how the council intends to inspect the whole of the district in order to identify, investigate, designate and remediate contaminated land to a standard that is suitable for use.

Under the regime it is also Allerdale Borough Council's responsibility to identify the individual and/or individuals liable for any remediation costs, ensuring where possible that the polluter pays.

Contaminated land public register