Contaminated Land Strategy

Under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Part 2A), local authorities have a duty to investigate areas that are potentially contaminated. Local authorities are the primary enforcing agency of Part 2A but work closely with the Environment Agency This link opens in a new browser window in fulfilling this role. This is particularly in cases where controlled waters, such as rivers or aquifers may be at risk from contamination.

Under Part 2A the principle duties of North Hertfordshire District Council are:

  • To maintain a public register (the Contaminated Land Register) containing prescribed particulars of Remediation Notices served by NHDC, appeals against any such Remediation Notices and Remediation Statements and Remediation Declarations.  For further information about the register please refer to the contact details at the bottom of this page.
  • To inspect the District in a rational, ordered and efficient manner; in order to identify contaminated land
  • To determine if any inspected areas are significantly contaminated according to the detailed specifications within Part 2A and its associated legislation and guidance
  • To find the person(s) responsible for the contaminated land
  • To try to get the person(s) responsible to voluntarily remediate the contaminated land so that it is safe and fit for its current use
  • Where voluntary remediation cannot be agreed, to take legal action to force the person(s) responsible to remediate the contaminated land

In line with statutory guidance from the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs DEFRA This link opens in a new browser window, NHDC has published a Contaminated Land Strategy Version 5 explaining how it is dealing with potentially contaminated land within its District.

Contaminated Land Strategy (1.46MB) This document is a PDF file and will open in a new window. You will need Adobe Reader to view it.

Contact Details

Details of how to contact the team can be found on the Housing & Public Protection contact page.