Request a contaminated land search

Land is legally defined as 'contaminated land' where substances are causing or could cause:

• significant harm to people, property or protected species
• significant pollution of surface waters (for example lakes and rivers) or groundwater
• harm to people as a result of radioactivity

Land may become contaminated when substances have found their way on or into the ground. Land can be contaminated by things like:

• heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium and lead
• oils and tars
• chemical substances and preparations, like solvents
• gases
• asbestos
• radioactive substances

Further information and guidance (opens new window)