The Brownfield Industry eagerly awaits further news on the updated version of DoWCoP (whether it be Version 2.2 or 3.0) following protracted discussions between CL:AIRE and the Environment Agency. Uncertainty on changes to this guidance has left Developers, Consultants and Contractors less confident on how to move projects forward in the medium to long term. However, several targets and commitments set out in DEFRA’s 2023 Environmental Improvement Plan give Soilfix cause for optimism that sustainable regeneration of brownfield sites can still be achieved without significant barriers.
This Plan, recently published by DEFRA presents the first revision of the 25yr Environment Plan (as required under the Environment Act 2021) to set out how the Government intends to improve our environment in the UK and around the world.
This plan includes commitments for maximising resources / minimising waste and using our natural resources more sustainably and contribute to a circular economy.
In the case of soil, this commitment aligns well with DoWCoP as well as helping support our future goal of achieving Net Zero’. Soilfix consider the CL:AIRE ReconSoil project will greatly improve our understanding of soil health and the carbon sequestration potential this valuable resource provides to help fulfil these commitments.
The goal of clean and plentiful water includes measures to incentivise sustainable land use and using nature-based solutions to reduce pollutants entering the water environment through sustainable drainage, wetlands and the lie. Soilfix hopes this commitment includes greater implementation of a ‘Brownfield First’ policy to help bring derelict brownfield sites into beneficial use whilst helping improve our waterways and reduce risks to groundwater.
We were also encouraged to see a commitment to managing exposure to chemicals and pesticides, including a Chemicals Strategy to manage priority and emerging chemicals of concern, such as Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), a large group of persistent chemicals which are used in a wide range of products.
To support early-stage contractor involvement on several up-coming projects, Soilfix are actively researching applicable techniques for the sustainable treatment of PFAS contaminated soils & water.
