Contaminated land policy within the European Union

✍ Scribed by Christie, S. ;Teeuw, R. M.

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 1998
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 113 KB
• Volume: 8
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0961-0405
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1099-0976(199801/02)8:1<7::aid-eet137>3.0.co;2-h

✦ Synopsis

Contaminated land is a large-scale problem in many areas of Europe, particularly where there has been early and continuous industrialization, but it has only become a matter of policy since the 1980s. This problem needs to be addressed by all member states, and a lead given to those who aspire to join the EU. On the topic of contaminated land there is a large pool of concerned states, covering both old and new members of the EU. A second group of states are now addressing the problem, and a third group 'laggard states' are waiting for EU guidance.

Where there is policy, it is split into two areas:

• Prevention of new contamination, which is usually achieved by following existing directives, planning and fiscal measures. • Remediation of old contamination. This is more difficult and more costly and requires long term commitment by states for funding, planning and ongoing practical remediation.

Identification, legislation, fiscal policy and remediation standards vary and, as yet, much is new and untested. The EU does not have a formal position on contaminated land, but should be playing a vital coordination and information gathering role. 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.