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Contaminated land

We maintain a register of land that is classed as contaminated and poses a risk to people, the environment or property.

Contaminated land is land that poses a risk to people, the environment or property. This is due to chemicals or other substances it contains, usually as the result of a former industrial use.

Contaminated land legislation

We are required to inspect and identify contaminated land, to make sure it is addressed where appropriate. This is in compliance with:

  • the Environmental Protection Act 1990
  • the Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2000 

Land is only considered to be 'contaminated' under the legislation if:

  • it contains a source of pollution
  • someone or something could be affected – a receptor.
  • a pathway exists between the source and receptor – these 3 elements together are known as a 'source - pathway - receptor' pollutant linkage
  • the pollutant linkage is assessed to be a significant risk of significant harm

Contaminated land register

We maintain a public register of formal notices that have been served under the legislation. The full paper copy can be viewed by appointment.

Email: contaminatedland@dumgal.gov.uk 

Contaminated Land Strategy

To read our Contaminated Land Strategy, go to conservation and regeneration documents.

Contaminated land and planning

All planning applications are:

  • screened for areas of land that are potentially contaminated
  • consulted by the contaminated land team 

You, as the planning applicant, are responsible for demonstrating that the site is suitable for its proposed use.

Additional information required as part of the planning process could include a:

  • site history report
  • ground gas monitoring
  • site investigations 

This can be submitted with your planning application or may be required as a condition on your planning consent. Where contamination is identified, the site must be addressed before development. This is to make it suitable for the proposed use.

Please contact us at an early stage as we may already have information on the site. 

Agricultural buildings

Planning applicants for the conversion or development of agricultural buildings will be required to complete a contaminated land assessment checklist.

To download the checklist, go to conservation and regeneration documents.

Petrol stations

We have written advice on the decommissioning, use or development of former petrol stations.

To read the guidance on decommissioning a petrol station, go to conservation and regeneration documents.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

We are the primary regulator for contaminated land. In certain circumstances a site may be designated as a Special Site and SEPA becomes the enforcing authority.

SEPA also has a responsibility to regulate sites where there may be radioactive contamination.

Contaminated land – Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Contact us

Email: contaminatedland@dumgal.gov.uk