Contaminated land is defined in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Part IIA s78(2) as 'any land which appears to the local authority in whose area it is situated to be in such a condition by reason of substances in, on or under the land that a) significant harm is being caused or there is a significant possibility of such harm being caused or b) pollution of controlled waters  is being, or is likely to be caused'. 

Part IIA was inserted into the 1990 Act by the Environment Act 1995 and s57 came into force in England and Wales on 1 April 2000 and in Scotland on 14 July 2000.

The Contaminated Land (England) Regulations 2006, which came into force on 4 August 2006, extended Part IIA to include radioactivity in England.

DEFRA Circular 01/2006 Environmental Protection Act 1990 Part IIA contaminated land describes the statutory regime for contaminated land and provides an outline of statutory guidance. Includes a guide to the Contaminated Land (England) Regulations 2006 and other supporting legislation.

Guidance note: contamination and environmental matters outlines RICS guidance on contaminated land issues.  

DEFRA Contaminated Land and Environmental Protection Agency Land Contamination webpages provide information on contaminated land for England and Wales. Scottish Environment Protection Agency provides information on Scottish issues.

Contaminated land brings together a selection of sources available through the RICS Library including books, journal articles, online publications and websites. A full list of hot topics is also available.