Land Remediation Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is land remediation in the UK?
Land remediation is the process of restoring contaminated or derelict land to a safe, usable state by removing or treating pollutants like chemicals, heavy metals or hazardous substances often from past industrial activities.
What is a brownfield site?
A brownfield site is previously developed land, often contaminated or derelict from industrial use, that is not currently in use. It may require remediation before redevelopment for housing, commercial or other purposes.
What is Land Remediation Relief (LRR)?
LRR is a UK tax incentive introduced in 2001, offering companies a 150% deduction on qualifying costs for cleaning up contaminated or derelict land, reducing corporation tax liability. It encourages redevelopment of brownfield sites.
Who can claim Land Remediation Relief?
Companies subject to UK corporation tax, including those in partnership can claim LRR. Individuals and non-corporate entities are ineligible. The company must own or lease (7+ years) the land.
What costs qualify for Land Remediation Relief?
Qualifying costs include site investigation, contaminant removal, restoration, consultancy fees, labour and materials, but only if incurred due to contamination and not for general development.
What is the tax benefit of LRR for loss-making companies?
Loss-making companies can surrender losses from LRR for a 16% tax credit, providing a cash payment (24% of qualifying expenditure) to offset costs.
What is Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990?
Part 2A is a UK law requiring landowners and developers to remediate contaminated land to prevent harm to human health or the environment before construction or sale.
What is excavation and disposal?
Removing contaminated land
What is Bioremediation?
Using microbes to break down pollutants
What is Capping?
Covering contaminated areas to contain pollutants.
What is a Phase 1 contaminated land assessment?
A phase 1 assessment (desk study) reviews historical land use, geological data, and potential contamination sources to develop an initial risk assessment and conceptual site model.
What is a Phase 2 contaminated land assessment?
A phase 2 assessment involves site investigations (e.g. borehole drilling, sampling) and chemical analysis to quantify contamination risks to human health, water and ecosystems.
What is Phytoremediation?
Phytoremediation is a remediation technique using plants (e.g. sunflowers) to absorb, stabilise or breakdown contaminants in soil or ground water, often used for heavy metals.
What is the role of the Environment Agency in land remediation?
The Environment Agency regulates remediation in England, ensuring compliance with laws like Part 2A, providing guidance on risk management, and approving remediation strategies.
What is derelict land got LRR purposes?
Derelict land is unused since at least April 1998 and cannot be reused without removing structures like foundations or concrete basements. LRR applies to its remediation.
Why is the UK a leader in land remediation?
The UK’s history as the first industrialised nation left over 400,000 hectares of contaminated land, driving innovation, strict regulations, and expertise in remediation technologies.
What is a remediation notice?
A remediation notice is issued by a local council or agency (e.g. SEPA, NIEA) requiring responsible parties to clean up contaminated land, detailing actions and deadlines.
What is the time limit for LRR claims?
LRR claims must be made within 2 years from the end of the accounting period for owners/investors, or 4 years for developers after property sales.
What is bioremediation?
Bioremediation uses microorganisms to break down or neutralise contaminants in soil or ground water, often applied to organic pollutants like petroleum.
What is the economic impact of the UK land remediation sector?
The sector has a turnover of £9.4billion, employs thousands, and is projected to grow to £11.1billion by 2026, supporting brownfield redevelopment.
What is Japanese knotweed in the context of LRR?
Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant qualifying for LRR even if not industrially caused, as its removal is costly and necessary to prevent property damage.
