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Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

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  • Contaminated Land

    Topics:
    • Resource & Waste Policy, 
    • Waste Policy Tracker

    There is provision (Part III) in the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order, 1997 for the establishment of a regime dealing with Contaminated Land. However, this part of the Order has not been commenced.

    Type of Change

    Following Ministerial Agreement in May 2025, ERPD Waste Legislation officials have initiated a tender process aimed at commissioning a report to inform a decision by the Minister on the cost and resource implications of the the establishment of a regime dealing with Contaminated Land.

    Affected Stakeholders

    As yet, no stakeholders affected, as the relevant part of WCLO 1997 remains uncommenced.

    Changes

    If commenced, District Councils will be required to develop an inspection strategy, inspect their areas and remediate any sites they find to be contaminated to the level of posing a significant risk of significant harm to health and the environment.

    Status

    Ongoing.

    Expected Timeline

    This project may be completed in 2026.

    Related content

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    • The Environment Act Implementation
    • The Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy / Waste Management Plan
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    • Voluntary Producer Responsibility - Chewing Gum
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    • Wet Wipes Containing Plastic
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