Groundwater and Contaminated Land
Introduction
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Land that is affected by contamination may adversely impact groundwater if the contaminants find their way into the groundwater. The risk of groundwater contamination is increased where the contaminant is mobile, by virtue of its solubility in water or its viscosity, and if there is a pathway to groundwater. Having entered groundwater, the impact of a chemical will depend on its toxicity and persistence. Some contaminants are therefore more likely to impact on groundwater than others.
Not all groundwater is equally vulnerable to the risk of pollution since the natural characteristics of soil and rocks and the depth to groundwater, control the likelihood of groundwater pollution.
Contaminated land investigation activities including the drilling of boreholes can pose a threat to groundwater by creating preferential pathways. Contaminated land and groundwater remediation may also pose a threat to groundwater because it may move or increase the mobility of contaminants.
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Legislation
The main legislation relating to contaminated land and groundwater are listed below:
Guidance
Below is a list of some guidance that relates to groundwater and contaminated land in Scotland.
Additional guidance on the assessment and management of contaminated land has been produced by the Scottish Executive and other organisations.
For further information on groundwater and contaminated land see sections A and I of SEPA's Groundwater Protection Policy
