A rickety framework for contaminated land

A new statutory framework for identifying and dealing with contaminated land is to be created by the new Environment Bill. Local authorities will take the lead in identifying contaminated sites, but the Environment Agency will also have a role. Liability for assessing and cleaning up polluted sites will also be clarified. But the new structure seems likely to be undermined by lack of funds - particularly to pay for "orphan" sites - complex decision-making processes and other uncertainties.