How does land get contaminated?
Land may become contaminated when substances have found their way on or into the ground - often due to industrial disposal, leaks or spillages. These substances may still be present in the ground above background or acceptable levels.
Land formerly used by industries may now be used for other purposes which are more sensitive to the potential effects of contamination. Our
Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy sets out how we inspect our area for potentially contaminated land.
Report an incident
Report contaminated land (opens in a new window)
Complete the form to report any of the following contaminated land issues:
- Records of processes, chemicals used, or pollution incidents occurring at former factories (anecdotal evidence, photographs).
- Knowledge of materials buried on former factories or deposited in landfill sites.
If you have seen or are concerned about fly-tipping you can
report general fly-tipping.
Deciding if land is contaminated
When we investigate contaminated land we follow guidance set out by DEFRA using the Source, Pathway and Receptor principle. All three elements must be present for the site to be legally defined contaminated land.
- The
source is the contaminant which is likely to cause harm to people or the environment
- A
pathway is a way in which the contaminant can reach a receptor
- The
receptor is the person or environment that could be harmed.
Read the DEFRA guidance (785kb pdf)
Site investigations
Completed site investigations
Environmental search requests
We undertake environmental searches and provide information on environmental issues for sites within the Borough boundaries. The fees are:
- Minimum charge (up to the first hour) - £88.40
- Each subsequent hour or part thereof - £35.40
To request an environmental search, please email
Contaminated.Land@Rochdale.gov.uk or call 0300 3038871.
Land development
If you are a developer or environmental consultant looking for guidance on redeveloping land which may be potentially contaminated, please see the
contaminated land page in our business section.
Contaminated land register
We're required to maintain a public register of sites determined as "contaminated land". The register is intended as a complete record of all the action we take to identify and reverse the environmental damage of contaminated land.
You will need to make a separate enquiry if you wish to see the documents associated with the sites listed below.
The register is held at the Environmental Health and Licensing Service.
Sites which have been determined as contaminated land