Remediation of Contaminated Sites and Areas
Cleanup and remediation of contaminated land to remove pollution sources and restore soil and groundwater to functional condition.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Mitigation
The remediation activity must achieve a net reduction in GHG emissions from the contaminated site, including elimination of ongoing pollutant-related emissions (volatile organic compounds, landfill gas) and restoration of soil carbon sequestration capacity. The remediation approach must be selected based on a comparative sustainability assessment that considers the carbon footprint of different remediation options.
Low-carbon remediation techniques must be prioritised, including in-situ bioremediation, phytoremediation, natural attenuation with monitoring, or passive treatment systems. Where active remediation (excavation, thermal treatment, pump-and-treat) is necessary, the operator must demonstrate that the selected approach has the lowest feasible carbon footprint for achieving the required cleanup targets.
Substantial Contribution to Climate Change Adaptation
The remediation design must account for climate change impacts on contaminant mobility, including changes in groundwater levels, increased flooding risk, and temperature effects on biodegradation rates. The CRVA under Appendix A must cover the full projected remediation timeline.
DNSH: Climate Change Adaptation
Climate hazards must be assessed per Appendix A. Remediation infrastructure (containment barriers, treatment systems) must be designed to withstand projected extreme weather events over the remediation period.
DNSH: Water and Marine Resources
The remediation must achieve or progress toward compliance with groundwater quality standards under the Groundwater Directive (2006/118/EC) and surface water standards under the Water Framework Directive. Dewatering discharges must meet permit conditions.
DNSH: Circular Economy
Excavated soil must be treated for re-use on site or at other appropriate locations where possible. Construction and demolition waste from site works must meet the 70% recycling target. Remediation materials must be selected for durability and recyclability.
DNSH: Pollution Prevention and Control
Remediation must not spread contamination to unaffected areas. Air emissions from treatment processes must be captured and treated. Worker protection and community exposure controls must comply with occupational health regulations and environmental permits.
DNSH: Biodiversity and Ecosystems
The remediation plan must include an ecological restoration component for the remediated area. Where the site is adjacent to protected habitats, remediation methods must be selected to minimise disturbance. Post-remediation land use must support habitat recovery.