Contaminated Marine Sediments: Background
Defra’s Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA) is the statutory body responsible for issuing Food and Environment Protection Act licences to organisations who wish to dredge and dispose of marine sediments in the UK. Before a license can be issued the impact of displacing and disposing of sediments must be assessed. This includes identifying whether an area is affected or characterized by contaminated marine sediments, as this is likely to prevent the issuing of a dredging/disposal licence.
In 2006, Defra’s Marine Consents and Environment Branch (MCEB) completed an internal review of the current situation regarding contaminated marine sediments. It identified that there is a lack of information on the extent of contaminated marine sediments in UK waters, and clarity was required regarding the current industry options for dredging and disposal and associated factors such as liability and legislation. Currently there is no consistent guidance in place to help industry address the issue and furthermore, the information known is largely unavailable through a common portal.
In May 2006, as part of a Defra initiative, a Contaminated Marine Sediment Steering Group was set up, comprising representatives from CEFAS, Natural England, the Welsh assembly, the Scottish Executive, The Crown Estate, representatives from industry including port authorities (ABP, BPA, PLA), conservation agencies and green NGO’s (e.g. CCW, JNCC, MCS). The aim of this group was to discuss and formulate a programme of work to provide a comprehensive guidance document (‘strategy’) for managing contaminated marine sediments in the UK. The specific Terms of Reference (TOR) for this groups were;
‘to assist and facilitate the development of the UK strategy for handling and managing contaminated material to be dredged from UK marine waters, and to support and advise on the practical implementation of the strategy’.
Extensive consideration of the principal issues gave rise to a research framework comprising 6 work packages or ‘Tasks’ that commenced on 1st April, 2007. Whilst it was initially decided to address all seabed areas which were known to be contaminated, the Steering Group subsequently focussed the research on contaminated areas where dredging was likely to occur or be necessary in the future. In accordance with the Steering Group’s wishes the aim of the research framework is to produce a guidance document which provides a clear strategy for managing contaminated marine sediments’.
Page last modified: 23 July 2007