SearchVivien Dent, AGS Contaminated Land Working Group Leader, has provided an update from the Groups most recent meeting, which was held virtually on 28th April. Here is an overview on the top topics which are currently in discussion:
AGS GUIDE TO ASBESTOS
We’re currently in the final stages of reviewing the AGS Guide to Asbestos, and are close to completion. The guide will be published on the AGS website in due course.
GRADUATE KEY READING LIST
The Contaminated Land Working Group have decided to create a key reading document. This will be primarily aimed at graduates or those new to the industry, and will feature a reading list of key documents across all areas to educate and guide individuals who are new to the field.
We’re keen to engage with graduates and early career professionals, so this working group task is specific for this new generation of geo-environmentalists.
UKAS INSPECTION BODIES SURVEYING CONTAMINATED LAND FOR THE PRESENCE OF ASBESTOS
UKAS plans to establish a pilot programme for the development of ISO/IEC 17020:2012 accreditation for the inspection of land for the presence of asbestos.
The AGS CLWG have concerns that the scheme has not considered broader land contamination issues and that people who are unqualified will attempt to do the role of a contaminated land engineer. Whilst an asbestos surveyor might be qualified to look into asbestos, it’s unlikely that they’ll understand all documentation and the processes for all contaminants.
Naturally we don’t want there to be a situation where projects are required to have both an asbestos surveyor and a contaminated land surveyor. This would be an additional project expense and create additional work and expense for the client.
WORKING OUTSIDE OF THE AGS
The AGS Contaminated Land Working Group have many members who are involved in a range of different projects and working groups; SAGTA C4SL project, the National Brownfield Forum, SiLC, SoBRA and more. This enables us to share new information within the Group but also relay the position of the AGS CLWG outside of the organisation.