Atkins revises soil screening values

Following the recent release of the updated contaminated land exposure assessment (CLEA) software and guidance by the Environment Agency, Atkins is in the process of reviewing and implementing the changes to derive a new set of its own soil screening values. Atkins anticipates releasing a revised set of values for standard land uses by mid-November, while new values for non-standard land uses will follow soon after.

The consultancy's Atrisk screening system was introduced four years ago in response to the hiatus over nationally accepted soil guideline values (SGVs) and their application in contaminated land determinations. Originally launched as a local authority tool, it was later broadened to serve Atkins' commercial clients. By earlier this year, it included seven land uses and 53 contaminants, but the theoretical underpinning is changed by the Agency's new CLEA model.

• Atrisk soil website