Events & Courses

Risks of Brownfield Land & Geological sources of contamination with Paul Nathanail

Geology can be a source of natural or anthropogenic contamination, as well as a pathway or barrier to contaminant migration and, as groundwater,m a receptor in its own right.  This lecture will provide an overview of geological sources of contamination across the British Isles.  Such contamination needs to be considered in evaluating proposed development sites as well as protecting existing uses from harm or pollution.  

Heavy metals at levels that can exceed soil screening levels are encountered in clays of several periods.  Such natural contaminants are often characterised by low bioavailability.  Mineralised areas, whether historically mined or not, are characterised by very high levels of metals that may require remediation despite their usually low bioavailability.

Decomposition of natural materials and waste can release biogenic methane that can migrate and ignite.  Ignition of slower release of geogenic methane from specific formations has been associated with several tragic accidents.  Inhalation of naturally released carcinogenic radon gas is linked to over 1000 deaths per year.  Carbon dioxide and other hazardous ground gases are also associated with specific formations.

Anthropogenic sources of contamination are associated with historic land uses, waste disposal, spread of made ground, accidents and military activities.

This lecture has been proposed by Paul even though the topic was omitted from Engineering Geology Special Publication Volume 29.  Paul Nathanail is a Chartered Geologist and Specialist in Land Condition. He is the Technical Director of Contamination Assessment and Remediation of GHD, a global services company and is the current chair of the National Brownfield Forum.  His 2009 Glossop lecture is a good reference to support this lecture in the absence of a chapter in EGSP 29.

Speaker

Paul Nathanail is a Chartered Geologist and Specialist in Land Condition. He is the Technical Director of Contamination Assessment and Remediation of GHD, a global services company and is the current chair of the National Brownfield Forum.  His 2009 Glossop lecture is a good reference to support this lecture in the absence of a chapter in EGSP 29.

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