Craig Hill Quarry, Ballyclare – Contaminated Land Assessment (PRA)

O’Sullivan Macfarlane Environmental Consulting have recently undertaken a Preliminary Risk Assessment (PRA) for a proposed residential development near an abandoned quarry (flooded) within the footprint of Ballyclare Town. The requirement for a contaminated land assessment (PRA) was triggered by NIEA, who were concerned about the historical land-uses near / within the site, which may have resulted in the site, and the adjacent land, becoming contaminated.

Contaminated Land Assessment (PRA)

Following a detailed site walk-over, and a review of the avalible published information regarding the abandoned quarry, it was clear that the no risk was posed to the adjacent development site.

Despite the adjacent site containing mounded overburden / quarry spoil, it was clear this material was low risk with respect to both onsite and offsite contamination.

Outcome

NIEA and Environmental Health supported the conclusion of the O’Sullivan Macfarlane contaminated land assessment (PRA), and given the absence of pollutant linkages within or adjacent the site, further assessment (GQRA) was not required. The site assessment (PRA) was carried out in line with The Model Procedures of the Management of Land Contamination (CLR11), and demonstrated that the proposed development site does not pose a significant risk to either the local environment, or future site users.

As a result, the former use of this land will not inhibit future site development.