Use the ARCHI contaminated land and subsidence risk search tool to check if a location in the UK is affected by historical pollution or geological instability. Our database includes potential contamination sources, visible on old Ordnance Survey maps, such as gas works, chemical plants, and landfill sites. Identify areas at risk of land subsidence due to historical mining or natural ground movement. Whether you're researching property risks, planning development, or conducting an environmental assessment, our interactive mapping tool provides valuable insights. Enter a location to reveal contamination history and subsidence threats instantly. Start your search now!
When considering a potential property for development or residence, it's important to assess the environmental risks that may be present in the area. Historical land use, as identified on Ordnance Survey 6" maps from the Victorian and later periods, can provide valuable insights into potential contamination and associated risks. Below are some key risks to consider:
Industrial sites such as gasworks, tanneries, and chemical factories were often located near residential areas. These sites may have left behind hazardous materials such as coal tar, lead, arsenic, and other chemicals. Understanding the historical use of the land can help identify whether the property might be affected by contamination.
Old tanneries could have a variety of contaminants on the land and surrounding areas, many of which are toxic and potentially harmful to human health and the environment. Here are some common contaminants associated with old tanneries:
Chromium: One of the most common contaminants, particularly chromium(VI), which was used in the tanning process. Chromium compounds are toxic and can lead to soil and water contamination.
Lead: Lead could be present from old paint or machinery.
Cadmium and Zinc: These metals may also be found due to their use in various parts of the tanning process or surrounding industrial activity.
Land near rivers, lakes, or coastal areas may be at risk of flooding, especially during periods of heavy rain or storms. Ordnance Survey maps from the Victorian period can show historical riverbeds, floodplain areas, and low-lying terrain, which can help determine the likelihood of flooding in the area.
Certain areas, particularly on steep slopes, may be susceptible to landslides, especially after heavy rainfall. Historical maps can indicate areas with steep topography that may have been prone to shifting soils or earth movements, and the risk may still persist today.
Older industrial sites such as mines and quarries may leave behind voids in the land that can lead to subsidence over time. This is particularly important to consider when building on former mining areas. Old maps can show locations of these sites and whether the land has been disturbed or altered in ways that may affect structural integrity.
Gasworks were once a common part of the industrial landscape in many towns and cities. These sites may have left behind dangerous substances like cyanide or methane gas. By identifying the historical location of gasworks on old maps, you can assess whether the land might be at risk of gas leaks or contamination.
Old landfills, particularly those that predate modern waste management regulations, may pose significant contamination risks. Many of these sites were located near urban areas and could contain hazardous waste. OS maps can be used to pinpoint the locations of former landfills, helping to assess the likelihood of contamination in the surrounding land.
When considering a potential property for development or residence, it's important to assess the environmental risks that may be present in the area. Historical land use, as identified on Ordnance Survey 6" maps from the Victorian and later periods, can provide valuable insights into potential contamination and associated risks. Below are some key risks to consider:
Industrial sites such as gasworks, tanneries, and chemical factories were often located near residential areas. These sites may have left behind hazardous materials such as coal tar, lead, arsenic, and other chemicals. Understanding the historical use of the land can help identify whether the property might be affected by contamination.
Land near rivers, lakes, or coastal areas may be at risk of flooding, especially during periods of heavy rain or storms. Ordnance Survey maps from the Victorian period can show historical riverbeds, floodplain areas, and low-lying terrain, which can help determine the likelihood of flooding in the area.
Certain areas, particularly on steep slopes, may be susceptible to landslides, especially after heavy rainfall. Historical maps can indicate areas with steep topography that may have been prone to shifting soils or earth movements, and the risk may still persist today.
Older industrial sites such as mines and quarries may leave behind voids in the land that can lead to subsidence over time. This is particularly important to consider when building on former mining areas. Old maps can show locations of these sites and whether the land has been disturbed or altered in ways that may affect structural integrity.
Gasworks were once a common part of the industrial landscape in many towns and cities. These sites may have left behind dangerous substances like cyanide or methane gas. By identifying the historical location of gasworks on old maps, you can assess whether the land might be at risk of gas leaks or contamination.
Old landfills, particularly those that predate modern waste management regulations, may pose significant contamination risks. Many of these sites were located near urban areas and could contain hazardous waste. OS maps can be used to pinpoint the locations of former landfills, helping to assess the likelihood of contamination in the surrounding land.