Introduction

The issue of how to deal with hazardous waste generated by many product manufacturers and users over many years is currently one of the most serious environmental problems confronting industrialised nations.

Generally substances are deemed potential contaminants if:
• They have the ability to cause harm to the environment
and its inhabitants
• Have a significant effect on materials and structures
used on sites
• Have a significant persistence in the environment
• Occur in significant quantities on many sites

Chemical, biological agents and/or combustive materials can all be hazards to human health, the environment and even construction materials. Example sites of particular concern include operating sites, development sites, infra-structural developments, ‘Sensitive’ sites such as residential areas and schools as well as sites with historical problems such as waste disposal sites, abattoirs etc.

Contaminants find there way into the environment in a variety of ways such as Leaks, Spillages, On-Site or Inappropriate Disposal/Storage of Materials along with aerial and water- borne deposition.