If your works include piling or drilling or removal of asbestos, pollution could be a problem.

A large building being renovated from a shop to a house.

Pollution is an aspect of many projects but is given little attention. Under certain circumstances obvious pollution risks will have been considered, such as the presence of blue asbestos, insulation or – in the case of a former industrial site – the presence of heavy metals.

If your works include piling or drilling or removal of asbestos, pollution could be a problem.

Less obvious is the pollution that can occur because of subterranean drilling or the actions of contractor in relation to a water course on the site. This could be something simple, such as the leaking or spillage of fuel, oils and chemicals or something more complex involving the diversion or temporary pollution of underground water.

In any of the above events, it is worth undertaking a risk assessment for pollution, particularly if your project is likely to produce controlled waste as a by-product, or if surrounding properties are particularly sensitive.