What is a CL:AIRE Scheme?

What is a CL:AIRE Scheme?

CL:AIRE stands for Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments. It is a registered charity that offers an alternative to obtaining an environmental permit. When a CL:AIRE scheme is utilised, there is no requirement for an environmental permit.

CL:AIRE provides a comprehensive document known as the Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoW CoP), which contains rules and guidance for importing waste under their scheme. The CL:AIRE DoW CoP specifies that only undisturbed (virgin-dug) and naturally occurring material is permitted to be brought onto the site, significantly reducing the potential for pollution.

Unlike traditional permit applications, a CL:AIRE scheme doesn’t involve a formal application process. However, it does require a substantial amount of information relating to the origin of the material plus administration during the material import to mitigate the risk of pollution. This includes maintaining meticulous records and collecting samples for laboratory chemical analysis.

It’s important to note that the CL:AIRE DoW CoP is exclusively intended for development purposes. It cannot be used for waste disposal, such as in a landfill site. The focus of the CL:AIRE scheme is on enabling responsible sustainable materials management during development projects while ensuring environmental protection and compliance with relevant regulations.

What is a Materials Management Plan?

Each CL:AIRE scheme requires the development of a comprehensive Materials Management Plan (MMP). This crucial document contains essential information about the proposed development, along with specific details about the origins of the imported materials. The imported materials typically come from multiple sites in the local area, known as donor sites.

To add materials to an MMP there is a variety of information that is required. This includes a comprehensive site investigation report, including chemical testing which provides insights into the excavation source and any existing contamination of the materials.

For materials to be eligible for the MMP and re-use, they must be free of contamination and in an undisturbed, virgin-dug condition. Apart from these technical aspect, the MMP also requires details such as the site owner, main contractor, and haulage company involved in the material transportation process.

By gathering and documenting this essential information, the MMP ensures responsible materials management, promotes environmental protection, and enables the smooth execution of the development project while adhering to CL:AIRE scheme guidelines and regulations.

The Four Objectives of an MMP

1. Protection of Human Health and the Environment

An essential step in materials management planning is conducting thorough assessments to identify any potential risks of environmental pollution or harm to human health. If the assessment reveals materials that pose an unacceptable risk, they won’t be able to put on the MMP. However, this doesn’t mean the journey ends there. In many cases, appropriate protection or remediation measures can be specified to address the concerns. Furthermore, creative solutions like updating the design or implementing suitable treatment methods can be explored to transform these materials into valuable resources, fostering a more sustainable approach to materials.

2. Suitable For Use

Ensuring that materials are well-suited for their intended use, especially concerning their chemical and geotechnical properties, is a crucial aspect of materials management planning. When excavated materials meet the necessary criteria for use, without any additional treatment, they can be added to the MMP and imported for re-use on another site. However, material that require treatment to modify their chemical or physical/geotechnical properties will require further analysis and assessment post treatment, before being declared suitable for use. This approach encourages the responsible utilisation and transformation of materials, fostering sustainable practices in various industries.

3. Certainty of Use

The Definition of Waste Codes of Practice (DoW CoP) emphasises the importance of establishing the certainty from the outset. Therefore, any material that is excavated and stockpiled without a pre-defined destination and purpose will continue to be a waste. This emphasis on proactive planning ensures that materials are put to practical use, minimising waste generation, and promoting efficient resource management within the approved Materials Management Plan (MMP).

4. Quantity of Material Required

All CL:AIRE schemes must have planning permission with an approved design, with a fixed required import volume to achieve that design. Excessive usage of materials raises concerns that they are being disposed of, rather than being re-used. This demonstrates responsible resource management, minimises waste generation, and fosters a sustainable approach to material utilisation within their operations.

What is a Qualified Person?

Each CL:AIRE scheme is assigned a Qualified Person (QP). As the Materials Management Plan (MMP) is created and updated with new information, the QP plays a crucial role in reviewing and evaluating its content. Once satisfied with the plan’s compliance and appropriateness, the QP issues a formal confirmation to CL:AIRE, a process commonly known as a “declaration”.

To become a registered QP with CL:AIRE, individuals must meet specific qualifications and hold chartership with relevant professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWN) or the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE). This ensures that the QP possesses the necessary expertise and knowledge to effectively assess and manage materials during the development project.

The involvement of an independent QP in the CL:AIRE scheme adds an extra layer of credibility, impartiality, and expertise to the materials management process, contributing to the overall effectiveness and environmental reasonability of the project.