Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Managing complex contaminants on brownfield sites
PFAS, PCBs, and dioxins are classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants — highly toxic compounds that can remain in soil and groundwater for decades and resist conventional treatment. Found on former chemical plants, military sites, industrial facilities, and landfill, they present some of the most complex and legally sensitive remediation challenges in construction today. Getting the investigation, strategy, and regulatory engagement right from the start protects your programme, your liability position, and your planning application.
Why POPs are a risk:
POPs are toxic, bio-accumulative, and resistant to breakdown
Can affect human health and contaminate water sources
Require specific handling, disposal routes, and licensing
Delay planning or land transactions if not identified early
Failing to manage POPs correctly can lead to prosecution and long-term liability.
Our approach
Churngold delivers POPs remediation in partnership with specialist consultants and regulators:
Site investigation and contaminant profiling
Development of tailored remediation strategies
In-situ or ex-situ treatment options
Excavation and licensed disposal for impacted soils
Soil stabilisation, containment, or barrier systems
Groundwater monitoring and protection
Full compliance reporting and regulator liaison
We work to current UK and international standards, ensuring every step is fully documented and risk-controlled.
Churngold has delivered POPs management on high-value, environmentally controlled projects. At Avonmouth Docks, on a £4.9M marine infrastructure contract for Costain, our team managed the identification, handling, and compliant disposal of soils suspected to contain persistent organic compounds within a sensitive marine environmental zone. All works met the compliance standards required by project engineer Ramboll and the relevant regulatory bodies.
A note on PFAS
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are attracting increasing regulatory scrutiny in the UK and internationally. Their detection on development sites, particularly those with links to firefighting operations, military use, or certain industrial processes, can create significant challenges for planning, land transactions, and groundwater management.
Churngold works with specialist environmental consultants to assess PFAS risk as part of a broader contamination investigation, advising on appropriate mitigation strategy in line with current Environment Agency and UKWIR guidance.
When to involve Churngold
Bring us in early if:
Site investigations suggest elevated PFAS, PCBs or similar compounds
You’re working on a former industrial, chemical or landfill site
Planning or funding requires environmental risk management
You need to reduce programme delays from complex remediation
Churngold manages POPs remediation in accordance with UK environmental legislation, including the Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulations 2007, current Environment Agency guidance, and applicable waste management controls. All works are supported by full compliance documentation and regulatory liaison.
FAQ
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What are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?
POPs are long-lasting chemical compounds such as PFAS, PCBs, and dioxins. They resist natural breakdown, can travel through soil and water, and may pose serious health and environmental risks.
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How do you identify POPs on a site?
We conduct site investigations and laboratory analysis to determine the presence, type, and concentration of POPs in soils or groundwater. This informs the remediation strategy.
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Can POPs be treated on-site?
Some POPs can be treated in-situ or stabilised to reduce risk, but others may require off-site disposal at licensed hazardous waste facilities. We tailor the approach based on contaminant type, site use, and regulator input.
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What regulations apply to POPs remediation?
POPs are regulated under UK environmental law, including waste regulations and the Stockholm Convention. Works must comply with specific guidance for safe handling, disposal, and documentation.
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Do you liaise with regulators during the process?
Yes. We coordinate closely with the Environment Agency and local authorities to ensure compliance, provide evidence, and gain approvals where needed.
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What are PFAS and how are they different from other POPs?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a specific group of persistent organic pollutants that are particularly difficult to treat due to their chemical stability. Unlike some POPs that can be broken down through bioremediation or chemical treatment, PFAS often require specialist containment, removal, or thermal treatment. Their presence is increasingly identified during standard site investigations and is attracting growing regulatory attention in the UK.
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Can a site with POPs contamination still be developed?
Yes, in most cases. The key is demonstrating to the planning authority and any funders that risks have been properly assessed and that an approved remediation strategy is in place. Churngold works alongside your environmental consultant and regulatory contacts to develop a strategy that satisfies planning conditions and allows development to proceed.
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How long does POPs remediation typically take?
Timescales depend on the type and extent of contamination, the remediation method, and the regulatory approval process. Simple excavation and disposal schemes can be completed in weeks. More complex strategies involving in-situ treatment, groundwater monitoring, or multi-phase remediation programmes may run over months. Early investigation and a clear strategy agreed with regulators is the best way to protect your programme.
Case Study HPC Marine Works
Client: Costain
Project Name: HPC Marine Works
Location: Avonmouth Docks
Sector: Industrial
Project Value: £4.9M
Engineer/Architect: Ramboll
Project Period: January 2017 to December 2017
Churngold were awarded the contract by Costain to deliver groundworks, environmental protection, and enabling works for a marine infrastructure project at Avonmouth. The works were undertaken in a sensitive environmental zone with strict controls on waste and water. As part of the early phase, we managed the identification, handling and disposal of contaminated and hazardous soils, including materials suspected to contain legacy pollutants such as hydrocarbons and persistent organic compounds. Our delivery met all compliance standards for marine and environmental safety.
Tackle the toughest contaminants with confidence
Contact Churngold’s remediation team for advice on managing POPs safely and effectively.
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