Improved apportionment of environmental risk and liability through environmental forensics

Narrative

Research at the University of Strathclyde into development of new techniques and applications that directly resulted in the ability of Industry and Individuals apportion environmental liabilities; in particular to contaminated land where between £60bn and £300bn of UK liability has been estimated by the Environment Agency and English Partnerships. Via ESPRC-funded Research, Strathclyde researchers developed techniques that underpinned Environmental Forensics in the UK. The impact resulted in enhanced ability of UK Private and Public sectors to apportion risks and environmental liabilities, and provides for competitive advantage for consultants (e.g. Parson’s Brinkerhoff), major industries (e.g. National Grid, Petroleum Institute) and through environmental litigation cases heard by courts in the UK, for additional scientific rigor to determine when environment or human health impacts may have taken place (e.g. current litigation in Motherwell Scotland). This impact was recognized in 2012 by the UK Brownfield industry, awarding Strathclyde and their partners with a prestigious Brownfield Briefing Award for Best Scientific or Verification Enhancement.

Impact status	Open
Category of impact	Economic and commerce, Environment and sustainability - natural world and built environment