CL:AIRE is a UK charity committed to providing a valuable service for all those involved in sustainable land reuse.
We develop training resources, disseminate information and act as a credible resource for all stakeholders, ensuring we remain at the cutting-edge of best practice and innovation.

 

Improving efficiency & raising standards
Improving efficiency & raising standards
Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoWCoP), National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Affected by Contamination (NQMS), Asbestos in Soil, SuRF...
Supporting our Members
Supporting our Members
Find out about the benefits of becoming a CL:AIRE Principal or Supporter Member:- Member discounts, Networking, Working Groups, ...
Sharing Knowledge & Developing People
Sharing Knowledge & Developing People
Water and Land Library ( WALL), Continuing Professional development through Training and workshops...
CL:AIRE Membership
CL:AIRE works with its Members to raise awareness and pursue shared objectives in land, water and environmental management by collecting strategic industry information and developing industry initiatives that improve efficiency and save money.
Gas Protection Verification Scheme (GPVS)
The GPVS seeks to raise standards in membrane inspection, verification and reporting and provide confidence that risks associated with ground gases have been adequately managed.
Definition of Waste Code of Practice
The Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoWCoP) provides a clear, consistent and efficient process which enables the reuse of excavated materials on-site or their movement between sites.

Find out more...Register of materials...
Make a declaration...
NQMS for Land Contamination Management
The National Quality Mark Scheme for Land Contamination Management (NQMS) is developed by the National Brownfield Forum to provide visible identification of documents that have been checked for quality.

Remediation Technologies

Welcome

to the

Remediation Technologies Blended Learning Suite

 

This training course provides information on Options Appraisal and nine remediation technology types, at a foundation and intermediate level.

It is strongly recommended that you complete the Options Appraisal subject before attempting any other subjects as it introduces the whole concept of remediation technology selection.

To navigate your way around this learning suite, please use the Welcome menu and any short links in the right-hand column.

DO NOT use the back button in your web browser as all information may be lost.

If you have any difficulties with or observations about the website, or would like to provide technical feedback on the subject content, please use the Forum link on the toolbar above or the link within the individual Course overview pages.

DISCLAIMER: All information within this learning suite is copyright protected and therefore it is illegal to duplicate any of its contents.

Please note these modules were created in 2011, therefore with the significant changes within government websites, some of the links may no longer be correct. These courses DO NOT take into account the recent withdrawal of CLR11, which has been replace by LCRM.


A word from our partner - Environment Agency

We have worked with CL:AIRE to develop this interactive blended learning suite. It provides information and training on selecting, designing, implementing and verifying the main remediation technologies available in the UK.

This is part of our ongoing commitment to encourage better regulation and sustainable development.

Sustainable remediation benefits people and communities, protects and improves air, land and water and makes the best use of resources.

Paul Hickey
Head of Land and Water Quality
Environment and Business

Environment Agency logo

This course presents the key stages to options appraisal and an overview of common remediation technologies considered when developing a remediation strategy.

The output from the process is a remediation strategy that addresses all relevant pollutant linkages.

Course structure

The course consists of four modules and two assessments. The first assessment is set after module 1 and the second on completion of all the modules. Module 1 comprises a recommended reading list for self-study and modules 2, 3 and 4 are videos consisting of a presentation with narration.

Module 1 Introduction to Options Appraisal
Module 2 Overview of Remediation Technologies
Module 3 Key features in Options Appraisal
Module 4 How to conduct an Options Appraisal

Objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose of options appraisal within the wider Environment Agency Model Procedures framework
  • Explain the three main stages in options appraisal
  • Describe the six main groups of remediation technologies and give examples of technologies in each of the groups
  • Give examples of technologies that break the pollutant linkage by treating or reducing the pollutant, breaking the pathway or protecting the receptor
  • Give five examples of types of objectives that the remediation strategy has to achieve

This course presents the key stages to monitored natural attenuation as an accepted remediation technology.

Course structure

The course consists of four modules and two assessments. The first assessment is set after module 1 and the second on completion of all the modules. Module 1 comprises a recommended reading list for self-study and modules 2, 3 and 4 are videos consisting of a presentation with narration.

Module 1 Introduction to Monitored Natural Attenuation
Module 2 Screening
Module 3 Demonstration and Assessment
Module 4 Implementation

Objectives


By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the main considerations that need to be taken into consideration when assessing whether MNA is suitable
  • Explain the main processes and lines of evidence involved in applying monitored natural attenuation
  • Understand how to demonstrate and assess the main processes and techniques in MNA
  • Understand how to design, implement and monitor MNA processes
  • Understand how to interpret and report results

This course covers the design, implementation and verification of air sparging and soil vapour extraction as a remediation technology.

The course covers the key aspects that need to be considered when planning to use it as a remediation technique.

Course structure

The course consists of four modules and two assessments. The first assessment is set after module 1 and the second on completion of all the modules. Module 1 comprises a recommended reading list for self-study and modules 2, 3 and 4 are videos consisting of a presentation with narration.

Module 1 Introduction to Air Sparging and Soil Vapour Extraction
Module 2 Design
Module 3 Implementation
Module 4 Verification

Objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the main considerations that need to be assessed whether air sparging and soil vapour extraction are a suitable remediation option
  • Explain the main design principles of the technologies
  • Understand the key installation aspects that need to be considered
  • Understand how to monitor and report how the technology has performed

This course covers the design, implementation and verification principles of using ex situ bioremediation as a remediation technology.

The course covers the key aspects that need to be considered when planning to use it as a remediation technique.

Course structure

The course consists of four modules and two assessments. The first assessment is set after module 1 and the second on completion of all the modules. Module 1 comprises a recommended reading list for self-study and modules 2, 3 and 4 are videos consisting of a presentation with narration.

Module 1 Introduction
Module 2 Design
Module 3 Implementation
Module 4 Verification

Objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the main considerations that need to be assessed whether ex situ bioremediation is a suitable remediation option
  • Explain the main design principles of the technique
  • Understand the key implementation aspects that need to be considered
  • Understand how to monitor and report how the technology has performed

This course covers the design, implementation and verification of chemical oxidation as a remediation technology.

The course covers the key aspects that need to be considered when planning to use it as a remediation technique.

Course structure

The course consists of four modules and two assessments. The first assessment is set after module 1 and the second on completion of all the modules. Module 1 comprises a recommended reading list for self-study and modules 2, 3 and 4 are videos consisting of a presentation with narration.

Module 1 Introduction to Chemical Oxidation
Module 2 Design
Module 3 Implementation
Module 4 Verification

Objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the main considerations that need to be assessed whether chemical oxidation is a suitable remediation option
  • Explain the main design principles of the technology
  • Understand the key installation aspects that need to be considered
  • Understand how to monitor and report how the technology has performed

This course covers the design, implementation and verification of stabilisation/solidification as a remediation technology.

The course covers the key aspects that need to be considered when planning to use it as a remediation technique.

Course structure

The course consists of four modules and two assessments. The first assessment is set after module 1 and the second on completion of all the modules. Module 1 comprises a recommended reading list for self-study and modules 2, 3 and 4 are videos consisting of a presentation with narration.

Module 1 Introduction to Stabilsation / Solidification
Module 2 Design
Module 3 Implementation
Module 4 Verification

Objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the main considerations that need to be assessed whether Stabilisation / Solidification is the most suitable remediation option
  • Explain the main design principles of the technology
  • Understand the key installation aspects that need to be considered
  • Understand how to monitor and report how the technology has performed

This course covers the design, implementation and verification of in situ bioremediation as a remediation technology.

The course covers the key aspects that need to be considered when planning to use it as a remediation technique.

Course structure

The course consists of four modules and two assessments. The first assessment is set after module 1 and the second on completion of all the modules.

Module 1 comprises a recommended reading list for self-study and modules 2, 3 and 4 are videos consisting of a presentation with narration.

Module 1 Introduction to in situ Bioremediation
Module 2 Design
Module 3 Implementation
Module 4 Verification

Objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the main considerations that need to be assessed whether in situ bioremediation is a suitable remediation option
  • Explain the main design principles of the technologies
  • Understand the key installation aspects that need to be considered
  • Understand how to monitor and report how the technology has performed

This course covers the design, implementation and verification of soil washing as a remediation technology.

The course covers the key aspects that need to be considered when planning to use it as a remediation technique.

Course structure

The course consists of four modules and two assessments. The first assessment is set after module 1 and the second on completion of all the modules. Module 1 comprises a recommended reading list for self-study and modules 2, 3 and 4 are videos consisting of a presentation with narration.

Module 1 Introduction to Soil Washing
Module 2 Design
Module 3 Implementation
Module 4 Verification

Objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the main considerations that need to be assessed whether soil washing is the most suitable remediation option
  • Explain the main design principles of the technology
  • Understand the key installation aspects that need to be considered
  • Understand how to monitor and report how the technology has performed

This course covers the implementation, design, and verification principles of using thermal desorption as a remediation technology.

The course covers both in situ and ex situ thermal desorption and the key aspects that you would need to consider if you are planning to use it as a remediation technique.

Course structure

The course consists of five modules and two assessments. The first assessment is set after module 1 and the second on completion of all five modules. Module 1 comprises a recommended reading list for self-study and modules 2, 3, 4 and 5 are videos consisting of a presentation with narration.

Module 1 Introduction of Thermal Desorption
Module 2 Implementation and Practical Application of Ex Situ Thermal Desorption
Module 3 Design - Process Configurations ofEx Situ Thermal Desorption
Module 4 Verification ofEx Situ Thermal Desorption
Module 5 Design, Implementation and Verification of In Situ Thermal Desorption

Objectives

By the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the main considerations that need to be assessed whether ex situ or in situ thermal desorption is a suitable remediation option
  • Explain the main design principles of the technique
  • Understand the key implementation aspects that need to be considered for in situ and ex situ thermal desorption
  • Understand the differences between different in situ thermal desorption processes
  • Understand how to monitor and report how the technology has performed

This area is only available to users that are already enrolled in the other courses.

Please make sure you are logged in before trying to access this area.


  1. Land Remediation Pathfinder Scheme - expressions of interest closing soon

    Land Remediation Pathfinder Scheme - expressions of interest closing soon

     April 2026
    Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced an Expression of Interest opportunity for the Land Remediation Pathfinder Scheme (LRPS). LRPS is a £80 million pilot scheme funded by Defra...
  2. Publication of MCERTS performance standard for rapid measurement techniques for the chemical testing of soil

    Publication of MCERTS performance standard for rapid measurement techniques for the chemical testing of soil

     April 2026
    On 27 April, the Environment Agency published new guidance called MCERTS: performance standard for rapid measurement techniques for the chemical testing of soil. The guidance describes the certification process for rapid...
  3. The Environmental Monitoring & Measurement Achievement Awards (the EMMAs) - call for nominations from land remediation industry

    The Environmental Monitoring & Measurement Achievement Awards (the EMMAs) - call for nominations from land remediation industry

     April 2026
    The Environmental Monitoring & Measurement Achievement Awards (the EMMAs) will return to Birmingham this year with an expanded scope, recognising excellence within the geoenvironmental and land remediation sector for the...
  4. New CL:AIRE Research Bulletin (RB22) published on legacy wastes in the coastal zone

    New CL:AIRE Research Bulletin (RB22) published on legacy wastes in the coastal zone

     April 2026
    CL:AIRE is pleased to publish a new research bulletin RB22: Legacy Wastes in the Coastal Zone which is available to download here. Legacy Wastes in the Coastal Zone: Environmental Risks and Management...
  5. EPA Ireland consults on developing national guidance for brownfield soil and stone by-product material

     April 2026
    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland has published a position paper for consultation as part of the development of national guidance for brownfield soil and stone by-product material. The guidance...
  6. UK Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee publishes its PFAS report

    UK Parliament's Environmental Audit Committee publishes its PFAS report

     April 2026
    The UK Parliament Environmental Audit Committee has now published its report Addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) following its inquiry and call for evidence in April 2025.
  7. National Brownfield Forum March 2026 meeting notes now published

    National Brownfield Forum March 2026 meeting notes now published

     April 2026
    The National Brownfield Forum March 2026 meeting notes have now been published and are available to download here.
  8. Defra consults on BNG and targeted exemptions for brownfield residential developments

    Defra consults on BNG and targeted exemptions for brownfield residential developments

     April 2026
    Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is consulting on a possible exemption from biodiversity net gain (BNG) for certain residential developments on brownfield land. Further information is available here.
  9. HSE launches consultation on Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

    HSE launches consultation on Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

     April 2026
    The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation on the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) and it is now open for comments. The consultation seeks...
  10. Phase 2 of DoE Industry Profiles project is now complete

    Phase 2 of DoE Industry Profiles project is now complete

     March 2026
    A project to update 15 of the Department of Environment (DoE) series of 47 industry profiles has now finished with funding from the Environment Agency, Association of Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental...
  11. Defra publishes Land Use Framework for England

    Defra publishes Land Use Framework for England

     March 2026
    Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published the Land Use Framework for England. It sets out how England can use its land more effectively. The Framework has...
  12. CL:AIRE connects the industry: Bristol networking evening sets the scene for summer event

     March 2026
    CL:AIRE hosted another successful members' networking event, this time in Bristol at Racks Bar and Kitchen. The evening brought together professionals from across the sector for relaxed, informal conversation. CL:AIRE Members...
  13. Environment Agency publishes national groundwater nitrogen inventory for England

    Environment Agency publishes national groundwater nitrogen inventory for England

     March 2026
    The Environment Agency Chief Scientist's Group has published outputs from a research project: National groundwater nitrogen inventory for England (SC210008). The project developed and tested new approaches to assess national-scale...
  14. Defra consults on amendments to the POPs regulation 2026

    Defra consults on amendments to the POPs regulation 2026

     March 2026
    Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking views on proposed changes to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation, including drafted legislation to prohibit five new POPs to...
  15. RBKC Lead Modelling Tool published on WALL

    RBKC Lead Modelling Tool published on WALL

     March 2026
    The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) Lead (Pb) values and modelling tool has been made available for all to use on the CL:AIRE Water and Land Library (WALL).
  16. BSI publishes document on ecological soil functions

    BSI publishes document on ecological soil functions

     March 2026
    British Standards Institution (BSI) has recently published PD ISO/TS 18721:2026 Ecological soil functions - Characteristics, indicators and methods. Further information and purchase options available here.
  17. SoBRA publishes two new NAPL guidance documents

    SoBRA publishes two new NAPL guidance documents

     March 2026
    The Society of Brownfield Risk Assessment (SoBRA) has published two new documents from the Non Aqueous Phase Liquid (NAPL) Subgroup. NAPL Document 6 - Advice Towards Understanding the Potential for LNAPL...
  18. Assessing risks to controlled waters in relation to climate change: SoBRA publishes updated guidance

    Assessing risks to controlled waters in relation to climate change: SoBRA publishes updated guidance

     March 2026
    The Society of Brownfield Risk Assessment (SoBRA) has updated its 2022 document, Guidance on assessing risk to controlled waters from land contamination under conditions of future climate change, to align...
  19. GWSDAT v.3.3 released

    GWSDAT v.3.3 released

     March 2026
    The GroundWater Spatiotemporal Data Analysis Tool (GWSDAT) has been updated and v3.3 has been released. GWSDAT is an open source, user friendly software application for the visualisation and interpretation of...
  20. JRC supports recently published European soil monitoring law

    JRC supports recently published European soil monitoring law

     March 2026
    The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the science and knowledge service of the European Commission. The JRC has recently published a report on existing international and European standards relating...
  21. BSI publishes draft standard on ecological risk assessment of soil contamination (TRIAD approach) for comment

    BSI publishes draft standard on ecological risk assessment of soil contamination (TRIAD approach) for comment

     February 2026
    British Standards Institution (BSI) has published the draft International Standard Procedure for site-specific ecological risk assessment of soil contamination (soil quality TRIAD approach). Comments on the draft should be submitted...