Guidance on the management of landfill sites and land contamination on eroding or low-lying coastlines. Supplementary Guide: CIRIA SP169

There are around 1500 historic landfills in England and Wales located in flood plains or in areas affected by coastal erosion. Rising sea levels may flood the landfills flushing pollutants into the environment whilst erosion could release waste onto beaches. Protection of coastal landfills is expensive and can be at odds with shoreline management plans which seek to allow natural processes to occur, or undertake managed realignment of the coastline wherever possible. The University of Southampton, together with academic colleagues, Local Authorities and the Environment Agency, has carried out research to understand these issues, identify gaps in research, and outline options to help manage the risks faced at coastal landfill sites. As a result of this research, The Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) issued this supplementary guidance to Local Authorities and industry on the management of coastal landfill sites.