The Society responded to the Construction Code of Practice for Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites consultation being undertaken by CL:AIRE on behalf of Defra. The Society’s response focused on the importance of the code but highlighted the need for a future version to:
- highlight where it should be considered in conjunction with other documentation and disciplines (such as British Standards (BS) for sampling methodology or Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) guidance for soil impact assessments)
- expand the number of case studies from the existing residential developments
- recognise competing priorities between organisations working with soil: environmental impact could be more important than the works cost to some, with the reverse also often true
- provide basic guidance on making soil suitable for its intended end use
- provide more guidance on ameliorating and reusing soil, to avoid soil being disposed of as waste.
