The AGS are pleased to announce details of a full day, CPD conference on Thursday 15th October in Birmingham, which will examine the latest updates and developments in land contamination.

The land contamination sector is evolving rapidly, shaped by new research, changing regulations and increasing environmental and sustainability demands. The Changing Landscape of Land Contamination conference will bring together leading experts from across the industry to explore the latest developments, challenges and best practice shaping the profession today.

Chaired by AGS Chair Elect, Geraint Williams (Associate Technical Director at HKA), this one-day event will feature a diverse programme of presentations covering key technical and regulatory topics, including advances in sampling methane in groundwater, the growing importance of sustainability in land management, updates to BS 10175, and the ongoing challenges associated with emerging contaminants, low LoQ asbestos in air sampling and PFAS remediation.

In addition, the conference will provide valuable insight into the legal landscape surrounding landfill and land contamination, helping delegates better understand risk, liability and compliance in an increasingly complex environment.

The day will also include an interactive panel discussion, offering a multi-disciplinary perspective on the current issues facing the sector and providing delegates with the opportunity to hear directly from industry experts.

Designed for professionals at all stages of their careers, from early career practitioners to experienced specialists, this conference offers a unique opportunity to stay informed, share knowledge and connect with others working across the land contamination community.

TICKETS

AGS member company tickets are priced at the reduced rate of £150 (ex VAT). Non-members may attend the conference for £230 (ex VAT).

Delegates from regulators, the Environment Agency, NHBC and local authorities may attend the conference for £59 (ex VAT), and students can attend for £20 (ex VAT). To secure a ticket at these reduced rates please email ags@ags.org.uk.

In order to obtain the AGS member rate, please add the ticket/s to your basket, select ‘proceed to checkout’, enter your delegate/s information and under ‘billing details and then select your company from the AGS member company dropdown list. The rate at the end of the checkout page will update to the reduced AGS member rate.

Registration strictly closes at 10am on Wednesday 7th October. All tickets are offered on a first come, first served basis. Refunds cannot be given after the registration deadline has passed.

PRESENTATIONS

BS10175:2026: A Professional Approach to the Investigation of Potentially Contaminated Sites

Presented by Professor Paul Nathanail CGeol SiLC, Director at Land Quality Management

Most investigations of potentially contaminated sites support the planning system or the Part 2A Contaminated Land regime.  Why? To ensure development is safe and the land is in a suitable condition for that development. What? The UK Land Contamination Risk Management guidance spells out the information regulators require from preliminary and quantitative risk assessments as well as remediation verification reports. How? Alongside technical guidance on site characterisation, risk assessment and remediation are Standards ensuring site investigations are carried out in a way that ensures the information they supply to the characterisatIon, assessment and verification steps is robust and a reliable basis for decision making. BS10175 has a long pedigree and the incremental improvements in its latest update ensure it is highly relevant to today’s efforts to build homes, infrastructure and industry – especially on post industrial brownfield sites.

[PANEL DISCUSSION] Land Contamination: Meeting Technical, Societal and Legal Expectations

Chaired by Professor Paul Nathanail (Director at Land Quality Management). Guest Panellists: Pagen Spooner (Environmental Consultant at EPG), Dr Anna Willets (Partner at Gunnercooke) and Christopher Swainston (Independent Contaminated Land Consultancy and Training).

This panel discussion will explore the key challenges currently shaping the land contamination sector, bringing together a range of expert perspectives from across the industry.

Topics will include waste classification and management, landfill considerations, the application and interpretation of DoE profiles, and the growing importance of emerging contaminants. The panel will also examine the role of methane in groundwater and the associated environmental and technical implications.

In addition, the session will consider the evolving legal and regulatory landscape, providing insight into how policy and liability are influencing decision-making in practice.

By combining technical, environmental and legal viewpoints, this discussion will offer a holistic overview of the complexities facing professionals working in land contamination today, along with practical insights to support informed and effective project delivery.

SPONSORSHIP

The AGS have a range of sponsorship opportunities for companies wishing to have a visual presence during this live event. For full details of our remaining sponsorship packages please click HERE. Please note that spaces are limited and are offered on a first-come, first served basis. Sponsorship closes on Friday 4th September 

SPONSORS

Groundsure

Groundsure provides data to gain insights on environmental risks for site assessment and development. Our unique, unrivalled library includes the largest historical land use data, current and historical mapping and unique datasets. Additionally with Groundsure Explorer, geotechnical clients can integrate site risk data into their project workflow seamlessly and easily. 

www.groundsure.com

PLEASE NOTE

PHOTOGRAPHY

Please note that by registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree that photography and videography may take place during the conference. Images and footage may be used by the organisers for promotional, marketing, and editorial purposes, including on websites, social media, and printed materials.

If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please inform a member of the event team upon arrival at the conference.

SPEAKERS

While our speakers are experts in their fields, they are not professional presenters by trade. As a result, they may not always exhibit the speaking confidence of professional presenters, and their slides might not be as refined.

Speakers

Geraint Williams
AGS Chair Elect and Associate Technical Director at HKA

Geraint Williams is Associate Technical Director within the Environment and Climate Change Division at HKA.  He is Chair of the Business Practice Working Group and Chair Elect of the AGS.

Geraint also serves on EH/4, British Standards Technical Committee on Soil Quality and acts as AGS’s representative on the National Brownfield Forum.

Professor Paul Nathanail CGeol SiLC
Director at Land Quality Management

Paul is now in his fourth decade of being involved in risk based land contamination management.  He has combined consultancy, advisory and academic teaching and research and is known for providing robust and independent insights into contentious land contamination challenges in the UK – and occasionally beyond.

He is the lead author of key guidance on topics including the S4UL generic assessment criteria, bioavailability, asbestos and PFAS.  Paul is past chair of the SiLC Register Board of Directors and of the National Brownfield Forum and is a member of BSI EH/4 and ISO TC190 Technical Committee on Soil Quality. He led the drafting of BS ISO 18504:2017 and was part of the group that updated BS10175:2026.

Christopher Swainston BSc. (Hons) PGCE CGeol FGS CLAire QP MIAH SMAGS
Independent Contaminated Land Consultancy and Training

Chris has been in the industry for over 30 years including works at Buncefield, the Dome, Westbury, Sizewell C, Sandridge and been cursed by Shakespeare for digging up his back garden….  He has written and presented on many topics for BSI, AGS, CIRIA , SoBRA, GSL and others, and is a qualified CL:AIRE QP.