9.00 Registration and Networking

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9.30 Welcome from Environment Analyst

 

9.35 Opening Remarks from the Chair​

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9.40 Navigating the New WAT-G-071 Guidance for Assessing Risks to Ground & Surface Water 

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SEPA published the updated guidance WAT-G-071 (previously WAT-PS-10-02) on “Assigning Groundwater Assessment Criteria for Pollutant Inputs” in early 2025 with an implementation transition period to July 2025, however many organisations are still grappling with the day-to-day practicalities of applying the standards to real-world sites.

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This presentation will highlight the key implications of the guidance for site characterisation and groundwater risk assessment, including dealing with hazardous and non-hazardous substances; updated screening criteria; and reporting requirements.

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It will also provide a case-study approach to actioning the guidance on site. 

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10.10 Achieving the Sustainable Management of Soils  

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Effective soil management not only ensures good soil health, which plays a critical role in achieving climate resilience, carbon sequestration and strengthening ecosystems, it also provides cost-effective solutions to site restoration and resource / waste management.

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This panel will discuss the value of soil as a resource and how improved soil management plays a crucial role in sustainable brownfield remediation and development. 

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• Defining and classifying urban soil resources: their physical nature and functionality, as well as contributions to the urban environment, health and wellbeing    

• Exploring Scottish and UK-wide strategies for managing soil through effective land use, targeted planning policy, financial incentives and resource management options 

• Developing appropriate soil practices to support biodiversity gains, nature recovery, sustainable drainage and wider sustainability goals: 

  • identifying the key barriers to the sustainable reuse of soils and how these can be overcome  

  • good practice in non-invasive site investigation to protect the soil 

  • applying the soil management hierarchies in Scotland 

• Assessing the impact of contamination (including microplastics, PFAS, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals) in soils and approaches for remediation or managing options for reuse

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10.45 Morning Refreshments & Networking

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11.15 Achieving a Place-Based Approach to Site Restoration and Development to Achieve Climate and Social Goals

 

Site restoration is not just about “cleaning-up” a contaminated site. Achieving purpose-driven development with a holistic approach that integrates social value and biodiversity as economic drivers and increases the value of a site as an asset for all involved, can help develop smaller or more challenging sites, support multiple community and sustainability goals and influence longer-term change. 

 

This panel discussion will explore solutions for unlocking sites and maximising land value, including:  

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• Assessing the effectiveness of policy drivers in place to encourage developers to consider and prioritise re-use of brownfield sites 

• Managing the challenges of land availability (size, location) and improving early site identification and prioritisation   

• Ensuring a risk-based, site-specific approach to the remedial and development strategy 

• Leveraging early stakeholder engagement and collaboration to reduce risk and optimise delivery success: 

  • ​involving and empowering communities in transforming their space   

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12.00 Regional Case Study​​​​

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12.45 Networking Lunch

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13.45 Interactive Roundtable Sessions

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This ever-popular session gives all attendees the opportunity to discuss a key topic of interest in a focused, interactive, and small-group format. Each session will be led by a facilitator who will lead the discussion and encourage maximum debate and sharing of ideas.

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14.30 Maximising Nature & Biodiversity Net Gain in Site Remediation and Restoration 

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• Clarifying the measures outlined in the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy that impact on brownfield land development 

  • legally binding nature recovery targets 

  • habitat protection and creation  

  • update on timescales for a Scotland Biodiversity Net Gain metric and reviewing the appropriateness of applying England’s metric in the meantime  

• Identifying solutions and strategies for effectively embedding BNG into regeneration projects:  

  • what support is available to achieve targets? 

  • outlining the business case for putting nature front and centre in land management and site development plans  

  • ensuring compliant application within and across multiple sites and to smaller sites   

 

15.15 Afternoon Refreshments & Networking​

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15.45 Identifying and Leveraging Funding Sources and Financial Mechanisms Available for Contaminated Land Redevelopment and Urban Regeneration in Scotland

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Addressing the funding challenges that are hindering brownfield land development in Scotland.

 

16.15 Regional Development Case Study

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16.45 Closing Remarks from the Chair followed by a Networking Drinks Reception