{"id":2290,"date":"2025-11-12T14:52:37","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T14:52:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/?p=2290"},"modified":"2025-11-24T10:03:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T10:03:13","slug":"street-works-uk-protocol-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/street-works-uk-protocol-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Are You Ready for the 2025 Street Works Protocol? GeoEnviro\u2019s Guide to Compliance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Understanding the New Street Works UK Material Classification Protocol<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/streetworks.org.uk\/resources\/street-works-uk-material-classification-protocol\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Street Works UK Material Classification Protocol 2025<\/a><\/strong> is transforming how <strong>utilities, local authorities, and street works contractors<\/strong> manage excavation waste across the UK. Taking effect from <strong>1 October 2025<\/strong>, the protocol replaces <strong>RPS 298 and RPS 299<\/strong>, introducing a new <strong>risk-based approach<\/strong> that ensures accurate waste classification, environmental protection, and full traceability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under the updated rules, every excavation must undergo <strong>desk-based and site-based risk assessments<\/strong>, along with <strong>litmus and PAK testing<\/strong> to identify potential contamination. In addition, at least <strong>1% of all qualifying excavations<\/strong> must be validated through <strong>UKAS\/MCERTS-accredited laboratory testing<\/strong>, with results uploaded quarterly to the <strong>Street Manager portal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This regulatory shift will have major implications for <strong>utility providers and contractors<\/strong>, who must now demonstrate compliance through structured testing, reporting, and waste segregation processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why the Protocol Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Environment Agency\u2019s approval of this new protocol means that <strong>every excavation involving waste material, whether planned or emergency works must undergo both desk-based and site-based risk assessments<\/strong> before removal. Contractors must separate waste types (asphalt, sub-base, hazardous, non-hazardous) and perform on-site testing to verify contamination levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, at least <strong>1% of all qualifying excavations<\/strong> must be validated through <strong>UKAS\/MCERTS-accredited laboratory testing<\/strong>. These results are used to confirm the accuracy of on-site classification. If the correlation between field and laboratory results drops below 93%, the testing requirement <strong>may increase to 2% or even as much as 3% of excavations<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quarterly reports must then be uploaded to the <strong>Street Manager portal<\/strong> and shared with <strong>Street Works UK<\/strong>. Non-compliance may lead to increased testing obligations or, in severe cases, removal from the protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How GeoEnviro Solutions Supports Compliance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>GeoEnviro Solutions<\/strong>, we provide <strong>end-to-end testing and reporting services<\/strong> to help our clients stay compliant with the new Street Works UK protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our expertise includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/phase-1-environmental-desk-studies\/\" data-type=\"post_tag\" data-id=\"56\">Phase 1 Desk Studies<\/a> and Contamination Risk Assessments<\/strong> \u2013 reviewing historical data, previous land use, and potential contamination sources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/phase-2-geotechnical-investigation\/\">On-site sampling and window sampling investigations<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 collecting representative soil and waste samples efficiently and safely.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Litmus and PAK field testing<\/strong> \u2013 identifying potential hydrocarbon contamination and pH variations on site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Accredited laboratory analysis<\/strong> \u2013 partnering with trusted <strong>UKAS\/MCERTS-accredited laboratories<\/strong> for validation and compliance testing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waste classification and reporting<\/strong> \u2013 producing clear, easy-to-follow <strong>Red (Hazardous)<\/strong> or <strong>Green (Non-hazardous)<\/strong> classifications and helping upload data to Street Manager.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Our specialists ensure that your street works projects run efficiently while meeting all Environment Agency and Street Works UK requirements, from <strong>risk assessment through to final reporting<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG-20240202-WA0027-edited.webp\" alt=\"Street Works UK Protocol\" class=\"wp-image-2292 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1152\" src=\"http:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG-20240202-WA0027-edited.webp\" alt=\"Street Works UK Protocol\" class=\"wp-image-2292 lazyload\" srcset=\"http:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG-20240202-WA0027-edited.webp 1536w, http:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG-20240202-WA0027-edited-1280x960.webp 1280w, http:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG-20240202-WA0027-edited-980x735.webp 980w, http:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/IMG-20240202-WA0027-edited-480x360.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) and (max-width: 1280px) 1280px, (min-width: 1281px) 1536px, 100vw\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compliance Checklist for Street Works Contractors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you prepare for the new <strong>Street Works UK Material Classification Protocol<\/strong>, here\u2019s a practical compliance checklist:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Conduct a Desktop Risk Assessment<\/strong> \u2014 review historic site use, contamination history, and previous sampling data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Carry out Site-Based Risk Assessments<\/strong> \u2014 inspect visible conditions and segregate waste types during excavation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Perform On-Site Field Testing<\/strong> \u2014 use litmus and PAK kits to identify contamination indicators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintain Waste Segregation<\/strong> \u2014 keep asphalt, sub-base, non-hazardous and hazardous soils separate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Commission Laboratory Testing<\/strong> \u2014 submit at least 1% of samples to accredited labs for validation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Submit Quarterly Reports<\/strong> \u2014 upload classifications and lab results to the Street Manager portal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Partner with a Compliance Expert<\/strong> \u2014 work with GeoEnviro Solutions for full SWUK compliance and support.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs About the New Street Works Protocol<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the Street Works UK Material Classification Protocol?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A new, risk-based framework replacing RPS 298\/299 for classifying excavation waste from street and utility works. It standardises how waste is assessed, tested, and reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who does it apply to?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All organisations carrying out excavation, reinstatement, or utility works within the highway, including local authorities, gas, water, telecoms and civil engineering contractors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How much testing is required?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At least <strong>1% of qualifying excavations<\/strong> must be laboratory tested. If field and lab accuracy drops below 93%, the rate may rise to <strong>3%<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do lab results change waste classification?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No. On-site classification remains valid; lab results are used to verify compliance and ensure reporting accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How can GeoEnviro Solutions help?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We deliver <strong>comprehensive testing, classification, and reporting<\/strong> services fully aligned with the <strong>Street Works UK Protocol<\/strong>, helping you meet all Environment Agency requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Get compliant with the Street Works UK Protocol, contact <a href=\"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/contact-us\/\">GeoEnviro Solutions <\/a>for expert waste classification, sampling, and laboratory testing under the Street Works UK Protocol.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding the New Street Works UK Material Classification Protocol The Street Works UK Material Classification Protocol 2025 is transforming how utilities, local authorities, and street works contractors manage excavation waste across the UK. Taking effect from 1 October 2025, the protocol replaces RPS 298 and RPS 299, introducing a new risk-based approach that ensures accurate [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>By Andrew Dickinson, Associate Director at GeoEnviro Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Following the introduction of Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities have been legally obligated to identify and manage land affected by contamination. The primary mechanism for addressing this issue has been through the planning system, utilizing conditions attached to planning approvals.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Land Contamination vs. Contaminated Land<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>It is important to clarify terminology. While many refer to 'contaminated land,' this term has a strict legal definition under Part 2A, requiring mandatory remediation overseen by the Environment Agency. To avoid confusion, professionals in the field refer to 'land contamination' or 'land containing contamination.'<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Evolution of Guidance: From CLR11 to LCRM<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Government guidance dictates the application and management of contamination conditions. Previously, this was outlined in CLR11 (Contaminated Land Report No. 11), but since October 2020, it has been replaced by LCRM (Land Contamination Risk Management), which remains in force. Despite this change, industry terminology such as \"Phase I\" is still commonly used.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Step-by-Step LCRM Process<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>LCRM establishes a structured approach to land contamination assessment:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stage 1: Risk Assessment<\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Preliminary Risk Assessment<\/strong> (PRA):<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Historical data review (e.g., Ordnance Survey maps, regulatory data)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Site reconnaissance visit (walkover)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Online portal data analysis (e.g., Coal Authority, Environment Agency, UXO search)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Development of a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) to evaluate pollutant linkages<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Outcome: Determine whether risks are acceptable or if further investigation is needed<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Generic Qualitative Risk Assessment<\/strong> (GQRA) (commonly known as Phase II Site Investigation):<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Soil sampling and chemical analysis<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Hazardous gas monitoring<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Validation against Soil Guidance Values (SGVs)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Outcome: If contamination is negligible, no further action is needed; otherwise, remediation may be required<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Detailed Quantitative Risk Assessment<\/strong> (DQRA):<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Rarely required but involves in-depth risk modeling<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Often bypassed in favor of moving directly to remediation<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stage 2: Options Appraisal<\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Identification of feasible remediation options<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Detailed evaluation of each option<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Selection of the most effective and cost-efficient remediation strategy<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Stage 3: Remediation and Verification<\/strong><\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Implementation of the selected remediation strategy<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Comprehensive record-keeping of remediation activities<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Production of a <strong>Validation Report<\/strong> for regulatory approval<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Validation Report is essential in confirming that the site has been appropriately remediated. Even if no contamination was found, planning authorities often require documentation verifying that no previously unidentified contamination was encountered.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Compliance and Competency Requirements<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>To conduct land contamination assessments, a <strong>'Competent Person'<\/strong> is required, as defined in Paragraph 189 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A Competent Person must meet one or more of the following criteria:<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>A <strong>Suitably Qualified Person (SQP)<\/strong> under the National Quality Mark Scheme (NQMS)<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Accreditation from the <strong>SoBRA<\/strong> scheme<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Recognition as a <strong>Specialist in Land Condition (SiLC)<\/strong><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Membership in a professional organization relevant to land contamination<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Certification under the <strong>Gas Protection Verification Scheme (GPVS)<\/strong><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Demonstrated experience in managing land contamination<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Choose GeoEnviro Solutions?<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>At GeoEnviro Solutions, we meet and exceed these competency requirements. As leaders in the field, we align our remediation and validation strategies with guidance from the <strong>Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Pollution Advisory Group (YALPAG)<\/strong>\u2014a trusted authority comprised of local government contaminated land teams. Our extensive industry experience enables us to provide effective, regulatory-compliant, and cost-efficient solutions for land contamination issues.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>For expert consultation on land contamination assessments, contact <strong>GeoEnviro Solutions<\/strong> today. Our team ensures compliance with planning regulations while optimizing risk management strategies for developers and stakeholders alike.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[91,85,89,88,84,86,87,90],"class_list":["post-2290","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog","tag-contaminated-land-investigation","tag-excavation-waste-classification","tag-pak-testing","tag-street-works-testing","tag-street-works-uk-protocol","tag-swuk-2025-regulation","tag-utility-waste-compliance","tag-waste-sampling-uk"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2290","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2290"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2290\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2300,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2290\/revisions\/2300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2290"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2290"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/growth-labs.dev\/geobu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2290"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}