Gas Migration is a serious problem for Brownfield development which landowners, developers, consultants and contractors have no option but to address. Recent Government objectives have initiated a move towards redevelopment of brownfield land in favour of greenfield sites (e.g. the Government target of 60% of new housing being developed on brownfield sites) to relieve the pressure on the countryside and green belt areas. All the parties involved are going to have to become more adept at dealing with Gas Migration.

In the past the potential liabilities associated with brownfield development have resulted in an attitude of wariness. However, with careful consideration, and the right advice, it is possible to turn potential liabilities into an asset. The risks to development sites stem from the presence of ground gases that are generated from materials below the site or from adjacent landfills.