Tool for assessing pollutant risks from landspreading

The Environment Agency is seeking quotations for a project to develop a tool for assessing groundwater risks arising from the application of treated final effluent (TFE) to agricultural land. The project will develop predictive hydrogeological modelling to support assessments of the Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR) "prevent and limit" requirements for hazardous substances, including selected PFAS, and non-hazardous pollutants. The modelling outputs will be used to create a simple assessment tool suitable for use by non-specialists. Deliverables include the assessment tool, user guidance documentation, and recommendations on how the approach could be adapted for future applications of sludge to land. The project is intended to support regulatory assessments of TFE deployment proposals by providing a proportionate and efficient means of evaluating groundwater risk. Quotations are due by 7 September 2026, with contract award anticipated on 5 October 2026, project commencement on 12 October 2026, draft deliverables due by 25 January 2027, and final project sign-off on 28 February 2027.