Southwest Environmental Limited

CL:AIRE Protocol

The CL:AIRE DoW CoP is a system that is used to declare that excavated materials from a construction project can be reused without being classified as waste. The rules for this system are set out in   the CL:AIRE Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoW CoP), which is used in England and Wales.

The various "bits" that we can help with:

CL:AIRE Materials Management Plan

CL:AIRE Verification Report

CL:AIRE DoW CoP Declaration

If you need information or some initial guidance please ring the office, we will happily give 20 minutes of our time to talk you through the process.

The below section was written by a machine.

Implementing the CL:AIRE Protocol (DoW CoP) for Sustainable Soil Reuse

The CL:AIRE Definition of Waste: Development Industry Code of Practice (DoW CoP) provides a clear, self-regulatory framework for the sustainable reuse of excavated materials on development sites. By following this protocol, developers can avoid the legal complexities and costs associated with waste classification, provided the materials are handled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.

Core Components of the DoW CoP Process

Success under the CL:AIRE protocol relies on the preparation of specific technical documents that demonstrate the suitability, certainty of use, and quantity of the materials in question.

• Materials Management Plan (MMP): This document outlines how the excavated material will be managed, including the tracking system and the contingency plans for unexpected contamination.
• Qualified Person (QP) Declaration: A formal submission to CL:AIRE by an independently assessed professional, verifying that all requirements of the DoW CoP have been met.
• Verification Report: A post-completion document that provides evidence that the materials were used in accordance with the MMP and that the final site conditions are safe.

Integration with Geo-Environmental Assessments

The CL:AIRE protocol does not exist in isolation; it requires robust data from earlier project stages to be effective. A comprehensive Site Investigation is essential to establish the chemical and geotechnical properties of the soils. This data forms the basis of the Remediation Strategy, which must be clearly defined before an MMP can be drafted.

Regulatory Benefits and Compliance

Utilizing the CL:AIRE protocol offers significant advantages for projects involving large-scale earthworks. It allows for the transfer of clean or treated soils between sites under the 'Direct Transfer' or 'Cluster' routes, significantly reducing the reliance on landfill and the associated burden of Landfill Tax. Our team ensures that every submission aligns with current Environment Agency guidance and local authority requirements, providing a seamless route to regulatory compliance for your project.

With a track record of over 900 projects, SWEL provides the technical authority and professional accreditation needed to manage the DoW CoP process from initial assessment to final verification.