The emerging emirate of Ajman is a region in the United Arab Emirates that is also focused on industrial development as one of the engines of its economic growth. The growth of cities is on the rise, thus there is a need for more industrial land and connected infrastructure. Nevertheless, fostering a high status of Industry means that there are some environmental issues arising, especially that of soil contamination. To overcome the long-term sustainability and safety risks of industry development, it is very important to address these risks. This paper discusses the forms and origin of soil contamination in Ajman, related threats, soil clean-up activities, and ways in which developers and investors may counter their interest in this developing market.

Situation on Soil Contamination in Ajman

Soil contamination is the dangerous substances in the soil which may pose a hazard to human health, the environment and property value. The contamination in Ajman industrial zones is usually a result of the old and current industrial activity in the industries in the country, like Al Jurf, Al Hamidiya and New Industrial Area. These include:

  • Depots/workshops of oil and fuel spillages
  • Chemical storage leaks from manufacturing plants
  • Metalworking and electroplating: Heavy metals
  • Old storage materials, pesticide residue, and solicited residue

Industrial clusters pose a higher risk of cross-contamination among sites, especially in cases where neighbouring properties are used differently or have a history different non-compliance. This causes environmental as well as regulatory issues, especially during redevelopment or land transactions.

Important Hazards of Polluted Soil to Industrial Development

The situation with the contaminated soil commands quite a series of risks to industrial landowners and developers in Ajman:

  • Health Hazards to Humans

Such contaminants as lead, benzene, and petroleum hydrocarbons are life-threatening to the employees involved in the works and the surrounding people. The long-term effect may include respiratory diseases, skin infections or chronic toxicity due to prolonged contact.

  • Regulatory and Legal Liability

Provided that the contamination is identified in the development process, the owner of the land can be slapped with fines by the government, a stop work order or worse yet, end up in court. The environmental laws of the UAE, enforced by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Ajman Municipality, put the brunt of the cleanup on the landowner.

  • Delay in Construction of Projects and Costs.

Soil contamination may not only be identified but also be very time-consuming to rectify. The development process may involve costly expenses when it comes to excavation, chemical treatment or soil replacement.

  • Property Devaluation

The threat to contamination alone can diminish demand and even decrease resale or rental prices. This is a big issue among people who are planning to invest in plots of land in Ajman, which are being sold out as commercial or industrial-based lands.

Environmental Standards and Soil Remediation Policies of Ajman

Ajman enforces federal environmental policies governing the country by the UAE, which are enforced on the territory by the Ajman Municipality and the Environment Protection and Development Department (EPDD). In the event of suspected contamination, or actual contamination, developers are required to complete an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA). The process contains:

  • Phase I ESA Historical review and site inspection
  • Phase II ESA-Soil and groundwater sampling
  • Remedial Action Plan (RAP): If contamination has been established, it is set up

The cleanup activities are informed by the national environmental standards of the UAE and follow the international standards that include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the British Standards Institution (BSI). The levels of the pollutants that are allowed will depend on the targeted land-use; those friendly to heavy industries may not favour mixed-use or commercial development.

Popular Methods of Soil Remediation Applied in Ajman

  • Soil Excavating and Replacing

The polluted soil is dug off and new fill is introduced in its place. It is costly but straightforward and produces huge amounts of wastes.

  • Soil Washing

This process entails the employment of water and chemical solvents in the extraction of the pollutants in the soil, leaving behind clean earth.

  • Bioremediation

The pollutants, such as petroleum or organic solvents, are decomposed by naturally occurring microbes. This is an eco-friendly approach, which is not fast.

  • Solidification/Stabilisation

Cement, or any other binding agents, is used to bind the contaminants and thus they do not leave the soil to enter the groundwater.

Investor and Developer Due Diligence

The key to any commercial land in Ajman or even turning barren land into a revenue-making asset should be environmental due diligence by the interested investors. This includes:

  • A study of the historic use of the land
  • Contracting free-standing ESAs
  • Ensuring that the site is erected to meet the building and environmental standards of Ajman
  • Using the report of soil quality results delivered by certified laboratories

This is particularly relevant regarding commercial plots for sale in Ajman, whereby contamination may have an impact upon the viability of retail or even insurance acceptability.

The Value of Real Estate and Real Estate Agents

The property market in Ajman is going through a change: there is an increased awareness about the sustainability and compliance rates. Environmental clearance of sites is being indicated as a feature of value by reputed agencies. As a first-time buyer or an experienced veteran in need of land to develop, it would be beneficial to work with brokers who are knowledgeable about environmental assessments.

The brokers are capable of initiating clean titles, negotiating with municipal authorities on the environmental certifications and pair buyers to plots that suit their operations and compliance requirements

This is becoming increasingly critical as developers seek to purchase plots of land in Ajman that are ready for construction as soon as possible, without incurring the expense of environmental cleanup.

The Game is Clean, the Investment is Clean; Clean Soil, Clean Investment

Due to the further expansion of the industrial base in Ajman, it is becoming increasingly important that land development should be as responsible as it is possible. Contamination of soil is not merely a regulatory problem, but also a financial and ethical issue. Use of remediation standards safeguards human health, compliance with regulations and improvement of property value.

When considering any of the Ajman properties for industrial use, purchasing a property in Ajman, or planning to explore the available properties for long-term occupancy, it is essential to work with experienced environmental consultants and reliable brokers.

To locate clean, agreeable, and promising industrial plots, browse www.ajmanproperties.ae, which provides new listings and expert guidance.