
ISRRA
Initial Site Risk and Responsibility Audit
for Historical Landfills
Empowering Councils, Landlords, and Developers for their stakeholders
What is an ISRRA?
The Initial Site Risk and Responsibility Audit (ISRRA) is a Phase 1 report that primarily relies on comprehensive desk-based research—with supplementary on-site walkovers when necessary —to provide an initial indication of environmental risks associated with historic landfill sites.
In the UK, with nearly 20,000 historic sites—and around 10% of our coast facing tidal erosion by 2050—ISRRA offers the clear, factual insights that local councils, landlords, and developers need to assess potential risks and determine next steps.

Our report
Identifies Potential Risks
Offers an initial assessment of possible contamination affecting land, water, and air.
Assesses Likely Impact
Evaluates potential risk levels based on contaminant sources, receptor sensitivity, and environmental connectivity.
Highlights Responsible Parties
Reviews historical records and available documentation to suggest key responsibilities
Recommended Next Steps
Recommends practical actions and further investigations to manage and mitigate the identified risks.
How Does ISRRA Work?
Our approach is methodical and collaborative, designed to provide a preliminary understanding of each site’s responsibility and risk profile:
Historical & Data Analysis
We review historical records and existing data to build a detailed, initial risk profile.
On-Site Walkovers
When necessary, our accredited professionals perform brief on-site inspections to validate key data and observe any evident vulnerabilities, such as erosion or flooding.
Collaborative Engagement
We consult with local stakeholders—including councils, community representatives, and identified responsible parties—to incorporate local insights and ensure our recommendations are practical and contextually relevant.

Why ISRRA is Essential
For local councils, landlords, and developers, an ISRRA report is a strategic tool that lays the groundwork for informed decision-making by:
About AFWR
A Future Without Rubbish (AFWR) is a Community Interest Company dedicated to improving our environmental impact – through consultancy, campaigns and education.
With our ‘ISRRA’ we empower local authorities, property owners, and developers with data-driven insights to responsibly manage their assets.
Our initiatives—from ISRRA and The Coastline Runner Initiative to our Engage & Educate campaigns—have earned national recognition through features on BBC One, BBC Scotland, GB News, BBC Look East, ITV, London Live, The Times, and the Daily Mail. The ISRRA was developed following our work for and with The Crown Estate, councils, campaign groups and landlords. Learn more about our vision at afwr.org.

Case Studies
Proven ISRRA Impact
Crown Estate Collaboration
The ISRRA was developed following work with The Crown Estate and various councils to assess their risk from historic landfill sites.

Frodsham & Withernsea Town Councils
(August 2024)
Preliminary assessments led to actionable strategies that identified environmental hazards and informed subsequent, more detailed studies for improved waste management practices.


Zane’s Law Campaign Partnership
Our ongoing collaboration highlights the growing demand for transparent, fact-based initial risk assessments, emphasizing the need for a measured, step-by-step approach to environmental management.
Insight & Research:
Lethal Leaching Landfills
Our article, "Lethal Leaching Landfills," uncovers the hidden dangers of historic landfill sites—revealing how toxic substances can infiltrate land, water, and air. This research underscores the importance of an initial, evidence-based assessment like the ISRRA to guide your strategic management decisions.

Get in Touch
Ready to secure your land assets and lead in sustainable development?
Contact AFWR today to commission an ISRRA report tailored to your needs.
Unit 514, Grand Union Studios,
332 Ladbroke Grove,
London W10 5AA