Monday 14 September 2009

What's in a landfill?

Last month we posted a piece entitled 'The bigger picture...' which pointed out that the proposed Newbridge park and ride extension is to be built on a 1960s landfill site.  

One of our readers commented on the article and asked what was buried in this dump. Since then we have done hours of research to try and give an accurate answer, with limited success. The site was started when the River Avon was straightened at Newbridge. Exploratory holes dug last year revealed brickwork, cars, general rubbish and part of one of the earth levelling machines buried where it broke down is still visible. One of our team used to pass the site on his way to work and recalls it was used as a household rubbish dump and seagulls would flock to pick up edible bits and pieces.

We have got hold of a photograph, dated 1968, which unfortunately we are unable to publish at this time due to copyright restrictions.

To date no comprehensive contamination surveys have been carried out on this land. The B&NES Scientific Officer - Contaminated Land, has written to the planning application case officer to express her concerns. This e-mail can be viewed here.

We are still waiting for some enquiries to be answered and will publish any further information in the future.

No comments:

Post a Comment