Fears Surround Quarry Contamination and Potential Health Risks
A recent discussion in the Senedd has shed light on concerns regarding a quarry in Wales that may be contaminated with toxic waste from alleged chemical dumping decades ago. The Ty Llwyd quarry near Ynysddu is currently under scrutiny as a draft assessment by Caerphilly County Borough Council initially indicated that the land might not meet the legal criteria for “contaminated land”. However, national environmental and health agencies are now reviewing this assessment, raising questions about the safety of the site and potential risks to local residents.
Activists have long raised alarms about the presence of hazardous polychlorinated biphenyls in the buried waste at the quarry, chemicals that are associated with cancer and environmental harm. There are reports suggesting that these toxic substances have seeped into an adjacent woodland during periods of inclement weather. The council, despite their initial findings, has taken precautionary measures such as cordoning off parts of the site and installing aeration units and channels to manage any potential leakage.
Delyth Jewell, MS for South Wales East, stressed the importance of addressing contamination concerns at sites with industrial histories during her speech in the Senedd. She highlighted the need for increased monitoring and support for areas like Ty Llwyd, where the risk to residents is significant, particularly when pollution can be carried downstream during rainy weather. The involvement of Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Public Health Wales (PHW) in reviewing the situation indicates a serious approach towards safeguarding public health.
Jayne Bryant, the Welsh Government’s local government secretary, emphasised the council’s responsibility to identify contaminated land within their jurisdiction. While the preliminary assessment suggested that Ty Llwyd may not meet the criteria for contaminated land, ongoing reviews by NRW and PHW are crucial in ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the situation. The allocation of £775,000 in Welsh Government funding for remediation measures demonstrates a commitment to addressing any potential risks posed by the quarry.
Ynysddu ward councillors Jan Jones and Janine Reed, who have been active in campaigning on this issue, expressed their dismay at not being shown the draft assessment report by the council. However, they welcomed the involvement of NRW and PHW in investigating the matter further. The councillors also raised concerns about the council’s discharge of waste into the woodland without the necessary permits over the past two years, indicating potential oversights in environmental management practices.
One contentious decision that arose was a recent vote by a Caerphilly council committee against supporting Zane’s Law, which aims to enhance regulations around contaminated areas and clean-up processes. The law is inspired by the tragic death of seven-year-old Zane Gbongbola in 2014, who his family believes passed away due to toxic gas from a former landfill during flooding. The council committee’s vote, alongside discussions on implementing remediation measures, underscores the importance of robust environmental regulations and community safety.
In conclusion, the ongoing developments at Ty Llwyd quarry underscore the complex challenges surrounding historical industrial sites and potential health risks. While initial assessments may not definitively classify the land as contaminated, the involvement of regulatory authorities and the Welsh Government’s funding for remediation efforts indicate a proactive approach to addressing environmental concerns. The engagement of local councillors, activists, and governmental bodies in this matter highlights the collective effort needed to safeguard public health and the environment.