Save Spodden Valley and Greater Manchester Hazards Centre respond to Turner Brothers Asbestos survey results

Photo: Carl Faulkner

The former Turner Brothers Asbestos factory in Spodden Valley

In response to the recent publication of air monitoring results for the former Turner Brothers Asbestos (TBA) site, Rochdale Online has interviewed Jason Addy, of the Save Spodden Valley campaign (SSV), and Hilda Palmer, Co-ordinator of the Greater Manchester Hazards Centre (GMHC).

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/112613/turner-brothers-asbestos-airborne-survey-results-just-one-asbestos-fibre-identified

Both Mr Addy and Ms Palmer are closely associated with campaigning for environmental safety and asbestos issues regarding the troubled site. For over 12 years the Save Spodden Valley campaign has been working to secure a safe future for the site, once the site of the world's largest asbestos textile factory.

In response to a letter to local residents stating that only one asbestos fibre had been found - despite almost two years of testing - Mr Addy responded: "This is a remarkable result.

“The way the test findings have been interpreted and communicated to the public could create the breath-taking conclusion that the former site of the world's largest textile factory may have the cleanest air on the planet.

"People may be reminded of the Environmental Statement summary submitted by experts for the developers in the 2004 planning application that concluded (at paragraph 5.30) '...of particular note is the absence of asbestos contamination’.

“Back then we suggested such a claim 'beggared belief' and we were vindicated when the Atkins Report, an independent survey review, concluded that site contained tens of thousands of tonnes of dumped asbestos.

"We sincerely hope that history isn't repeating itself.”

He continued: "It is a concern that Rochdale Council has paid for this testing rather than the landowners.

"For over a decade we have been calling for four season air monitoring to establish a ‘baseline’ background level.

“However, we believe that this should be the responsibility of the landowner and not be a drain on cash-strapped public funds.

"We are sending the report for review to a number of internationally respected experts for authoritative comment.

"The people of Rochdale must have all the facts regarding the TBA site so that safe and accountable decisions can be made about its future. This requires robust scientific methods conducted and delivered in a rigorous and open manner.

"A request will be made to Rochdale Council and Bureau Veritas for all information and correspondence related to the testing to be made available. The public deserve the opportunity to fully investigate all aspects relating to this testing and its results."

The GMHC has been involved in the issues regarding asbestos and the former asbestos factory site in the Spodden Valley for over 11 years.

Hilda Palmer commented: "We have worked with local residents and the Save Spodden Valley (SSV) campaign for over 13 years to raise questions about asbestos, environmental and occupational health and safety.

"The TBA site has received national and international attention. The issues have been heard at Westminster, Brussels and even with the United Nations Word Health Organisation - yet we believe that Rochdale Council and its multi-agency partners have presented something of a closed door to us.

"In 2005, together with the SSV campaign, we submitted a report, over 40 pages long, that included the need for baseline air monitoring and enhanced testing criteria. Whilst we are glad this appears to have been heeded, we are concerned that the lack of detailed consultation regarding the testing criteria, analytical techniques and methodologies.

"Context and interpretation is important. At first glance, all these results currently suggest is that when the site is not being disturbed there may be small risk from air borne asbestos.

"Currently, these results tell us nothing about what is in the soil surface or what is buried there and tells us little about the risk of air borne asbestos exposure on and offsite when the soil surface is disturbed, especially if large scale industrial earth excavations are carried out.

"We await the ground investigation reports from RSK with great interest."

She added: "To conclude, it is important that the public have access to all relevant information so that their questions are answered.

"Public concerns must acknowledged and addressed. If not, there is the unfortunate danger that site testing and reporting is merely seen as a cynical exercise of policy led evidence making for the furtherance of profit.”

The results of the air monitoring test will be discussed at the Spotland and Falinge area forum at 7pm on Monday 2 October at Spotland Methodist Church.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/112591/turner-brothers-asbestos-airborne-asbestos-test-results-to-be-discussed-at-public-meeting

Results of the geophysical land survey are still yet to be announced. The survey, which was carried out by environmental consultants RSK on behalf of the British Virgin Islands-based owners, began in November 2016. Expected to take place for three weeks, the survey went on for four months until it was completed in March this year.

A published report detailing the full findings of the investigation has been pledged, but - six months later - no date has yet been provided.

Rochdale Online News Archives

There are over 250 articles dating back to 2005 relating to the former asbestos factory site and the Save Spodden Valley campaign in the Rochdale Online news archives.

To read them click the link below:

• http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/news-archives?type=News&searchtype=Phrase&Criteria=spodden+valley