Council act to designate former landfill site as contaminated land

Boo Hole Monitoring

Rochdale Borough Council has written to approximately 250 residents of Heywood to inform them that the former Boo Hole landfill site has been designated as contaminated land in accordance with the 1990 Environmental Protection Act.

Although there is only evidence of gas migrating from the site at a minimal rate and investigations have not identified the presence of gas inside nearby properties the council have announced that it represents ‘an unacceptable risk to neighbouring areas’.

Tipping took place at the site, located between Bury Old Road and Bury New Road until the 1990’s, following which a series of investigations have been commissioned by the council after concerns were raised that gas, produced by the breakdown of wood, paper and other organic wastes was being generated. Regular monitoring has been done since 2003, and although landfill gas was not found in nearby properties, it is migrating through the adjacent underlying natural sand deposits.

Rochdale Borough Council is taking action to remedy the situation and remove the risk. Last week the council informed the company responsible for the pollution of the designation and they now have three months to respond. If necessary the council will arrange for the works to be carried if the company do not do so said Andy Gumbley, Environmental Control Manager: “The work needed is fairly extensive however, and there is a legal process to be followed so the process may take some time.”

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability said that designating the site as contaminated land is a step towards resolving the problem: “It means we can ensure resources are targeted at Boo Hole, to help address the issue for the benefit of current and future residents. It is hoped that we will be able to get remedial work paid for by the original polluter. Local residents will not be expected to meet any costs and we will be keeping them informed of progress. I know many people walk on the field or use it for recreational purposes, and this is fine. The investigations have confirmed that the landfill is capped, so there is no risk to site users.” 

A public ‘drop in’ day is being held so any nearby residents can have their questions answered and talk to council staff about the issue. This is at Heady Hill Community Centre Whalley Road, Heywood, OL10 3JG on 20 April from 3pm to 9pm. No appointment is necessary.