Whittlesey Industrial Site: No Public Health Risks, But Further Assessment Needed
A recent report by Cambridgeshire County Council has found that the former Saxon Brickworks pit in Whittlesey poses no immediate threat to public health. However, it also highlights the need for further investigation into potential health impacts.
For years, residents have been concerned about a strong odour and the site's impact on their health. The report addresses these worries by assessing the health risks associated with the site's operations.
The key findings of the report are reassuring: there is no identified risk to public health from using King's Dyke water for livestock, emissions from the land (gas) at the site, or air quality in the area of Hallcroft Road, where monitoring data shows good air quality.
Despite this, the report suggests that further evidence is necessary to evaluate air quality at the Saxon Pit boundary, ongoing noise or odour issues, and any cumulative health impacts, including on mental health.
The County Council's Public Health service initiated the risk assessment in response to public concerns. Three businesses operate on or near the site: Johnsons Aggregate Recycling, Forterra, and East Midlands Waste Management.
All emissions from these businesses are regulated through Environment Agency permits, and the report confirms that the site is operating within the expected permit compliance levels.
The report recommends several actions to enhance community engagement and health monitoring:
- Regulators should hold quarterly meetings with residents to provide updates and foster trust and collaboration.
- Public Health at Cambridgeshire County Council should collaborate with residents on a comprehensive community health impact assessment.
- The Environment Agency, with support from Fenland District Council, should increase monitoring to ensure low risks to human health from water emissions.
- Multi-agency partners should develop an air quality monitoring strategy to assess pollution risks, and the Environment Agency should regularly review dust emission management plans.
- Public Health at Cambridgeshire County Council should explore ways to strengthen waste and human health policies and practices.
Sally Cartwright, Director of Public Health at Cambridgeshire County Council, expressed satisfaction with the collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of gathering relevant data on health impacts.
She noted the complexity of regulatory arrangements and the challenges in understanding combined health effects. Cartwright highlighted the need for better cumulative health and well-being assessments and proposed additional work to address this.
The council is committed to gathering more evidence and data, with a plan in place to do so. While recommending further analysis, particularly around air quality, may cause concern, the council's intention is to strengthen the evidence base for reassurance. The most recent air quality data from Hallcroft Road confirms compliance with national objectives.
Cartwright also emphasized that overall air quality is influenced by various local sources, including transport and domestic fires, not just industrial activity. The council plans to involve the community in future decisions, holding quarterly regulator meetings and establishing a larger group with community representatives to oversee recommendations.
A future information event is scheduled for the wider community, and regular meetings will be offered to align with the report's recommendations.
