Bournemouth Borough Council will be investigating areas close to four former landfill sites for up to twelve months from the end of October to check the levels of gases being produced.  They will be monitoring locations adjacent to Iford Meadows, Millhams Mead, Kings Park and Turbary Common; sites that were previously used to bury waste.  Bournemouth University will be doing the work.  It involves placing small standpipes into the ground in Council-owned open space and gardens of nearby residents’ properties, then analysing gases every two weeks.

Councillor Jean Moore, Cabinet Member for Community and Culture explained: “Specialist land consultants have been monitoring these sites on our behalf to ensure the health and safety of residents and the environment.  We know that when materials tipped in a landfill site break down they produce a mixture of gases. At the moment there is no evidence that the gases being given off are cause for concern. We are now making further investigations to find out if there could be a problem in the future. When the results are available we will decide if we need to take any further action.”

 Anyone who would like to find out more about the work involved can telephone the Council’s Public Protection staff on 01202 451309 or email rachel.smith@bournemouth.gov.uk.  Further information on contaminated land is also available click here