Completed investigations
Sandy Brow contaminated land - investigation completed in 2013
- Location and history: Sandy Brow in Spotland covers approximately 11.4 hectares and is currently a public open space with various sports pitches, surrounded by residential and commercial properties. Originally farmland with sand pits and a river in the 19th century, the site became a landfill in the 1950s and was used for sports fields. By the 1970s, landfill activity ceased, and the site was landscaped as it appears today.
- Background: The site was investigated under Part 2A of the 1990 Environmental Protection Act due to its sensitive use and surrounding developments.
- Investigation: The investigation started in November 2013 and involved drilling boreholes and taking soil samples from residential gardens, followed by 6 months of monitoring to assess contamination and risk. Read full details about the investigation at Sandy Brow
- Findings: The ground gas monitoring indicated no risk to surrounding receptors. However, soil sample analysis identified contaminants in playing fields and some garden areas, prompting further risk assessment and remedial work. Ultimately, the site did not meet the legal definition of contaminated land. View the decision record for Sandy Brow Contaminated Land
Kelvin Avenue former landfill site - investigation completed in 2011
- Location and History: Kelvin Avenue in Middleton was identified as a high priority due to potential landfill gas generation and its sensitive location (a public open space with a community centre, surrounded by residential houses and near the M60). Historically, the site was farmland, sewage works, and a landfill from the early 20th century until the 1960s.
- Investigation Details: Funded by the EA in November 2011, the investigation involved boreholes and hand-dug pits to assess ground conditions and monitor gases and water over 6 months.
- Findings: The analysis concluded there was no risk to site users or the water environment, meaning the site does not meet the definition of contaminated land. View the decision record for the investigation into the Kelvin Avenue landfill site
Peel Lane contaminated land - investigation completed in 2011
- Location and History: Peel Lane in Heywood, centred on grid reference x 384779 y 411174, was historically an incinerator and brickworks site, later used as a landfill for domestic waste until the mid-1970s. It is now a public open space surrounded by residential properties and allotments.
- Investigation Details: Funded by DEFRA in 2009, the investigation involved installing boreholes to assess waste material, gas production, and migration. Soil samples were taken from the landfill and nearby gardens to evaluate contamination risks.
- Findings: There are no health risks from gas migration at the site.
- Bay Street Allotments: The site housed an incinerator until the 1970s, now replaced by a public open space and allotments. A 2009 investigation identified contamination, leading to the site's designation as statutory contaminated land in November 2010. Remedial works were completed by December 2011. Advice and notice for Bay Street Allotments - July 2010
- Pleasant View Allotments: Close to the original landfill and incinerator, tests revealed elevated contaminants. The site was designated as contaminated land in June 2012, with successful remedial works following. Advice issued to Pleasant View Allotment holders - June 2011
Advisory notes were developed to help allotment users safely continue using their plots. The allotment plot holders have been informed.
Boo Hole landfill site - investigation completed in 2011
- Location and History: Boo Hole, located in Heywood between Bury New Road and Bury Old Road, was a sand pit in the 1890s, later becoming a landfill for domestic and commercial waste until it was closed and landscaped in the 1990s.
- Investigation Details: The investigation involved examining the types of waste deposited, monitoring ground gases through boreholes, soil sampling, and conducting risk assessments. DEFRA funded the successful remediation works.
- Findings: The investigation concluded there was no risk to site users. Despite evidence of gas migration from the site, no gas was detected inside bordering properties.
- Reports: Several reports were completed, including:
- Gas Assessments by Mouchel in February and April 2009.
- Bulk Gas Sampling by Mouchel in October 2008. Reference 721495/06/01.
- Detailed Inspection Environmental Report by Mouchel in February 2008. Reference 721495/R/2A.
- Ground Investigation Report by Mouchel in December 2007. Reference 721495/06/01.
- Landfill Gas Assessment by Greater Manchester Geological Unit in December 2005. Reference 4992.
- Geoenvironmental Investigation by Leyden Kirby Associates in January 2005. Reference CL-602-JB186-01.
- Remediation Options Appraisal Report by Rochdale Environmental Protection Group in August 2009.
- Geophysics and Topographic Survey letter, report and plan by Dentham Geoconsulting and Powers Tilman in January 2010. Reference BGC33.
- Remediation Proposals Report by Vertase FL1 in January 2010. Reference Rev A 2606.
- Remediation Method Statement Report by Vertase FL1 in June 2010. Reference Rev A 1131.
- Completion Report by Vertase FL1 in June 2011. Reference Rev 1131.