Campaigners are calling for a review of how contaminated land is defined, following an environmental ruling.
Caerphilly County Borough Council concluded that Ty Llwyd Quarry, a former landfill site near Ynysddu, does not meet the legal threshold for contaminated land, despite long-standing concerns from residents and environmental groups.
Ty Llwyd Quarry, where Caerphilly County Borough Council has concluded the site does not meet the legal definition of “contaminated land” (Image: NQ)
Councillor Janine E Reed, independent ward member for Ynysddu, said: “This is why campaigners are requesting a more robust definition of contaminated land.
“The current legislation is not fit for purpose.
“Remember, Greenpeace tested the soil and requested people to stay out of Pantyffynnon Community Woodland, where Caerphilly Council erected an aeration chamber to agitate leachate from Ty Llwyd Quarry.
“Dangerous chemicals were found in these soil samples.
“If the land is not contaminated, why did Welsh Government spend a considerable amount of money erecting a sizeable spiky metal fence to keep people out of a community woodland, if the land is not deemed contaminated?”
Ty Llwyd Quarry, where Caerphilly County Borough Council has concluded the site does not meet the legal definition of “contaminated land” (Image: NQ)
Greenpeace previously found chemical contamination in the area, leading to part of Pantyffynnon Community Woodland being fenced off.
The council’s decision followed months of investigations by environmental consultants Arcadis, who tested leachate, groundwater, surface water, air, and soil at and around Ty Llwyd Quarry.
Despite the findings, campaigners argue the current legal definition of contaminated land is inadequate.
Councillor Janine E Reed is requesting a more robust definition of contaminated land. (Image: Supplied)
Councillor Philippa Leonard, cabinet member for planning and public protection at Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “We appreciate the concerns in the community about this site and I would like to reassure residents that robust monitoring and management will continue.
“Unfortunately, we have inherited responsibility for this former landfill site which was used as an industrial dumping ground in the 60s and 70s.
“Much work has been done to carefully manage and control the leachate on the site and this work will continue in future.”
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Ty Llwyd Quarry is allegedly linked to the disposal of hazardous chemicals by US company Monsanto, which previously operated a chemical plant in Newport.
Welsh actor Michael Sheen, who joined residents and campaigners in highlighting concerns surrounding Ty Llwyd Quarry in Ynysddu. (Image: NQ)
The issue recently featured in the BBC documentary Buried, which examined the alleged dumping of chemical waste and the potential health risks for nearby communities.
Despite renewed attention, the council stands by its decision and has published the full Arcadis environmental report on its website.
The programme, fronted by Michael Sheen, includes a June visit to the hillside where campaigners say contaminants are still leaking, and airs on August 17 and 24 on BBC Wales, BBC Two, and BBC iPlayer.