RAF Land Quality Survey
In 1999 the RAF commissioned an in-house specialist team to look critically at the environmental risks and challenges across the site, but specifically at those associated with CDE Nancekuke’s activities. This investigation and final report concluded that a number of sites had been used as dumps for de-contaminated plant and equipment, chemical substances and asbestos, although the closure reports were incomplete. One of the report's key recommendations was that a Phase 2 (intrusive) investigation should commence as soon as possible to identify and quantify whether the environment was being harmed.
Phase Two of the Land Quality Survey
The Phase 2 Land Quality Assessment (LQA) was undertaken by an external team of specialist consultants in March 2000. The investigation included a comprehensive data gathering exercise and sampling regime to determine if the any leakages from the dumps contained toxic or harmful residues. A number of boreholes were sunk around the dumps and samples of soil and water taken for analysis. No boreholes were sunk directly into the dumps as the Project Team could not be absolutely certain about their content.
Analysis of these water samples revealed very low concentrations of chemicals that were common in industrial use at the time (1976 to 1980). The results also confirmed the absence of contamination from chemical warfare agents, or their breakdown products. Monitoring is still being undertaken whilst the Project Team work up formal plans and submissions to allow the physical remediation work to commence.
Because of the Phase 2 LQA findings, the MOD voluntarily undertook to remediate the site. As the site was an RAF establishment and belonged to Number 2 Group, The Air Officer Commanding Number 2 Group was charged with resourcing the Remediation Project. A senior management board was established and in September 2001, a general manager and Project Team appointed and a funded project Management Plan developed.
Project Mission Statement "To complete the voluntary remediation of RAF Portreath, to specified standards in order to remediate the site fully in accordance with current legislation and the guidelines contained in the Environmental Protection Act 1990". The MOD takes its position as a responsible landowner very seriously and is working in partnership with statutory consultees to deliver high demonstrable standards of environmental responsibility.
Supporting our policy of openness, the Project Team passed information to Kerrier District Council that allowed the dumpsites to be declared as contaminated land. The RAF has positively encouraged and participated in the determination process to ensure that the remedial work would be regulated externally by the Environment Agency.